| Transcript
for the Math
Jam "Mathcamp"
on Apr 13. |
| Math Jam hosted by DanZ
(Dan Zaharopol ). |
DanZ19:31:25
Welcome everyone to the Mathcamp Math Jam.
DanZ19:31:36
My name is Dan, and I've done just about everything there is to do at camp.
DanZ19:32:02
I was a student a loooong time ago (at MC '99 and 2000), a "junior counselor" from 2001-2004, and a "mentor" (the instructors at camp) from 2005-2008.
DanZ19:32:11
Basically, I've seen it from all angles and I'm totally addicted.
DanZ19:32:22
I'd like to tell you a bit about the program and answer any questions that you might have.
DanZ19:32:39
So, first, let me give a very quick overview of the program, and then I'll ask for your questions.
DanZ19:33:11
Mathcamp runs for five weeks each summer. It moves around every year to a different campus. Last year it was at Reed College in Portland, OR; this year it'll be at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.
DanZ19:33:37
The camp draws together students from across the world, although concentrated from the US and Canada, to do advanced mathematics across a range of disciplines.
DanZ19:34:02
When you come to camp, you'll learn from some of the leading mathematicians out there who are also passionate about teaching.
DanZ19:34:14
If you want to have an idea what I'm talking about with top-notch visitors, you can check out the list of visitors from last year: http://www.mathcamp.org/academic.php#visitors
DanZ19:34:43
So, one thing Mathcamp can do is change your perception of mathematics and let you learn awesome stuff at a fast pace, unlike anything you've probably seen in school. But beyond that, it's a lot of fun.
DanZ19:35:31
So, most of us would agree that math is itself a lot of fun, but we have a lot of other activities as well, from white water rafting to hiking, to improvisational acting sessions, to Ultimate Frisbee games, to lots and lots of interesting and unusual board games.
DanZ19:35:45
The camp has field trips every weekend, and lots of social events organized by the students.
DanZ19:35:58
Our biggest thing is that you have the freedom to do what you want.
DanZ19:36:26
We don't force you to go to any classes; you can choose from five different classes each hour of every day and go to what most interests you. The classes will span a wide range of topics and different paces, and you can go to what you want.
DanZ19:36:40
(We do provide academic advisors who can help you make the choice, but they'll never force you one way or another.)
DanZ19:36:50
Similarly, all of the field trips are optional --- you can go to the ones you want and stay back from others.
DanZ19:37:27
The camp has a huge central schedule board where everyone, staff and students alike, post their activities. It's the students that drive the program, coming up with a lot of the activities we do and making the atmosphere at camp so vibrant.
DanZ19:37:43
So, that's my overview of what camp is like, and I'm sure I'll say more.
DanZ19:37:51
Let me say two other things about the application process and then open it up for your questions.
DanZ19:38:03
First: Mathcamp is expensive, but we have a lot of financial aid available.
DanZ19:38:36
We give out over $50,000 in financial aid every year, and we've budgeted much more than that this year because of the economic situation.
DanZ19:38:53
For the past few years no student has been unable to attend for financial reasons, so please, don't let the cost deter you.
DanZ19:39:11
No matter what your financial situation is, we'll make it work for you --- getting you to be able to attend is a top priority.
DanZ19:39:29
The other thing: the application is hard and very competitive. We're only able to admit about a third of the applicants.
DanZ19:39:48
The biggest component is the "qualifying quiz," although there are other aspects as well. Spend a lot of time thinking about it, justify your work, and let your passion show through; that will get you in.
DanZ19:40:16
All right, that's my starting spiel. Please, ask questions if you have them, and I'll take them as they come in. If you've already posted a question, I'll get to it, too!
DanZ19:40:56
Let me start with two of the questions that I've already received: (keep asking while I answer these)
Poincare19:40:58
is it fun? or just work?
DanZ19:41:18
Well, I saw your question before I wrote the above, so I tried to point out that it is fun! But there's something about the atmosphere of Mathcamp that's really amazing.
DanZ19:41:31
It's very accepting of lots of different kinds of people and it brings people together from all over the country.
DanZ19:42:19
Math infuses the culture --- there are lots of math jokes and references throughout camp, and lots of activities that use math in some way --- but everything at camp is meant to be rewarding for those attending. So the math is work, but it's really fun work. You won't get any "busy work" here, no problems that your teachers are posing just to keep you busy.
DanZ19:42:35
And like everything else, the classes and the homework are optional --- important, but optional.
