rrusczyk (19:30:34)
Greetings and welcome to tonight's AwesomeMath Math Jam.

rrusczyk (19:30:39)
AwesomeMath co-founder and academic director Zuming Feng will be leading today's Math Jam. He will be discussing the new AwesomeMath Math Jam. For those of you who do not know Zuming, he is currently the coach of the United States IMO Team, and he is a teacher at Exeter.

rrusczyk (19:30:44)
Zuming will lead the discussion, but before I turn the floor over to him I would like to briefly explain our classroom to students who have not previously attended.

rrusczyk (19:30:52)
First of all, this classroom is moderated. This means that the messages you type will come to the instructors rather than going directly into the room. The instructors will choose some of the messages and questions to share with all of the students.

rrusczyk (19:30:57)
Next, only the instructors have the ability to send private messages in the classroom. Sometimes they will use these to respond to your comments.

rrusczyk (19:31:02)
At this time I will turn the floor over to Zuming.

zman (19:31:27)
Hi, everyone. Welcome to this math jam session.

zman (19:31:57)
I am introducing a new summer math program focusing on problem-solving.

zman (19:32:21)
1) When and where is the camp?

July 18 - August 7, 2006 at the University of Texas at Dallas.

zman (19:32:27)
2) What's the camp about? Who is invloved?

A three-week intensive summer camp for mathematically gifted students across the nation. This is an initiative in response to numerous requests coming from parents and teachers of students who have not quite reached the level of qualifying for the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP). These students are nevertheless very talented, wishing to hone their problem solving skills in particular and further their mathematics education in general.

Awesome is going to adimit about 80 highly interested and able math students in grades 7-11. Wiht very exceptional case, all students are boarders. They live in a 9-person unit (8 students and 1 mentor/assistant). Living with young mature leader of highly qualified problem-solving experience is a key part in the program.

Please visit

http://www.awesomemath.org/staff.html

for faculty members, mentors, and assistants

kan99 (19:32:44)
does this camp help if we want to get into good colleges such as harvard?

zman (19:34:18)
I am not in working there :)

zman (19:34:32)
The camp is to help your math skills.

kan99 (19:34:30)
I have yet another question...how much is it? Do you give out scholarships for kids less wealthy?

zman (19:35:13)
3) How much does it cost? Is there financial aid?

The camp fee is $2,995 per student. Of this fee, $900 pays for the student's room and board, approximately $1,200 goes towards salaries, living and travel expenses for the camp staff, and the remainder is used for other expenses such as printing brochures, office rental and supplies, insurance, and field trips. We run an open account to be posted on line later in August. Any additional remainder will support guest lectures by famous mathematicians and problem-solvers and the follow-up program (Awesome Year-round, see http://www.awesomemath.org/amyhome.html), etc.

zman (19:36:43)
Students are encouraged to apply early. If application is received by Jan.31 and the student gets admitted, they will get a 10% discount. We will put the application form on the site in the next few days.

In this is the first year of the program, there is no financail aid avaiable. (There is one $500 schlarship that the program pledge to ARML. The details is to be carried out.) ALso, I jst got email from Mu Alpha Theta that they might give indiduals 2000$ for some summer course. But we will again finalizing details.

Please also note that all these pages will be updated frequently in the next few weeks. We are finalizing all the details. Please check the web site frenquently for more up-to-date info.

kan99 (19:31:58)
you teach at exeter? that is great because i go to choate

zman (19:37:23)
Yes, I teach at Exeter during the Academic year.

IntrepidMath (19:36:51)
What is the level of the math taught at Awesome math? (I assume it ranges, but can you give a general idea)

zman (19:38:31)
Awesome is going to adimit about 80 highly interested and able math students in grades 7-11. Wiht very exceptional case, all students are boarders. They live in a 9-person unit (8 students and 1 mentor/assistant). Living with young mature leader of highly qualified problem-solving experience is a key part in the program.

zman (19:39:43)
There will be 80 students, 4 groups of 20. The top group is

zman (19:39:50)
for more experienced students.

zman (19:39:59)
The middle group is the red group.

zman (19:40:10)
It consists of students who have good problem solving skills, but less proofwriting experience.

zman (19:40:28)
There are two parallel yellow groups for less experienced problem solvers.

zman (19:40:56)
Each group takes four mini-courses, on algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory.

zman (19:41:22)
The level of the mini-course will fit each color level.

poetryinmath (19:39:18)
There is a wide age range (approximately 13-17), do you think that would be a problem for the younger campers?

zman (19:42:40)
Most of the students will be 14, 15 and 16, and they will be grouped based on their problem-solving skills.

zman (19:43:08)
I do not see a problem, because we have experienced mentors and assistants to guide them.

zman (19:44:07)
The ratio between faculty, mentors and assistants to students is approaching 1 to 5. So each student will get a very personal experience.

samath (19:39:35)
Isn't this like a camp similar to but slightly easier than the MOSP? Like, training to go to it in future years?

zman (19:45:05)
It will be easier, and more focused on learning math instead of learning tricks.

zman (19:45:20)
We try to give young students the space to grow.

