Transcript for the Math Jam "MathPath" on Mar 1.

Math Jam hosted by kadamp (Dr. George Thomas ).

Valentin Vornicu (19:31:15)
Tonight we are having a Math Jam to discuss the summer camp MathPath. MathPath is an excellent summer camp for students in grades 6-8. Many AoPSers are past participants of MathPath, including many of the top students at MATHCOUNTS for the last couple years.

Valentin Vornicu (19:31:29)
Tonight we have the founder and director of MathPath, Dr. George Thomas. We also have a parent of a MathPath alum, Rocke Verser. Our active AoPSers know Mr. Verser from his valuable contributions to our message board, particularly as moderator of the MATHCOUNTS forum.

Valentin Vornicu (19:31:42)
I will now turn the floor over to our guests to tell you a little bit about MathPath. After they have introduced the camp, they will open the floor for questions.

kadamp (19:24:40)
This Dr. Thomas.

rcv (19:26:37)
And this is Rocke Verser, parent of an alumnus, and moderator of the MATHCOUNTS Forum.

kadamp (19:32:38)
As most of you know, MathPath is a summer program for the profoundly gifted in math from grades 6,7, or 8.

kadamp (19:33:06)
Any questions about the program?

kadamp (19:34:05)
Have you seen a MathPath 2007 brochure?

rcv (19:34:06)
Has anybody started the application quiz?

patrick Cao (19:33:54)
About how many students are usually in the program?

kadamp (19:34:50)
Last year we had 72.

wgpark0924 (19:35:23)
Is there any quota for each grader?

kadamp (19:35:43)
No!

rcv (19:36:13)
So, anybody who passes the qualifying application can be admitted. Typically it's about 1/3 per grade.

cyberdupo56 (19:35:46)
if we are in 8th now, are we eligible?

kadamp (19:37:00)
Absolutely, as long as you not over 14!

kadamp (19:37:09)
Age range: 11 - 14 year olds ( Birthdates July 30, 1992 - June 30, 1996)
This means the student should not be 15 before the end of the camp,
whereas the student should be 11 by the start date of camp.

rcv (19:37:28)
You can find the application, online, at www.mathpath.org

rcv (19:38:31)
The qualifying quiz contains six difficult questions. It might take you a month to solve them. You should try to solve at least 3 of the six questions. And you should send the application as soon as possible.

kadamp (19:39:04)
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY?
As early as you can, for it allows you to plan your summer as well as get cheaper air tickets if you need to fly to camp.
We recommend that you do not postpone mailing the application beyond April 30. The deadline is May 15.

Luba_2 (19:38:17)
Can you tell us more about the difficulty of the courses at the camp?

patrick Cao (19:39:00)
How do you divide the students into different groups? Is it by age, or by your level?

kadamp (19:41:01)
We give a quiz the first day of camp which helps us and you judge what level of contests to start practicing for first - and what level of breakout topics would be best.
Examples of the levels: MathCounts, AIME, USAMO

rcv (19:41:54)
I should add that there are a number of classes that everyone takes as a group. Depending on your level and your interests, you get to go into break-out groups.

kadamp (19:41:59)
Courses are also of varying difficulty. You sign up for classes according to your interest and you can move up or down or sideways.

rcv (19:42:39)
Is this sufficient about the difficulty and dividing groups, or do you have more specific questions?

smiley (19:42:44)
When I went to the program, the courses, I thought, were designed to challenge every student according to their ability level. No one could get off easy, but everyone was challenged so that they could still have fun and learn. We had both group levels and breakout sessions, with the whole group and in smaller sections.

LadyKn1ght (19:42:50)
Each week, besides the classes everyone goes to, you get to sign up for different breakout classes. There usually is a good range of difficulty and topics.

Luba_2 (19:43:31)
I would like to know about some of the topics.

smiley (19:36:46)
I attended the program in 2004 and 2005. I had a lot of fun, and I learned as much as I could ever imagine learning in a 4 week period while there. The material we covered ranged from 4-D geometry to group theory to graph theory to spirals and more. It was very in depth, and I feel it was one of the best times of my life. I am very thankful to have been a part of it, especially for being given the gift to go twice.

mathgeniuse^ln(x) (19:44:02)
Yeah, I realized that the problems were not at all related to MathCounts.

kadamp (19:45:45)
some topics: Hyperbolic Geometry, spherical geoemtry, analytical geometry, problem-solving strategies, history of math, training for contests, number theory

mathgeniuse^ln(x) (19:44:18)
They focused more on USAMO/AIME problems, and it really helped

mathgeniuse^ln(x) (19:45:51)
Yeah, the topics are not just problem solving. You also get to see stuff like History of Math, and topics that are useful for life like spirals, architecture, etc.

rcv (19:46:51)
But some students aren't ready for USAMO/AIME problems, and their needs will be met by practice with problems nearer to the MATHCOUNTS level.