DanZ19:43:06
At the same time, there are all kinds of activities outside of mathematics --- literary activities, the camp yearbook, the talent show, theater, and much more.
DanZ19:43:31
On a related note:
Poincare19:43:35
What kind of field trips are there?
DanZ19:43:42
Field trips can be just about anything.
DanZ19:44:05
So we have a lot of the "usual" field trips you might see at a camp: white-water rafting, hiking, kayaking, etc. These are on weekends and a great chance to relax.
DanZ19:44:42
We also have a lot of more unusual trips, to various cultural landmarks, maybe a Renaissance Fair, movies when a big one comes out (e.g. Harry Potter), etc.
eoninj19:45:14
Which grades are able to attend?
math4me219:45:14
what grade levels is it for
DanZ19:46:02
The camp is for anyone 13 and over, but our admissions standards are very high and it's rare for 13-year-olds to be at camp.
DanZ19:46:13
(We don't go by grade because homeschoolers can be hard to identify!)
benzi45619:46:21
how many campers, typically, are 18 years old, how many 17 years, etc.?
DanZ19:46:42
Typically, the ages 15-18 are about evenly distributed.
DanZ19:46:56
There are around 10-15 14-year olds most years.
firebat0319:47:24
What percent of campers return for more than one summer?
DanZ19:47:41
Camp has about 110 students total, of which approximately 40-45 are alumni.
DanZ19:47:59
Some people return for several years, so you'll usually meet some 3-time alumni, too.
DanZ19:48:03
We get pretty hooked. :)
high_flyer1019:48:17
How many people are accepted each year and how many people apply each year?
DanZ19:48:37
We accept at least 70 new students each year (which sometimes pushes us over the "soft" boundary of 110 total students).
DanZ19:48:56
The number of applicants fluctuates a *lot* each year, but I'd say that we usually accept around a third of the applicants, give-or-take.
benzi45619:49:06
if I solved all the application problems, am I still up against a ton of competition?
DanZ19:49:38
If you solved everything correctly, then you have a very good chance of getting in; however, I should warn you that it's very easy to think that you've solved things correctly and find that you've missed subtleties.
DanZ19:50:02
Most people who get in to camp will report, after seeing solutions to the Qualifying Quiz, that they didn't realize how many problems they didn't fully solve.
math4me219:50:16
so how do you get what you need to apply
DanZ19:50:21
To apply, go to www.mathcamp.org
DanZ19:50:39
There, you'll be able to see the qualifying quiz (as well as lots more information about the camp) and do the application online or via postal mail.
DanZ19:50:57
Warning: it's due on April 25th! The quiz takes a lot of time to think about, so don't leave it to the last minute.
DanZ19:51:16
Many of those problems are the kind where you want to take them, put them in the back of your mind, and think about them for several days until you get the "ah-ha!" that lets you do it.
Edward Bujak19:51:22
Does financial aid cover travel expenses?
DanZ19:51:32
In extreme cases we have subsidized plane flights as well, yes.
DanZ19:51:55
It depends a lot on your personal situation. But we have sometimes even done this for international students when they were really otherwise unable to afford camp.
benzi45619:52:05
I see. Also, I tend to write proofs in very dry language, in a sort of just-business way, not using exclamation points or anything. Yet I still passionately like math. Should I use more colorful language in my solutions?
DanZ19:52:08
Hehe!
DanZ19:52:17
It's OK if you write very business-like --- precision is good, too!
DanZ19:52:34
There's a chance for you to write in your application about your interest in mathematics, and you can let your passion come through there.
DanZ19:52:52
benzi45619:52:59
Oh, and by the way, I make use of calculus in a few of them. That's fine, right? (I know some high school competitions don't "like" calculus)
DanZ19:53:11
Yes, using calculus is fine, but not necessary on any problems.
DanZ19:53:19
You may use any theorems you know; if they're not well-known, cite where you got them.
DanZ19:53:32
Ok, let me move off from camp admissions for a moment.
DanZ19:53:38
And talk about the camp itself.
eoninj19:53:43
How long is the camp?
DanZ19:53:47
It's five weeks long.
DanZ19:53:58
Never have five weeks seemed so short --- and so long --- at the same time. :)
hypersoar19:54:03
What's the housing situation? Are the students in singles or doubles? Is there air conditioning (assuming the whether warrents it)?
DanZ19:54:11
We choose our locations very carefully so that the weather is nice.
