| Transcript
for the Math
Jam "AwesomeMath"
on Feb 11. |
| Math Jam hosted by zman
(Zuming Feng ). |
rrusczyk19:57:07
First, I'd like to let you know a bit about how the online classroom works.
rrusczyk19:58:02
This room is moderated. This means that anything you type will come first to all the moderators (the people hosting the discussion).
rrusczyk19:58:10
So, you won't see what you type right away.
rrusczyk19:58:32
Instead, the moderators may choose to share your question with the whole group, or answer you privately.
zman19:58:38
I am Zuming Feng, academic director of Awesomemath Summer Program. Tonight, I will work with David B Rush, aka DBR, one of our counselor to introduce our program. We are sitting next to each other, David will do most of the typing.
rrusczyk19:58:47
Tonight, our Math Jam is about the AwesomeMath Summer Program.
zman19:58:59
Hi, Alex
rrusczyk20:00:18
We have Zuming Feng, coach of the United States IMO team, here to tell you about this summer program, which is a 3-week training program in problem solving mathematics. The program is co-hosted by Titu Andreescu, who is also a past coach of the US IMO team. I'll now turn the floor over to Zuming, so he can tell you about the program, then answer any questions you may have.
gighiuhui20:00:20
Hello all!
gighiuhui20:00:31
I'm David B Rush, and I'll be helping Zuming out tonight.
gighiuhui20:00:47
The AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP) is a three-week residential camp designed to hone middle and high school students' mathematical problem-solving skills up to the Olympiad level. AMSP 2008 will be held July 13 - August 3 at the University of Texas at Dallas. Here is a link to the 2008 brochure. Admission Test A is now available. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
gighiuhui20:01:20
The academic program will allow students to focus on certain subjects in detail
gighiuhui20:01:33
That way, they can expand their knowledge and build upon their problem-solving skills in a collaborative setting
gighiuhui20:02:07
The four focal areas are Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Number theory
gighiuhui20:02:21
The faculty will offer classes at three levels in each discipline
gighiuhui20:02:48
The entry level will be directed at students
gighiuhui20:02:56
who are just beginning with AIME level problems
gighiuhui20:03:04
(post-MATHCOUNTS)
gighiuhui20:03:35
The intermediate level will be most helpful to students who are reasonably comfortable with the AMC and the easy to medium questions of the AIME
gighiuhui20:03:58
correction: the intermediate level is post-MATHCOUNTS
gighiuhui20:04:12
but if your focus to date has been on MATHCOUNTS problems, then the entry level will suit you very well
gighiuhui20:04:50
and lastly, but not least, the advanced level, which will cover the hard-end of computational problems on the AIME and help you work to build proof-writing skills for olympiad contests like the USAMO
gighiuhui20:04:59
any questions so far?
RollandWu20:05:08
hi
Cyrazeno20:05:11
Hi
gighiuhui20:05:55
ok well if no one has any questions
gighiuhui20:06:01
let's talk a little bit about a day in the life
gighiuhui20:06:21
The AwesomeMath schedule will emphasize the rigorous academic program
gighiuhui20:06:26
but it will also allot ample time
gighiuhui20:06:44
for students to socialize and enjoy themselves
gighiuhui20:06:57
we plan to organize several
gighiuhui20:07:22
student activities
gighiuhui20:07:29
including a field trip to Six Flags!
gighiuhui20:07:34
well I've always felt like taking a "gap" year could end up being productive in terms of cultural exposure and whatever else they call it these days
snee20:07:34
does the world end if I dont type?
theone14285720:07:34
how the admission test correlate to the level of the program
gighiuhui20:08:37
the admissions test accurately reflects the easier and medium levels of the program
gighiuhui20:09:13
it was designed that way to include a few problems that will encourage students to perservere later on the harder ones
gighiuhui20:09:46
but if you are a super-advanced student, and you felt bored by the admissions test, that does not mean that you cannot gain valuable skills and experience from AwesomeMath
gighiuhui20:09:52
note that of course that is in no way the expectation
gighiuhui20:10:04
we think that most students will find the admissions test fun and challenging
snee20:10:12
My dad says math is boring
Cyrazeno20:10:12
About how many apply
mathrule88320:10:15
when will we be informed of acceptance?
ninetales20:10:15
No, the world ends if you don't use the grammar skills you learned in third grade. Or at least, the English language does.
gighiuhui20:10:44
mathrule883: the admissions are rolling
gighiuhui20:11:01
your should receive a decision within a month after applying
zman20:11:05
About 300-400 students applying for the program
snee20:11:32
Hi???