Varun Hariharan (19:37:39)
Does the cost include airfare?

zman (19:45:55)
No, but when you arrive, we will pick you up. All of the costs from there are covered.

themonster (19:40:52)
How will the students be sorted into groups?

zman (19:46:54)
Based on their recommendation, admission test score, and their other credentials. The groups will be adjusted accordingly after a few classes.

chess64 (19:41:12)
Red group is mostly for USAMO?

zman (19:47:31)
We hope the red group students will have a decent score on USAMO.

Varun Hariharan (19:45:29)
When do we start registering if we are interested on going?

zman (19:48:01)
Students are encouraged to apply early. If application is received by Jan.31 and the student gets admitted, they will get a 10% discount. We will put the application form on the site in the next few days.

Varun Hariharan (19:42:59)
What if there are more students wanting to go?

zman (19:48:41)
We will ask for

(1) two recommendation letters, one from a math teacher or mentor, the other recommendation should be more on a personal level.
(2) student's written application.
(3) parents statement (optional). It can be written in certain foreign language if they are not feel comfortable with English).

zman (19:48:56)
Each applicant will be asked to take a adimission exam. There are three tests dates available:
Test A: 2/3 - 2/6;
Test B 4/6 - 4/9;
Test C 6/9 - 6/12

zman (19:48:58)
It is a rolling adimssion. The admission test is the student's opportunity to demonstrate the willingness to explore advanced mathematics topics and the ability to tackle challenging, non-routine problems.
It is not only the raw test score that matters but the love of mathematics that becomes transparent in its application.
There is a application fee of $50 ($30 for processing the application materials, and $20 for grading the admission test). If one want to take a second test (if time allows), an additional $20 will be charged.
For more detailed info. please visit.

chess64 (19:48:05)
If you're getting like 8-9 on AIME, which group would you be in? (and finished with 9th grade)

zman (19:49:42)
Likely you will be in the red or yellow group.

zman (19:49:59)
This is the place where we develop your proof writing skills.

IntrepidMath (19:48:30)
When will the quiz be on the website?

zman (19:51:39)
Yes, they will be posted on the website. The first one will be posted on February 3rd. It is due on February 6th. You can email, or express deliver your solutions.

chess64 (19:51:22)
An admission exam? Where will you take it?

zman (19:52:11)
You take it at home, independently.

zman (19:52:20)
You have three days to finish the test.

themonster (19:51:56)
Will we be abe to view the quiz without first applying (I would like to get an idea of the difficulty before paying the fee)?

zman (19:53:40)
You can view the first test and then plan to take the second one.

zman (19:54:19)
Regardless of how difficult and how many you can answer, the one thing we are focused on is, how do you respond to your challenge.

zman (19:54:39)
The teacher will be experienced enough to find appropriate materials when you arrive at the camp.

IntrepidMath (19:54:02)
How many questions are on the test?

zman (19:55:01)
10 problems.

kan99 (19:50:11)
why did you choose colors for groups? just interested......is red generally associated with intelligence?

zman (19:55:15)
By karate belts.


zman (19:55:53)
You should visit our website frequently to see updates.

zman (19:56:00)
And contact us if you have questions.

Varun Hariharan (19:56:03)
What if you have a good teacher recommendation, what group do you think I should be placed in?

zman (19:56:48)
We will also consider your solutions for the admission test.

lowest_reynolds_2 (19:56:29)
What is the general level of the questions on the Admissions test? Are the questions comparable to the AIME, USAMO...etc.?


zman (19:58:29)
To answer lowest_reynold's question: Computation problems will be similar to AIME-level. Proof problems will be much easier than USAMO, because we want to find young people and teach them instead of scare them.

Varun Hariharan (20:00:13)
Is the red level like the USAMO, AIME type of level where the difficulty is high?

zman (20:01:14)
We will re-teach you number theory and geometry there.

lowest_reynolds_2 (20:03:38)
Does past Mathematics credentials and awards play a part in the admissions process. Or is consideration largely holistic, and based partly on the Admissions test?

zman (20:04:31)
Your credentials and recommendation is worth a lot. Also, your own essay is worth a lot.

poetryinmath (20:04:31)
Can you tell us more about the year-long program?

zman (20:05:57)
We provide online materials and journals (if you visit the website, you will see ""Reflection"") for students to study. Also, there will be tests for people to take.