DanZ19:54:32
If you look at the recent locations --- Oregon, Washington state, Maine --- you'll see that we go for very temperate climates.
DanZ19:54:39
So that the summer is maximally comfortable.
DanZ19:55:10
Everyone lives in the dorms --- that includes the staff such as junior counselors and mentors (the teachers), although some faculty live in separate apartments, often because their family comes to camp with them.
DanZ19:55:44
That means that you're living with your teachers. Some of my best memories from camp as a student come from ping pong games with my p-adic numbers instructor, or lunches just talking about stuff, etc.
DanZ19:56:20
It's a very close atmosphere where you're on a first-name basis with everyone, and you see them and talk to them all the time.
DanZ19:56:29
As to singles vs. doubles, it depends on the university and which dorm they put us in.
DanZ19:56:51
I think UPS (where we are this year) has a mix. Typically older students tend to get singles in that situation, but it varies depending on individual needs and what's available.
benzi45619:56:56
Terrific. Do students often bring musical instruments to camp?
DanZ19:56:58
Yes!
DanZ19:57:19
Music is a very big part of camp for a lot of people. We've had students bring all kinds of instruments, or rent them from nearby stores.
benzi45619:57:21
Even an oboe?
DanZ19:57:28
If you can get it there, you're welcome to have it.
DanZ19:57:54
Note that we're not able to take responsibility for the instrument, but I've never seen anything like that get stolen at camp; just make sure you lock your door. :)
DanZ19:58:07
I should also mention that there's a lot of singing at camp in addition to instrumental music.
DanZ19:58:31
Mathcamp has a chorus, the Contrapositones, who sing a wide variety of music; and a pop music a capella group called the Kernel.
DanZ19:58:49
We also have (not surprisingly) a lot of pianists, and we make music practice rooms available to all students.
benzi45619:58:53
I'm assuming I won't be able to bring my reed knives.
DanZ19:59:15
Probably best that you don't, and I don't know enough about the oboe to know how necessary they are --- e-mail us if you want to talk about it further.
DanZ19:59:23
One last comment one of you helpfully supplied on the campus:
Edward Bujak19:59:26
They tend to be in the Pacific Northwest and Maine, but beautiful universities.
DanZ19:59:28
Very true. :)
Edward Bujak19:59:34
How about supplied computers with special software and Internet access?
DanZ19:59:50
We'll have Internet access available. Rooms have ethernet and wireless.
DanZ20:00:14
We'll also have a computer lab in the dorms for checking e-mail (typically for short-term use), and a computer lab open elsewhere on campus when you need it.
DanZ20:01:04
On a related note:
eoninj20:01:06
Are there any things that you would bring to camp?
DanZ20:01:26
We do give a list to everyone. There's all the usual stuff you'd expect --- clothing, toiletries, etc.
DanZ20:01:44
Beyond that, bring whatever you want for the summer, but nothing is really "necessary."
DanZ20:01:51
A lot of people bring laptops.
DanZ20:01:57
Musical instruments, like we already mentioned.
DanZ20:01:58
Books.
DanZ20:02:03
(Both math and otherwise.)
DanZ20:02:13
Board games are very common.
DanZ20:02:26
We tend to provide sports equipment, but if there's something unusual you want to have it can't hurt to bring it.
eoninj20:02:38
How many campers are there from another country?
DanZ20:02:46
I'd say around 10-15 each year come from abroad.
DanZ20:02:54
(Where I mean "outside the US and Canada.")
DanZ20:03:30
We've had students from Spain, Tanzania, Greece, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Singapore, China, Australia, and so forth.
benzi45620:03:55
tennis racquets and courts?
DanZ20:04:09
Racquets I *think* we provide, but I don't remember; courts are definitely available.
DanZ20:04:18
It can't hurt to bring your own if you're used to it.
eoninj20:04:31
How many Canadians?
DanZ20:04:55
I'd say that it's around 20ish, but I don't have those numbers right now, I'm afraid.
DanZ20:05:19
We're not able to run the camp in Canada for legal reasons, although we'd really like to. (It makes work visas harder.)
DanZ20:05:32
Here's an interesting question:
high_flyer1020:05:34
Would attending Mathcamp be helpful for college admissions?
DanZ20:05:53
The answer is yes, in ways you might not expect.
DanZ20:06:10
However, if you are coming to camp because you want to improve your college admissions chances, then you should not come to camp!
DanZ20:06:16
You will be unhappy if you're not there because you love math.
