SPARC Summer Camp 2014

Pre-College Topics Summer Programs
1

<p>So, I found this summer camp: <a href=“http://sparc-camp.org/”>http://sparc-camp.org/&lt;/a&gt;
It covers these topics:
Statistics: statistical modeling, information theory, decision theory, causality.
Cognitive science: cognitive biases, language, and visual systems.
Computer science: introduction to programming, statistical prediction and inference.
Practical skills: understanding aversions and urges, having productive debates, training effectively.</p>

<p>It is kind of like a math summer camp but focused on the applied side. SPARC is held at UC Berkley, and is about 2 weeks long, and completely free.</p>

<p>The application was very simple, background information, etc.
Then it wanted you to list “relevant coursework”, “distinctions”, and “activities”</p>

<p>Then they sent an email about a virtual interview. I am kind of worried because they don’t ask for standardized test scores or transcript. Does anyone know enough about this program to chance me, or tell me more about this?</p>

<p>The FAQ listed only 30 students are selected a year.</p>

2

<p>I can’t really help you with your questions, but I’m thinking of applying this year. How much math/programming knowledge do you know? I’m good with math but I’ve had very little experience with programming, so I’m not sure I’ll get in.</p>

3

<p>Same here, I’m thinking about applying. I have a good math background but I only started programming this year. </p>

4

<p>They just released a second round of applications for candidates they like, it seems to me like it is a set of modelling problems they want you to do.</p>

<p>@pmmywest
I have some minor understanding of the programming and I am decent at math, I am taking Group Theory and multivariable calculus right now, I am moving on to mathematical modelling and numerical analysis next year.</p>

5

<p>@antismathmatter Would you mind PMing me some of those modeling problems? I just want to see what I would have to face later in the application process. If I have no idea how to do these problems, I won’t bother doing the initial application. </p>

6

<p>I feel the initial application is gauging interest and passions?</p>

7

<p>I just applied for the first round. I feel like this is such an awesome program. Given the remarkable accomplishments of the alumni, I would definitely be surprised if I got in. </p>

<p>@antismathmatter: Can you please PM me a couple of the modeling problems, as well? I am interested to see what I might be up against if I pass the first round. </p>

8

<p>@sirswish7
Yeah, I have a friend, who is on the home page, and he got into Stanford early, and is a Siemens Semi-finalist, and a former USAMO winner.</p>

9

<p>Just got the second round questions. What percentage advance to the second round?</p>

10

<p>^ I got into the second round and am wondering the same thing. I’m loving these problems, though. Actually really fun to think about. </p>

11

<p>Definitely, they are all really unique, and meant to see how you think creatively and your level of ingenuity and innovation. I am definitely going to spend some time just to sit down and think about them. Some of them could make great research projects!</p>

12

<p>bump</p>

13

<p>I’m into second round too.</p>

14

<p>I submitted the online form today. How long until I hear back? It says 1-2 weeks but I’m hoping it’s sooner.</p>

15

<p>Rejected :(</p>

<p>Good luck to you all.</p>

16

<p>I did not submit my second round questions yet. I think deadline is April 15.@holocaust Which questions did you chose to answere?</p>

17

<p>Oh, just to clarify, I was rejected after the first-stage. No questions</p>

18

<p>me too. maybe it’s full?</p>

19

<p>Did anyone get admissions results yet?</p>

20

<p>@seal16 What do you mean by admissions results? Like for the whole program? The application process isn’t even done yet…</p>