Mathcamp Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to questions which we are often asked about the camp.Much of the time we spend on the phone each day is spent answering thequestions in this list, and so we would appreciate it if you would read through the answers before phoning; if you have questions which aren't included here, or if you feel one of the below questions isn't answeredcompletely, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us!

Contents

1. The application process
2. Finances
3. The students
4. The staff and the academic program
5. At the camp
6. Other years' camps

1.1 What is the deadline for applications to Mathcamp 2002?

Applications postmark deadline is April 30, 2002. Late applications will be considered on a rolling basis. That is, all applications postmarked by April 30, 2002 will receive equal consideration, but after that point, if the camp is not yet full, applications will be considered in the order in which they are received.In order to succeed in the fundraising component of financial assistance, several weeks are needed to organize using our fundraising guidelines, hence we insist that we receive financial assistance applications by April 30. Applications sent after April 30th will still be eligible for the automatic tuition reduction.

1.2. How many students do you enroll?

This year, we would like to enroll up to 95 qualified students, based on their qualifying quiz, recommendation letters, and other application information.

1.3. How many problems from the qualifying quiz do I need to answer?

Most students who are admitted have given at least partially correct solutions to at least six problems on the quiz. This does not mean that once you're done with six problems you should stop working! Not only is there a danger that some of your solutions may be incorrect, but, more importantly, the qualifying quiz is your chance to show us that you are really serious in your desire to explore new mathematics, and are willing to think hard about challenging topics. In general, it is not only your score that matters: if you love math and if this shows through in your application, then you have a good chance of being admitted regardless of your score on the qualifying quiz.

1.4. What is your acceptance rate?

The acceptance rate varies from year to year, but tends to be above 50%. Students who are serious enough about math and Mathcamp to complete our challenging application process are already quite a select group! (Also see question 1.3.)

1.5. Should I send my application via Express Mail, courier, or regular mail?

Regular mail is fine, even if you are mailing the application close tothe deadline. However, U.S. applicants from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaskaand other U.S. territories and possessions, as well as from high schoolsat U.S. missions and military bases abroad, are advised to send via U.S.Priority Mail using the large stiff 9"X12" Priority Mail envelope.Although late applications will be considered on a rolling admissionsbasis, all applicants from outside the USA and Canada are urged to sendtheir application via express mail (e.g. SPEEDPOST), postmarked by April30.

1.6. I attended Mathcamp last year, and I want to come back again this year.Do I have to reapply?

Except in unusual circumstances, if you have attended Mathcamp before, you are automatically welcome to return to the camp in future years. Just e-mail us before the application deadline, and we will reserve a spot for you.

2.1. Why does Mathcamp cost what it does?

After the automatic need-based scholarship is taken into account, the average camp fee is approximately $2600 per person. Of this, $1200 pays for the student's room and board, approximately $1000 goes towards salaries and living expenses for the camp staff, and the remainder is used for overhead such as printing brochures, classroom rental, office rental and supplies, insurance, and field trips.

2.2. How much does the transportation cost?

Mathcamp has arranged special rates on American Airlines (see here for more information). Transportation from the airport to Colorado College is included in the camp fee.

2.3. The Mathcamp brochure mentions an automatic tuition reduction for householdswhose annual income is less than $100,000. Our household income is US$80,000; what is my need-based scholarship in this case?

It will be $266.67. The formula for the need-based scholarshipfor a residential student is $(100,000 - D)/75, where D is your household income. In this case, it works out to $(100,000 - 80,000)/75 = $20,000/75 = $266.67. (All figures are in U.S. dollars.)

For a commuting student with the same household income, the need-basedscholarship would be $(100,000 - 80,000)/120 = $166.67

2.4. The cost of living in our area is high and Ihave two siblings. Even with the automatic tuition reduction, my family cannotafford to pay for Mathcamp. We need to find additional finances. How do I takeadvantage of the local fundraising program?

In your Mathcamp application, check the box requesting an fundraising package. We will send you a complete kit. Meanwhile, you can look at fundraising instructions here.

Fundraising is conducted on behalf of the student by a local representative -- usually a relative, family friend, or teacher. This is not door-to-door canvassing: your representative will approach your parents' friends, colleagues and employers, local businesses, and other organizations in your community, asking them to contribute money on your behalf. The money goes to the MathematicsFoundation of America or the Mathematics Foundation of Canada, the two non-profit organizations that jointly run Mathcamp; all donations are therefore tax-deductible in the both the US and Canada. All the money you raise is used to finance yourtuition; only if you raise more than you need will the money be used to provide scholarships for other students.