DanZ20:06:45
That said, Mathcamp is a prestigious program, and beyond that it shows college admissions counselors that you are passionate about a subject.
DanZ20:07:05
Often, Mathcampers will be able to write about the mathematics they did at camp and how they used it later to demonstrate their skill.
DanZ20:07:24
Moreover, a lot of students as the Mathcamp staff for recommendation letters, and these can be much better than recommendation letters from high school teachers.
DanZ20:08:02
The staff tend to have gone to top-notch universities and graduate schools, so we're able to comment about Mathcampers in relation to other students at those schools. We know you much more closely than a lot of high school teachers do, and we've seen you challenged with much, much harder mathematics.
DanZ20:08:29
A lot of Mathcamp alumni also use the alumni network to help communicate with others who've gone to college to find out which university is the best fit for them.
DanZ20:08:37
And it's a common topic of discussion over meals.
DanZ20:09:39
So there are definite ways in which we help your college admissions, but in a different way than, say, winning a competition; while I think we do a lot (and our alumni go on to excellent schools), again, don't come to camp for college admissions reasons. Those are the wrong reasons.
DanZ20:09:43
One clarification:
benzi45620:09:47
used it?
DanZ20:10:22
When I talked about "using the mathematics" later, I meant on projects, for a write-up of something, etc. Typically, once you learn some interesting math you'll keep expanding your knowledge of that mathematics and expanding beyond.
DanZ20:10:40
Ok, so, I'm out of questions that you've all asked. Do you have other questions, or clarifications about anything I've said?
benzi45620:11:12
when do you send out admission decisions?
DanZ20:11:37
Admissions decisions tend to go out a couple of weeks after the deadline --- so the first couple of weeks of May is when you'll most likely get your decision. Let's say three weeks, just to be safe.
eoninj20:11:48
How much does it cost?
DanZ20:12:12
The official price tag on the camp is $3200, but I want to emphasize again that we have very serious financial aid regardless of your circumstances.
DanZ20:12:28
We'll be able to help you out if you're not able to pay.
DanZ20:12:40
Other questions?
azhang20:12:49
Do you usually get any mid-schoolers? say 7th and 8th graders?
DanZ20:13:16
We typically get several students who've just finished 8th grade, and occasionally one or two who've just finished 7th, but they're rare. We don't make it any easier to get in if you're younger!
DanZ20:13:47
Other questions?
azhang20:14:20
I was late. Did you cover the subjects to be taught at the camp?
DanZ20:14:31
That's a good question, and I'm actually embarassed that I didn't cover that earlier!
DanZ20:14:59
Our classes cover deep, abstract topics you might not otherwise see until college or grad school.
DanZ20:15:12
Although they are hard, the classes don't usually require even calculus, and we while lots of our students know calculus and other "college math," many come without this background and are fine. The classes range over topics like group theory, topology, logic, set theory, abstract algebra, and so forth. Perhaps you've never heard of these before---the point is, it's not what you know, it's about learning what mathematicians really think about. Some students come in with serious background in these topics, while others have never heard of them before, and everyone still has a lot they can get out of camp.
DanZ20:15:42
Each year's classes are unpredictable.
DanZ20:15:56
The staff decides what they want to teach before camp, so I can't tell you now what will be offered this summer!
DanZ20:16:13
Additionally, for the fifth week of camp, we hold a camp-wide vote on what classes you most want to see.
DanZ20:16:28
We'll post course ideas from teachers and students, everyone votes, and then we use that to guide the new schedule.
benzi45620:16:45
this is probably cliched, but how does mathcamp compare to ... well, comparable programs?
high_flyer1020:16:45
What is the difference from Mathcamp and let's say, PROMYS or ROSS?
DanZ20:16:49
These are also great questions.
DanZ20:17:10
I'd say that there are two big differences, and picking the right one is a choice that each of you has to make based on what you think you most want.
DanZ20:17:40
As compared with PROMYS or Ross, the biggest mathematical difference is just that we don't have a fixed curriculum and we don't require you to follow a particular subject (in their case, number theory). There are advantages and disadvantages to this.
DanZ20:17:55
The advantage is that you get a lot more choice and you can explore a number of different topics at various levels.
DanZ20:18:18
The disadvantage is that it's easy to get distracted by all the different mathematics and forget to follow any one topic deeply.
DanZ20:18:54
For example, you can take a look at a sample schedule from last year:
DanZ20:19:12
That's just one week out of five!