RollandWu20:11:32
around what should we get on the admissions test to get into intermediate level?
gighiuhui20:12:15
We expect that intermediate students will have solved around 3-6 questions
gighiuhui20:12:25
but what we are looking for is not just the sheer number of questions solved
gighiuhui20:12:35
it is the evidence of mathematical maturity and creative thought
gighiuhui20:12:39
that comes out in reading your solution
mathrule88320:13:16
thank you
1=220:13:16
What about advanced?
zman20:13:35
We also consider many other factors, scuh as your AMC/AIME/ARML scores, and most importantly, your desire and interest in learning math (contest math).
gighiuhui20:13:36
Students who hope to be at the advanced level should feel comfortable with hard computation problems
SwimminTwinkie0120:13:48
what are the chances of getting in?
gighiuhui20:13:48
so we'd like to see more than six on the admissions test
gighiuhui20:13:56
the chances are 0.135414982137%
gighiuhui20:13:58
exactly
gighiuhui20:14:15
in all honesty, no one can tell you what your chances are specifically
gighiuhui20:14:27
but if you put effort into your admissions test and personal statement and if your passion shines through
gighiuhui20:14:29
we'd love to have you
1=220:14:51
Did you actually compute that?!
gighiuhui20:14:55
yes
gighiuhui20:15:01
that is one of the skills you will learn at AwesomeMath
1=220:15:04
Can we stay at the dormatories if we don't want to do the student activity?
Cyrazeno20:15:04
Number 3 on admission test a is just a yes or no question
gighiuhui20:15:05
(in other words, no)
snee20:15:38
I doubt it,
zman20:16:25
You might want to provide some reasoning to your conclusion. Because learning math proof is the focal idea at our camp.
zman20:16:54
Students are requried to go to classes adn problem sessions.
zman20:17:24
Unless they have special permissions for not do so.
gighiuhui20:17:56
Zuming would also like to know how to whisper
schilukuri20:17:56
what about the entry level admissions test? what is the requirement for admission?
zman20:17:58
Then evening sports recreational activities are optional.
gighiuhui20:18:07
Again there is no "requirement" for admission
gighiuhui20:18:39
There is an expectation that you will demonstrate your mathematical ability and more importantly your dedication
gighiuhui20:18:51
AwesomeMath gives everyone a chance to grow into their potential
Cyrazeno20:18:56
hahaha
mathrule88320:18:56
can you change your courses if you find it is hard or too easy for you?
math4me220:19:15
How many hours a day are the classes
gighiuhui20:19:42
The morning begins with wake-up at 8:00
gighiuhui20:19:55
The first lecture starts at 9 and lasts until 10:30
gighiuhui20:20:08
Then, mentor-run problem sessions go from 10:45 to 12:15
gighiuhui20:20:45
We strongly believe that the problem sessions are critical to reinforce the lectures
zman20:20:47
Yes, you may change your courses if you find it is hard or too easy. But you need to talk to the academic unit in charge of the courses to do so.
gighiuhui20:20:58
Then a break for lunch
gighiuhui20:21:12
the afternoon routine is similar, starting at 2 and ending for dinner at 5:15
zman20:21:18
We also will provide a very detailed course description to help to make your course selctions.
gighiuhui20:21:24
The rest of the night is blocked out for recreation when it is nice and cool
gighiuhui20:21:38
and at 7 pm, you can attend an optional "mathematics forum"
Cyrazeno20:21:42
What time is lights out?
gighiuhui20:21:53
hosted by junior faculty
gighiuhui20:22:01
to introduce you to new exciting concepts
gighiuhui20:22:05
(of higher math)
gighiuhui20:22:39
Lights out is 11 o'clock
1=220:22:52
Could you give a description of "mathematics forum"?