LadyKn1ght (19:46:58)
Among the classes I took were Combinatorics; Hyperbolic and Spherical Geometry; and Number Theory

kadamp (19:48:14)
Of'course then there are the visiting speaker lectures which cover a lot of other great topics

Luba_2 (19:47:11)
Would you recommend this camp for 11-year-old math enthusiasts, given that it it is better for older kids?

smiley (19:48:31)
I went when I was 11, and I say it absolutely is perfect for younger kids, if they do have a passion for math.

rcv (19:49:15)
Luba: If you have a passion for math, even if you are 11, then you should definitely apply!

rachy_2 (19:47:43)
how large of a range in math ablity in any one class is there?

rcv (19:50:43)
There are some classes that *everybody* takes. For example, the History of Mathematics. Learning about Egyption Fractions. Learning about higher dimensions. The problem-solving classes tend to be split out more by ability. I think Dr. Thomas will elaborate.

kadamp (19:51:50)
The breakout sessions are the special classes organized according to difficulty. You sign up for them. These sessions have a limited number of students, say 20. If a session is full, don't worry! It is offered again. You sign up for something else.

persondoodle (19:43:24)
What different classes are there?

LadyKn1ght (19:52:11)
Also, if you find a class too hard, you can request to switch to another class

kadamp (19:52:51)
What are the breakout sessions?

kadamp (19:53:08)
Each lasts about 50 mins.

kadamp (19:53:27)
Examples of breakout sessions:

kadamp (19:53:45)
Problem solving with modular arithmetic.

kadamp (19:53:58)
Problem-solving with vectors

kadamp (19:54:05)
Graph theory

kadamp (19:54:11)
Spherical geometry

kadamp (19:54:24)
Problem solving with Analytical geometry

MG2006 (19:42:52)
Is there a fee?

kadamp (19:55:40)
THE AMOUNT OF THE FEE:
In order to make MathPath more affordable for families with lower household incomes, the fee is income-based.
The fee ranges from $3000 to $4500.
For families with combined annual incomes of $50000 and below, the MathPath fee is $3000.
For those with incomes of $110,000 and above, it is $4500. Between these extremes, the fee formula is this:
Fees = 0.025 X (Gross household income before deductions) + $1750.
The household income is the one indicated on the 2006 Federal Income Tax Return in the country of residence of the student unless at least one of the parents is employed in a second country. In the latter case, the gross household income is the sum of incomes of parents in both countries. Parents of enrolled students will be asked in the fourth week of May to mail a copy of the front page of the tax returns.
The tax info provided to MathPath will be confidential and MathPath reserves the right to verify the information with the parents.

MikeTheElf (19:55:12)
Can I find information on where this camp is, how much it costs, and how long it is on mathpath.org??????

kadamp (19:56:51)
MathPath 2007

When: July 1 - July 29, 2007
Where: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO

kadamp (19:57:04)
All the info is at www.mathpath.org.

kadamp (19:57:40)
If you need a brochure, email me your mailing address. My email is thomas@mathpath.org

LadyKn1ght (19:57:29)
http://www.mathpath.org/fees.htm , http://www.mathpath.org/gettingthere.htm , http://www.mathpath.org/camp.htm

cyberdupo56 (19:57:46)
so we have to go to colorado?

rcv (19:58:37)
Yes. The camp is in beautiful Colorado. [My home state.] You will be in the shadow of Pike's Peak, near Garden of the Gods, and you'll get to go on field trips to some of these places.

smiley (19:58:29)
Yes, but that's part of the fun. That's part of what makes MathPath such a great place is the chance to experience a new community.

smiley (19:59:28)
And Colorado College is a beautiful campus, which is where it was held my last year of attendance.

Luba_2 (19:57:35)
Could you talk about accomodations at camp?

kadamp (20:00:48)
We will be in the most beautiful dorm at the college, away from traffic and looking at Pikes Peak. There is a big lounge where you chill.

kadamp (20:02:06)
There is piano for practice, lots of soccer, volleyball, basketball, and swimming


patrick Cao (20:00:12)
Do you use any text books?

kadamp (20:02:59)
No! The professors use many books to draw from.

rcv (20:04:00)
The instructional materials are provided. The instructors provide excellent handouts with information you can take home, and with problems to get you familiar with the material. [The instructors are all University and College professors, so they have a wealth of information to draw upon. And there aren't many textbooks that are targeted to the Middle School student.]

LadyKn1ght (20:04:38)
There aren't any textbooks; however, at the end of camp you get some math books to take home (books, not textbooks).

kadamp (20:05:37)
About the topics and courses, the idea is enrichment, not acceleration. This means you see courses that are not provided at other camps or schools or universities.

kadamp (20:06:30)
About book purchase at end of camp, the books are selected by the faculty and the books are sold at cost.

rcv (20:06:15)
Is anybody interested in going to MathPath to get better at MATHCOUNTS for a future competition?

rcv (20:06:36)
Or to get better at AIME? Or to get better at USAMO?

patrick Cao (20:06:16)
Last year, I went to JHU camp. It was wonderful! What do you think is the best thing about your camp?

kadamp (20:08:13)
MathPath is more intense and provides a broad foundation in math. It is the faculty! MathPath faculty are internationally known professors in their respective fields.

smiley (20:08:27)
There's a great group of teachers working hands on with the kids every single day. There's a new opportunity to experience life with a bunch of middle schoolers who are as crazy about math as you are. You get a chance to work up close and in depth with some topics you may never have seen or may never see again.