DanZ20:19:37
So at Mathcamp it's very much up to you to pace yourself, find the style of learning that works best for you, and not lose yourself in all of the different activities mathematical and otherwise.
DanZ20:19:55
At PROMYS or Ross, you get that focus for free with very well-developed problem sets that guide you through the material.
DanZ20:20:08
My preference for myself is the craziness of Mathcamp with the huge variety and wide exposure, but it can also be a liability.
DanZ20:20:35
One other difference with PROMYS or Ross is that they use a very specific pedagogical method: you work on problem sets that guide you through discovering the material.
DanZ20:20:52
Mathcamp has some classes in that style, but it has other classes that are different --- based around interactive lectures, or project-based, or even wackier.
DanZ20:21:22
So PROMYS and Ross have one coherent teaching strategy; Mathcamp lets you learn as much of each thing as you want and it's up to you to focus yourself on it.
DanZ20:21:53
I'd also say that Mathcamp tends to focus a bit more on making the nonacademic environment very active. We have a number of staff members who think about that a lot.
DanZ20:22:04
To give you an idea of that, let me quote from what I wrote in the introduction to last year's Math Jam:
DanZ20:22:17
Non-academically, well, it would sound like a cliche if I said that Mathcamp was a "blast," so let me just say this: it is a totally different world to be among your peers, people who also like math and are willing to think deeply about it and also many other topics, for five weeks. Everyone at Mathcamp can talk about the interesting math they're learning, but you'll also find them talking about philosophy and literature, music, linguistics, or even politics. They're very accepting of everyone from all kinds of different backgrounds. In some sense, it's about being with 110 other thoughtful people for this time.
DanZ20:22:25
The social life consists of things I've already mentioned, such as esoteric board games and sports (such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball, etc.), to field trips such as whitewater rafting, Renaissance faires, hardcore (and "mellowcore") hikes, amusement parks, and so on, as well as an elaborate "puzzle hunt" where teams compete to solve very difficult puzzles over the course of an hour, musical theater productions, improv acting, discussions about math education, and a piece of "interactive literature," a four-hour event where participants take on the role of a character in a fictional universe, interacting with dozens of their friends doing the same thing. As with all of Mathcamp, you can choose what to go to --- we'll never force you to attend something "fun." Also, I should mention that these events are based off of things that have happened in previous years; what happens this year is up to you (the campers!) and everyone else at camp.
DanZ20:23:25
Now, PROMYS and Ross are also fantastic for bringing you to an environment with your mathematical peers, but Mathcamp has more of these somewhat different activities to get you involved in even more ways. That means that it's easier to focus on the mathematics at PROMYS and Ross, but Mathcamp maybe has more built-in outlets for you to try more stuff.
DanZ20:23:47
But again, Mathcamp is all about choice: you can build your own academic schedule and make it as strenuous and all-consuming as you want, or as light as you want.
DanZ20:23:51
And the same with your non-academics.
DanZ20:24:15
(To give you an idea of the freedom of Mathcamp classes, we don't take attendence and you don't sign up in advance --- you can go to what you want each day, and if you don't like your continuing class that day, just start going to something else.)
DanZ20:24:47
Ok, that was quite the info dump. Feel free to ask questions about anything that I just said!
benzi45620:24:50
how many students are typically in a class, then?
DanZ20:25:33
It varies. We have some classes with just 2-5 students, while I've taught some with around 50 or so. The big ones are usually colloquia --- i.e. talks that aren't scheduled against anything else, typically given by a visitor --- but it varies a lot.
DanZ20:25:42
Since we don't take attendence, you get a big mix!
azhang20:26:01
If I like to talk with Mathcamp alumni and get their perspectives, could you get me in touch with some alumni?
DanZ20:26:30
We're happy to get you in touch with alumni. E-mail us (see our website, www.mathcamp.org) if you'd like us to put you in touch with someone.
eoninj20:26:51
How many classes do you take in one day, typically?
DanZ20:27:23
That's up to each of you. We typically recommend going to about four classes per day, but that depends on how much work you're doing outside of class and how much the classes are pushing you mathematically.
DanZ20:27:56
Some students really like to go to every class period; I've seen others take one class per day (with a few other "one-shot" classes) and spend a lot of time doing related problems or working on projects.
benzi45620:28:02
isn't not taking attendance a liability issue?
DanZ20:28:06
Heh, that's a funny question.
DanZ20:28:18
Mathcamp believes very strongly in the maturity and independence of its students.