1=220:22:52
is it on a computer?
gighiuhui20:23:37
yes
mathrule88320:23:37
will we have any homeworks?
gighiuhui20:24:06
Lecturers will assign homework
gighiuhui20:24:18
but these problems will usually be completed and discussed during the problem sessions
gighiuhui20:24:23
where mentors can also give you additional problems
gighiuhui20:24:33
so there is very little required homework to do during the night
gighiuhui20:25:06
but if you are really interested
gighiuhui20:25:13
there are many many many problems sets for you to do
zman20:25:14
One advantage our camp has is the super quality of our academic staff. We have young and experienced mathematicians. In mathematics forum, they will take turns to introduce you some research math. The math they are working on.
SwimminTwinkie0120:25:35
is the mentor run program one on one with the teacher?
math4me220:26:01
What might the lectures be about
zman20:27:38
Each course will run by an academic unit. A particular unit consists of a instructor (who design the course) and 2/3 assistants. A course will meet 10 times per week, 5 lectures (by instructors) and 5 problem sessions (by instructors and assistants).
zman20:29:00
We are going to have 12 courses covering 4 major areas of math competitions -- algebra, combinatorics, geometry, number theory. (3 course in each area)
gighiuhui20:29:06
Here's an example: the course description of the math counts track, which will be the entry elvel course in combinatorics
gighiuhui20:29:19
Math counts Studies the Addition or Multiplication Principles, permutations and combinations, and proba-
bilities. Learns how to deal with over counting and many useful properties of integer divisors. This is the
entry level combinatorics course. It covers MathCounts , all AMC levels and easy end of AIME
and ARML. Please do not under estimate the phrase entry level.
zman20:29:23
A student choose 2 courses to study. One course in the moring and one in the evening.
zman20:29:34
I mean afternoon (not evening)
gighiuhui20:29:35
If you'd like some sample questions:
gighiuhui20:30:23
[ARML 2005, by Zuming Feng]: One tries to pick three distinct numbers from the set {11,2,...,34} such that the sum of the three numbers is divisible by 3. In how many ways can this be done?
gighiuhui20:30:25
and here's a hint:
gighiuhui20:30:29
the answer is not 2005, but it's pretty close
mathrule88320:30:38
on July 13th, when should we be arrived.
math4me220:30:58
fff
Cyrazeno20:30:58
When will admission test B be out
gighiuhui20:31:07
We encourage you to apply early
gighiuhui20:31:27
Any admitted student who applies using the "A" test will receive a 10% discount on the tuition
zman20:31:35
In between 9AM to 4PM will be good. We can also handle earlier or late arrivals. But this block is the best.
gighiuhui20:31:49
but the second test will be in early march
snee20:32:33
what if the weather is bad
RollandWu20:32:36
w8 do you mean {11,12,13...34}?
gighiuhui20:32:43
I'm sorry
gighiuhui20:32:44
that was a typo
gighiuhui20:32:48
I meant {1,2,3,..,34}
gighiuhui20:32:51
but good guess Rolland
zman20:33:20
Texa has the best weather, it is always 90+ degrees! But you in air-conditioned rooms, and we have a POOL in our dorm.
math4me220:33:45
what is the answer to that question
mathrule88320:33:47
thank you very much!
mathrule88320:33:47
will we do anything on july 13th?
gighiuhui20:33:48
well
gighiuhui20:33:53
Dr. Feng wrote the problem in 2002
gighiuhui20:34:01
so you could venture a guess :)
1=220:34:21
May we take ore than one admission test
gighiuhui20:34:26
Yes
zman20:34:27
Yes, we have opening assembly on 7/13 at about 8PM, that is why it is best ot arrive before 4PM at airport.
gighiuhui20:34:47
But if you marshal your efforts into that first admissions test
gighiuhui20:34:55
there really will be little reason to take a second
gighiuhui20:34:59
we try to keep the difficulty level even
gighiuhui20:35:13
and remember, it's not the number of problem solved so much as the potential and love for math that shines through
RollandWu20:35:19
can you do this by mods?
gighiuhui20:35:23
yes
zman20:35:41
We also do your course selctions (if there is any changes) and introdue you to your residential counselors, campus tour, and your courses academic units.