LadyKn1ght (20:10:12)
The month I spent at MathPath was amazing. I learned great math in many topics (taught by great teachers), and met some really cool kids who liked math as much as I did and were very interesting to talk with. I still talk to my friends from camp.

meenamathgirl (20:08:52)
Cool! I also went to CTY and liked it but I thought it was a bit easy.

rcv (20:11:59)
Some of you have expressed an interest in getting better at competitions.

rcv (20:12:18)
For those interested in MATHCOUNTS, you should know that the winner and the runner-up at 2006 Nationals attended MathPath in the Summer of 2005. The winner of the National Masters Round also attended MathPath in the summer of 2005.

The top two girls at National MATHCOUNTS 2005 attended MathPath during the summer of 2004

One of the faculty at MathPath was the of a former MATHCOUNTS National Champion.

rcv (20:12:47)
Excuse me. The faculty member was the "coach" of the National Champ.

rcv (20:14:25)
Also, the 2004 National MATHCOUNTS Champ was a MathPath alumnus.

rcv (20:15:00)
The faculty is really amazing! Paul Zeitz was a member of the first US IMO Team. He has also helped coach the team. If your goals extend beyond MATHCOUNTS, the faculty can help you get there, too.

Luba_2 (20:03:07)
Is taking notes advisable at camp

kadamp (20:16:20)
Yes, you should take notes at MathPath.

LadyKn1ght (20:16:22)
Yes, I took notes in all my classes

smiley (20:16:37)
Yes, and in fact encouraged. I think it helped me remember things more.

kadamp (20:16:55)
In fact, we ask you bring 500 wide-ruled paper for ting binder and several pencils.

kadamp (20:17:29)
ting binder? I mean paper sheets for three-ring binder.

rcv (20:17:37)
A general list of supplies you need will be sent along with your camp materials, after you are accepted.

Ritty (20:17:24)
It's not required, but highly advised. You will see math you won't see anywhere else. Good to be able to go back and review your notes.

kadamp (20:19:58)
We are not crazy about those high-power calculators though.

wgpark0924 (20:19:40)
how many classes do they take in a day? How many hours in the morning session? how namy in afternoon?

kadamp (20:20:32)
Three hours in morning and 3 in afternoon.

kadamp (20:20:45)
More info at mathpath.org/day.htm

Luba_2 (20:19:57)
When you say "3 problems," do you mean 3 parts of problems or whole problems? If I solved 8 parts of problems, does it make sense to apply?

kadamp (20:21:40)
Either one. It is clearly discussed at www.mathpath.org/apply.htm

kadamp (20:22:47)
We are trying to determine if you would benefit from coming to camp. Parts or wholes are fine!

rcv (20:23:23)
I don't grade the tests, but everything you are able to show demonstrates some knowledge of math. In general, you ought to be able to do about half of the test to be admitted. Recommendation letters help, too. The camp is for "the best and the brightest". Don't sell yourself short. Let your application do your talking.

kadamp (20:24:34)
Doing the problems in the Qualifying Quiz will stretch your mind. They are unlike the problems in time-limited national math tests.

LadyKn1ght (20:25:32)
Don't just solve 3 and stop- do the best you can. The quiz is to show your math ability.

kadamp (20:26:35)
Good point!

rcv (20:25:47)
Is there anyone here, who hasn't seen a brochure? If you want one, write or e-mail Dr. Thomas (see www.mathpath.org).

rcv (20:26:08)
Are there any other questions or comments, before we wrap this up?

smiley (20:15:56)
MathPath was a truly unique experience. I just think about all the friends I made there and I realize that there was no chance I would be friends with them if they were here at my school. I might never have talked to them. MathPath's great sense of community helped me build unbreakable bonds with a bunch of students, some of whom I am still good friends with today. MathPath brought me out of a little hole and helped me realize that girls could do math, too. MathPath definitely helped me improve at Mathcounts and other competitions I participate in, too, including giving me a chance to meet face to face the runners-up of one of the competitions I participated in. Overall, MathPath gave me a wonderful start and build of the world of math, of which I have become very fond of. I strongly encourage you all to apply, and I hope you have as much fun as I had!

LadyKn1ght (20:28:22)
Basically, MathPath is amazing.

kadamp (20:30:11)
You can see a list of the 2007 faculty at mathpath.org/faculty.htm. Hey, there is a picture of me too at the top of the page. I hope to see some of you in Colorado! Bye!

ericlee7979 (20:30:30)
Hi, I was in MathPath last summer. First time for me to study outside of Korea. I had a great time - even if your English is not so good, you can still have good time. I recommend strongly.

kadamp (20:31:22)
You are right! Our language is math!

rcv (20:31:45)
If there are no more questions, I guess that ends tonight Math Jam. I'll stand by for a couple more minutes if there are any last minute questions. Thanks for joining us, tonight. See you all in Colorful Colorado!

rcv (20:32:16)
There is another MathPath Math Jam scheduled for May 1. See you then, too.