DanZ20:28:33
So long as you stay on-campus, you are welcome to go wherever you want until the evening (10pm).
DanZ20:28:38
That means classes or elsewhere.
DanZ20:28:58
You can go off-campus if you're in groups of three or more, and for that you sign out and tell us where you're going.
benzi45620:29:04
that sounds great
DanZ20:29:07
Excellent!
DanZ20:29:24
We've been very lucky that our trust in our students hasn't been misplaced.
DanZ20:29:45
Our students are awesome. :)
high_flyer1020:29:47
How tired is everyone at the end of the day?
DanZ20:29:55
Very?
DanZ20:30:09
It depends. To each their own, I think; like so much else at camp, it depends on what they did.
benzi45620:30:14
that sounds about right
high_flyer1020:30:14
thought so :)
DanZ20:30:18
Yeah... :)
DanZ20:30:36
I would say that tiredness and sleep deprivation are serious problems at camp!
DanZ20:30:43
There's a lot to do and while you can opt out of things, you never want to!
high_flyer1020:31:07
Do we get to keep in touch with our fellow campers after Mathcam
DanZ20:31:11
Yes, definitely!
DanZ20:31:35
We keep up mailing lists for each year of students, and also an all-alumni list for more general questions (mathematics questions, questions about college, etc.)
benzi45620:31:39
that question is obsolete on account of Facebook
DanZ20:31:44
Yeah, Facebook is also changing this.
DanZ20:32:03
There's a lot of contact between alumni after camp, both on the mailing list, via individual e-mails, and on Facebook.
DanZ20:32:29
The number of pictures and videos you can find from camp on Facebook is pretty staggering, and I'm always amazed to see the alums always talking to each other on there and keeping in touch.
DanZ20:33:08
Also, it's not uncommon for alumni to meet up again in college; there are very big alumni presences at several universities. You basically can't walk through MIT without running into several former Mathcampers.
DanZ20:33:25
Other questions?
DanZ20:33:59
Anything new or related to something I said earlier?
benzi45620:34:03
sorry to go back to the quiz... my solutions average a page each, plus a couple of diagrams; is that too much?
DanZ20:34:06
No, that's fine.
DanZ20:34:17
Obviously, being brief is helpful, especially to us while we're grading!
DanZ20:34:24
But we'd rather that you're complete than that you leave things out.
DanZ20:34:32
And that's not an unusual length at all.
DanZ20:35:19
Last call for questions?
benzi45620:35:34
you do not ask about grades in regular school?
DanZ20:35:56
We might ask what mathematics you've seen, and there's probably a place on the form for you to fill in your grade (I don't even remember), but it's not really a big factor for us.
DanZ20:36:21
Anything else?
DanZ20:36:44
Ok, thank you very much! I also want to thank AoPS for hosting this Math Jam.
DanZ20:36:49
You can find more information on the camp at www.mathcamp.org
DanZ20:36:59
You can also take a look at Math Jam transcripts from previous years:
DanZ20:37:32
Finally, you're always welcome to pm me or to e-mail us; I love to talk about camp and I'm happy to chat.
DanZ20:37:49
Thanks again and have a good night --- I'll turn off moderation and you can chat if you have any more questions.
benzi45620:37:55
Thanks for staying with us!
high_flyer1020:37:55
Wow, Mathcamp sounds awesome! Definetly appying this year!
eoninj20:37:55
Thank you Dan.
benzi45620:37:55
you maintain an account on AoPS?
DanZ20:38:03
I do --- DanZ is my permanent account.
benzi45620:38:07
I agree with high_flyer10
DanZ20:38:21
Thanks --- that's great to hear, and you won't be disappointed. :)
Edward Bujak20:38:40
Thanks
benzi45620:39:05
I like the trust they put in students -- the feeling of small humanity (as opposed to big institutions covering their behinds)
DanZ20:39:35
It's pretty important to us. We try to maximize it as much as possible.
benzi45620:41:07
how long are the personal interest statements allowed or preferred to be?
benzi45620:41:25
hmm, here I go asking questions after the fact
DanZ20:41:31
Whatever you think is best --- say what you want to say.
DanZ20:41:52
I'd say that you should do at least a paragraph; and I've seen two pages that worked really well.
DanZ20:42:12
(And, of course, no worries about the questions.)
DanZ20:47:38
All right. It's been great chatting, but I'm headed off for the night. Good night, enjoy the qualifying quiz for those of you applying, and like I said, feel free to get in touch with more questions!