Varun Hariharan (20:06:26)
Is it possible you can waive the room and board fee because my relatives live in Dallas,TX and I could reside at their house and still attend the camp?

zacacox (20:06:32)
The first issue of Reflections should be up by the end of the month--the articles will go up piecemeal

zacacox (20:06:42)
we have four, they're just not fully edited

zman (20:07:43)
Answering Varun's question, the residential part is critical, because you can work with superb young mathematicians (mentors and graders) 24/7.

zman (20:08:09)
Thanks, Zac, for answering questions about Reflections.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:08:10)
so, zman, a person who has never gone to a camp before can not get in?

zman (20:08:51)
If you haven't gone to a came before, of course you can get in!

zman (20:09:05)
We are trying to find opportunities for young students to develop.

zman (20:09:22)
So everyone is welcome, as long as they are highly interested in math and want to improve their problem-solving skills.

lowest_reynolds_2 (20:09:38)
Do you know who will be teaching at AwesomeMath?

zman (20:10:28)
Please visit

http://www.awesomemath.org/staff.html

for faculty members, mentors, and assistants

zman (20:11:31)
I can list a few: Titu, me, Dorin from Mathcamp, Qinjin (IMO Silver Medalist in 1986, MOSP teacher in 2004), Melainie Wood

zman (20:11:42)
mentors:

zman (20:12:08)
Iurie Borico (spelling? From Maldova, IMO 2005 special prize winner)

zman (20:12:15)
Oleg Golberg

zman (20:12:29)
Anders Kaseorg (spelling)

zman (20:12:48)
Charles Chen , David Vincent

zman (20:12:56)
Thomas Mildorf

zman (20:13:06)
Assistants:

zman (20:13:30)
Sherry Gong, Sara Sheehan, Kevin Modzelewski

zman (20:13:48)
Yuifei Zhao (Bill Zhao from Canada, AoP)

zman (20:14:15)
and many many, this the strong part of AwesomeMath. Our staff is simply Awesome!

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:09:51)
what should one know if he would want to get in?

zman (20:14:57)
Original thinking ability is priceless. For everything else, there's mastercard.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:11:14)
What is the difficulty of the the qualifying exam?

zman (20:16:18)
Middle of AIME, much easier than average USAMO. Among the ten problems, one reaches easier USAMO problem level. Every other proof is much easier.

zman (20:16:43)
For now, we have decided that the year-round program is only for people who attend the summer program.

Varun Hariharan (20:11:25)
Are there going to be special instructors at the camp who teach at a university level that are going to teach us there at the camp?

zman (20:17:35)
I think all of the instructors can teach at the university level, but not many university level teachers can teach our courses.

zman (20:17:53)
Among the teachers and mentors, there will be about a total of 20 IMO gold medalists.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:15:43)
What is more important? Love of mathematics and intellectual persuit, or ability?

zman (20:19:00)
Love of math is important, and this is exactly what we want to cultivate. But of course you also need decent ability.

poetryinmath (20:18:25)
Is there an extra charge for the year-round program?

zman (20:19:40)
No, and all teaching materials, many books, and handouts are all free.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:18:37)
Do we get partial credit if we do not solve the exam problems?

zman (20:20:00)
Yes, we grade the problems as essays.

zman (20:20:32)
If you show enough good, clearly-written ideas, then you will have partial credit.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:20:04)
what sort of format does a day follow? A class?

zman (20:21:49)
8:30-10:00: mini course lectures

zman (20:22:01)
10:30 - 12:00: problem sessions

zman (20:22:15)
1:00-2:30: mini course lectures

zman (20:22:30)
2:30 - 4:00: different formats of team/individual contests

zman (20:22:44)
4:00 - 8:00: dinner and recreational activities

zman (20:22:57)
8:00-10:00: study hall

zman (20:23:04)
11:00: lights out

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:24:12)
Any 1 on 1 instruction?

zman (20:26:18)
All the teachers, mentors, etc, are accessible, because they live with you.

zman (20:26:41)
We have 4 classrooms and offices next to each other.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:28:44)
Do you have a detailed list of subjects you cover?

zman (20:29:35)
That depends on the group. Basically, from my experience in teaching in a leading school in the nation, working with top math students, almost everything must be re-taught at the camp.

zman (20:30:15)
The goal is to make AIME trivial and USAMO resonable.

zman (20:31:20)
What people learn in the common classroom is not even close to the requirement for an olympiad exam. In that way, I mean we have to re-teach everything.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:30:40)
Example? How do you make the AIME trivial?