1=220:35:54
can't swim... :(
1=220:35:54
2003!
zman20:36:27
But you can still play in the pool, or maybe even learn how to swim from your peers and our counselors.
zman20:36:34
2003 is too much!
ninetales20:36:45
And if we're taking the airport, how much is this going to cost?
gighiuhui20:36:47
you're getting there though
gighiuhui20:36:51
perhaps share with us your approach?
SwimminTwinkie0120:36:57
2002!
gighiuhui20:37:00
well actually
gighiuhui20:37:02
it's just 2002
gighiuhui20:37:05
without the factorial
gighiuhui20:37:07
but well done :)
zman20:37:51
We will take all the cost after arrive at the airport. We have shuttles to take you to the airport and will have shuttles take you guys to the airport whenyou leave.
Cyrazeno20:38:16
Haha
Cyrazeno20:38:16
Could you explain, please?
zman20:38:31
{1, 4, 7, ..., 34}
zman20:38:41
{2, 5, 8, ..., 32}
zman20:38:51
{3, 6, 9, ..., 33}
gighiuhui20:38:57
Each of these sets leaves the same remainder upon division by three
gighiuhui20:39:14
(for those of you who know, this is often referred to as modular arithmetic, or mods for short)
gighiuhui20:39:18
in any case
gighiuhui20:39:26
you can either pick three elements from the third
gighiuhui20:39:32
three elements from the first set
gighiuhui20:39:36
three elements from the second set
gighiuhui20:39:46
or one from the first, one from the second, and one from the third (why?)
gighiuhui20:39:57
so see if you can do it now :)
mathrule88320:40:16
when will we be informed of acceptance
zman20:40:58
It's a rolling acceptence. We will inform you in a few weeks when we receive your complete application materails.
theone14285720:41:05
why can't you pick one number from each set
gighiuhui20:41:10
you can
Cyrazeno20:41:56
Haha, I am still not sure...
gighiuhui20:42:03
Well these things take time to think about
gighiuhui20:42:07
that's what AwesomeMath is for
gighiuhui20:42:16
a place for you to come and develop in an environment
gighiuhui20:42:26
that fosters peer-to-peer collaboration
Cyrazeno20:42:48
doubt I'll get in...
gighiuhui20:43:00
c'mon, it's all about attitude
gighiuhui20:43:06
and even if you're not ready this year
gighiuhui20:43:10
perhaps next year?
Cyrazeno20:43:25
True
zman20:43:32
The key is to try, try to solve harder problem, and try to find opportunities to work on something you are interested in!
mathrule88320:44:05
it is possible that you be imformed a few days after recieving my complete application material?
zman20:44:42
We have a email account for you to check and we reply in timely fashion.
gighiuhui20:44:54
so are there any more questions?
Cyrazeno20:45:21
Hm. For the letters of recommendation... What if you are homeschooled?
1=220:47:08
I love my attitude problem!
theone14285720:47:08
how do you know your test score
gighiuhui20:47:19
We don't return scores.
gighiuhui20:47:28
But you should have a good sense of how you did after you're done
zman20:47:38
You parents can write for you. Or maybe you have been to some camps (CTY, mathpath, mathcamp, etc.), so you can ask your camp teachers. Or maybe you take some course online, in local college, etc., you can ask those teachers too.
gighiuhui20:47:45
this awareness is one of the skills you'll cultivate
gighiuhui20:47:48
at AwesomeMath
mathrule88320:48:54
who will make the deciesions?
mathrule88320:49:04
thank you!
gighiuhui20:49:17
Each application will be carefully reviewed by the director Titu Andreescuand his staff members at UTD
theone14285720:49:35
so you can choose the course during the camp
gighiuhui20:49:58
Hey guys, it's been a blast! I have to go now, but I hope I'll see a bunch of you there(!!)
gighiuhui20:50:01
:):)
zman20:50:44
You should visit website soon and often. We will upload detailed course selections and you are encouraged to selected your courese in advance.
mathrule88320:50:53
will it be a lot of trouble to change courses?
Cyrazeno20:50:53
Thank you gighiuhui and zman
zman20:52:31
No, teh academic will make decisions and it is not much trouble to do it. But it is important to give a few days to try. Most changes will be done in between the mid to the end of the first week.
zman20:52:46
Thanks, guys for stopping by.
zman20:53:06
Look forward to seeing you all this summer at Awesomemath Summer Camp!