2.5. Does the fundraising really work?

It does! The average amount raised in past years was over $1000, andover a quarter of applicants were able to raise the entire camp fee. Thefundraising works best if you are well-known in your school andcommunity for your mathematical ability. Another major factor is time:the sooner you start, the better. See Financial Assistance for more information and tips.

2.6. How would a potential sponsor benefit by contributing to the MathematicsFoundations on my behalf?

From a financial point of view, contributions to Mathematics Foundationof America and of Canada are tax-deductible in their respective countries. From a social point of view, potential sponsors should realize that manyof our students do more than simply benefit from the opportunitiesprovided by Mathcamp; they also bring something back to their homecommunities. They organize math clubs, lead their schools to victory inmath competitions, and act as an inspiration to their classmates. Oneoften hears people talk about the importance of investing in education; byasking a potential donor to contribute to your fundraising effort, yourrepresentative is giving them a chance to help make a difference in theircommunity, even if only on a very small scale!

2.7. We have a household income of $110,000 and would not be eligible forthe need-based scholarship. Can I take advantage of the fundraising?

Yes! However, the higher your household income, the more difficult it willbe for you to raise funds. Students from households with incomes of US$100,000 or above and needing the finances should write us a short note explaining why they wish to attempt the fundraising.

2.8. How much I can raise?

The maximum you would need to raise is the US$ 2995 fee plus your airfare. Remember that donation checks are made out not to you, but to the Mathematics Foundations of America or Canada. Any excess raised beyond the fee plus airfare will be retained by Mathematics Foundations and used to provide scholarships for other students.

2.9. Are there any other scholarships available?

We are usually able to set aside about $15,000 per year to be usedfor additional scholarships at our discretion. The scholarships aregenerally awarded to students who demonstrate truly exceptionalmathematical ability and enthusiasm, and who have absolutely no otherway of raising the necessary funds. Every applicant who requestsfinancial assistance is automatically considered for one of thesescholarships, with some preference given to girls and minoritystudents. If we think you may be eligible, we will contact you withfurther details.

3.1. The brochure says that students are in the age range of 13 to 18. What if I am a month older or a month younger?

Exceptions are made, but not by more than 3 months. In general, we tend to accept students aged 13 and younger only if they show evidenceof unusual mathematical maturity, whether via the qualifying quiz, personal essay, or success in mathematics competitions.

3.2. What is the ratio of boys to girls?

In general, around 25% of our campers are female.

3.3. How many students are from the USA, Canada, etc.?

Typically, around 70% of the campers are from the USA, 25% are from Canada,and 5% are international students. This is an international camp; however, given the sizable travel cost and the strong U.S. dollar, the number of students from outside North America is usually no more than five or ten.

4.1 What can you tell me about the Mathcamp staff?

The dormitories will be staffed by ten mentors, all of whom are graduate students at some of the world's top universities, and six or seven juniorcounselors,all former Mathcampers who are now college students.

Click here for more details on the staff.

4.2. My daughter is only 13 and I am worried about sending her off to a far-away city. How can I be sure she will be safe?

Student safety and enjoyment are Mathcamp's first priorities. Dormitorysafety is ensured by the camp staff; the sixteen counselors staffing the dormitory will always be accessible if needed. Details on the zero-error prompt airport pick-up, dormitory safety and other safety matters are in the pre-camp briefing sent to enrolled students.

4.3. Can you describe the academic schedule?

Each week's schedule is distributed at the end of the preceding week. Typically, the schedule from 9 am to 5 pm consists of guest lectures, regular classes, problem sessions, and study time. After dinner, students are free to relax,choosing from among activities such as sports, games, movies, etc. However,most of the camp's classes will require work to keep pace with the lectures,and so we expect students to devote a portion of their evenings to workingon mathematics. Staff members are available to answer questions and discussmathematics at almost any hour of the day.

4.4. Will I have an academic advisor at Mathcamp?

Yes. Each student will be assigned an advisor from among the ten mentors.The advisor will meet regularly with the student, to answer questions aboutthe upcoming week's schedule, to provide advice as to which classes and lectures would be most appropriate for the student, and generally toensure that the student selects a program which best suits his or herneeds and interests.

5.1. Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes.

5.2. Are vegan meals available?

The cafeteria is unable to accommodate vegan meals. Fortunately, someof our camp staff are vegan; in the past, the vegan staff and studentshave taken turns cooking for one another.

