Strength of Teaching Math as an EC?

Colleges & Universities Harvey Mudd College
1

Hey everyone,
I’m a senior deciding if I should even bother applying to Mudd (I’m applying ED to Pomona). A little background on me: solid GPA (4.5ish), good SAT (2300), and Asian male from California. I know that Mudd places a good amount of emphasis on an applicant’s EC’s, so I was wondering if my EC’s would be considered strong among Mudd’s applicant pool, which is full of students doing research and building apps.

My main EC’s include:
-Founding and organizing a branch of a math volunteer program - high school volunteers teach small groups of K-3rd graders at a local library
-Teaching a class of 15 high potential eighth graders problem solving skills through a rigorous curriculum (~5 hours/week)
-Working as a Math Instructor at a Mathnasium (math learning center) for a little over minimum wage - 10 hours/week

Would these EC’s catch the attention of an admissions officer at Mudd? I enjoy sharing my love for math with other students, but is this something that would distinguish me from other applicants applying? I plan on relating my experiences with children to how Mudd encourages and fosters collaboration between students in my essays. But really, will I have a shot, given that I neither have the typical STEM EC’s (doing research, building apps, participating in IMO) nor the extensive background in STEM (aside from some CS classes)?

2

I certainly think you should give it a shot. Not sure what your UW GPA is, but SATs are solid. Good essays could help, they are big on fit.

3

It’s really just another EC.

4

Try the spin the SJW angle if it.

5

My son is a frosh at Mudd. He didn’t have any of the (“typical”?) STEM EC’s you mentioned (he had some but not those). Most of his major EC’s were volunteer and music related. So, yes, it’s possible.

FWIW I like your essay topic. :slight_smile: And sharing your love for math sounds like a Mudder to me.

6

Since you appear to have a strong interest in teaching mathematics, take a look at HMC professor D. Yong’s article:

Adventures in Teaching: A Professor Goes to High School to Learn about Teaching Math. If you find it interesting, you might be able to work it in to your essay.

7

I would actually suggest trying to work in a mention of something not related to being a math instructor, or math in any way. While the universities and colleges want to know that you are passionate and committed to something, what will you contribute to the campus community beyond your ability to math it up?

To me, that would actually make your application pop.

8

@ClaremontMom Congrats to your son! It’s reassuring knowing that it’s possible to be accepted without a completely STEM-based app.

9

@“Miles Perrara” Thanks for the suggestion! It seems like something I can integrate into my essay.