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:31:19)
Is this through lectures with new insight? Large problem sets?

zman (20:33:19)
It's a mix. First of all, we present new ways of solving problems. Then we try to make connections to help people see that most AIME problems are repetitions.

zman (20:33:57)
Of course, we have to do a decent amount of problems to gain experience, but the problems are on the higher level.

zman (20:34:18)
We try to help you to stand on a higher level, so the problems will be easier than they seem.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:32:02)
But surely 2/3 is 2/3 everywhere?

zman (20:35:19)
In my own math club, we have an average score of 8+ and there are about 30 students in the club.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:34:20)
You should write a book on this teaching method. I am sure interested.

zman (20:36:12)
Many of our faculty members do write books, and we teach our math teams through those materials.

IntrepidMath (20:31:08)
How many middle school students do you expect to have?

zman (20:36:31)
I have no idea right now, because it all depends on the applications.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:35:48)
So what do you mean by repetitions? Can you cite problems?

zman (20:38:26)
Of course. About 15 problems on the AIME since 2000 were written by me. I can tell you how each one of them was inspired. So they are clearly related to other problems.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:39:29)
But can you give concrete examples?

zman (20:42:40)
If you look an AIME 14 (or 15) on last year's AIMEB, it is about using law of sines twice. If you work on Harvard MIT (in 2002/3, I cannot recall exactly now) geometry problem 10. You can find a method (following the AIME solution) and sovling the HMMT porblem in a much better way. I worked on that HMMT problem on my own and develop this problem for AIME.

zman (20:44:10)
Th ekey for me to develop students is to lead them writing their own problems. So they can see how problem writers trying to disguise the original ideas. But that is for AIME.

zman (20:45:29)
One has to do a decent amount of problem. The they start to string ideas together. But they need guideline to do so.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:45:22)
Where can we find the materials you refered to? The ones you and your faculty write?

zman (20:46:03)
Amazon sells many of our books.

zman (20:46:52)
And we keep writing new ones. That is the most important thing for the camp students. They will exposed by the most to up-to-date materials around the world.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:46:45)
Titles?

zman (20:47:16)
Just type in our last names.

Varun Hariharan (20:46:15)
When will you finalize the group of people who ware attending?

zman (20:47:48)
It is a rolling admissions.

zman (20:48:00)
The group is finalized when all the spots are filled up.

zman (20:49:26)
When the first test comes in, we read the complete application, and select the students we feel confident with and rank the others on the waiting list.

zman (20:50:11)
Then, the second test comes in, and we read the complete applications again, and select the students we're confident about (by considering the previous waitlist too), and so on.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:47:39)
Are they like, methods and strategies, or problem compilations?

zman (20:51:13)
Basically we try to sit with the students and encourage them to struggle with the problem. As simple as that.

Varun Hariharan (20:48:39)
Do you sell the books that you and your faculty write on the AoPS website?

zman (20:52:31)
Many of those books will be used as textbooks and will be sent to the campers as gifts. The books are sold on Amazon or in other bookstores.

Someone (20:50:47)
how do you compare the camp with the online AIME course?

zman (20:55:34)
It provides more opportunity. Online courses are great for students who struggle with high-level math on their own. Camp provides the opportunity for those students to meet each other and learn from each other in person. They are both great for different needs.

PenguinIntegral_2 (20:55:42)
After both AoPS volumes and AaCoPS, what do you reccomend for more theory?

zman (20:56:16)
They are very good books.

zman (20:57:32)
After, you should start to try to solve some problems from AoP -- those new olympiad problems in the national olympiad section.

zman (20:58:24)
Try WOOT.

zman (20:58:35)
That is a great program.

zman (20:58:59)
From what I see, AoP and our program are great compliments of each other.

zman (20:59:24)
We provide the opportunity to get together to do some intense work, and AoP provides opportunity to digest during the year.

samath (20:48:29)
Does that mean that if 80 people are selected at the initial deadline, nobody else can get in?

zman (21:00:03)
Well, I don't think we will be that lucky.

zman (21:01:18)
Let's call for the last 3 questions of today. A similar session will be held in January and in February.

PenguinIntegral_2 (21:00:42)
What do you reccomend for people who teach themselves?

zman (21:02:20)
Go to a camp to meet friends so you don't feel lonely studying math.

rrusczyk (21:05:22)
Thank you very much, Zuming, for telling us about AwesomeMath!

rrusczyk (21:05:40)
We look forward to having you back more in the future to tell us more about the program!