5.3. Are Kosher meals provided?

The cafeteria is unable provide Kosher meals. However, thestaff will arrange for Kosher meals for students who request them.

5.4. Can I stay in dormitory and cook my own meals?

No, unless you have a dietary restriction which prohibits you fromeating in the cafeteria. (See 5.2 and 5.3.)

5.5. Can I commute to the camp?

Yes. Please see the "What Does it Cost?" page for costs for commutingstudents.

5.6. Is it better to stay in the dormitory?

Yes. You have more opportunities to interact with other students and thementors if you live in the dormitory. We strongly recommend thatstudents live in the dormitory rather than commuting.

5.7. If I commute to the camp, can I still eat at the cafeteria?

Yes. However, please let us know in advance that you would like todo this, as we will need to make arrangements for it. Generally, the few students who commute to the camp eitherbring lunch or purchase meals on campus.

5.8. What sports activities are available?

At a minimum, soccer, volleyball, ultimate, basketball, tennis, and swimming. Colorado College even has an indoor ice-skating rink that operates during the summer!If there's anything else you'd like us to try to arrange, let us know, andwe'll do our best.

5.9. What other recreational activities are there?

We have field trips and hiking trips on weekends, and plenty of funactivities in the evening. See A Day at Mathcamp for more information.

5.10. What kind of rooms are students housed in?

Students are housed in single or double rooms in the universitydormitory. Students placed together are approximately of the same age.Students who know each other prior to arriving at Mathcamp may request tobe in the same room.

5.11. Are the rooms for girls and boys on the same floor?

Yes.

5.12. Are single rooms more expensive than double rooms?

No, assignment to rooms is random. Unless they specifically requestotherwise, older students are more likely to receive a single room.

5.13. Are there laundry facilities in the dorms?

Yes. Laundry detergent, fabric softener and anti-static sheets willbe supplied.

5.14. How about bed linen?

Yes, bed linen is supplied. Do not bring your own linen.

5.15. Are towels supplied?

Yes.

5.16. What should I bring to the camp?

This information will be listed in the pre-camp briefing sent to enrolled students.

5.17. Can I go to church/mosque/temple on the weekend?

Yes. The camp staff will help you with transportation; however, please remind them at least a day in advance of your needs.

5.18. I need regular medical attention. Can this be arranged?

Yes, we will take you to the nearest hospital -- a five minute's drive away.

5.19. What happens if I get hurt during the camp?

Depending on the nature of the injury, the staff will give you firstaid, drive you to the hospital, or call an ambulance.

5.20. Can I visit the city alone?

No, you must be in a group of at least three students to leave campus. All groups of students wishing to go off-campus must fill out a permission slip explaining where they are going and when they expect to be back, and have the slip signed by a staff member. In all cases, students must be back in the dorms by 10 pm.

5.21. Can I bring my computer.

Yes, but we do not recommend it.

5.22. Can I bring my calculator?

Certainly.

5.23. Is there internet access?

Yes, there will be free internet access provided so that you can writehome.

5.24. Is there a mailbox in the dormitory?

Yes.

5.25. What is the mailing address of Mathcamp while it is in session?

From July 7 - August 11, 2002, mail to Mathcamp or to individual students should be addressed to:

[Student's Name]
c/o Mathcamp
14 E Cache La Poudre
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

[Student's Name]
c/o Canada/USA Mathcamp
Colorado College
902 N. Cascade
Colorado Springs, CO 80946

5.26. How can we contact Mathcamp while it is in session?

The Mathcamp office in Colorado Springs will be open from July 5th until August 14th. The number there is (719) 389-7171. Regular office hours are 1 pm � 5 pm, except during arrival and departure weekends, when the office will be staffed throughout the day. See question 5.25 above for the mailing address.

5.27. Will there be a telephone in my room?

Students will have active phone lines and ethernet in their rooms, but mustbring their own phone.

5.28. Can my relatives visit me?

Yes. However, we cannot provide accommodation for them.

5.29. Can I visit my relatives who live nearby?

Of course. The pre-camp information package will contain a permission slip for parents to list the names of relatives who are permitted to take the student off campus overnight.

6.1. Where will Mathcamp 2003 be?

We do not yet know where Mathcamp 2003 will be held; we should by this fall.

6.2. Where was Mathcamp held in Summer 1999?

Mathcamp '99 was held at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.