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 the questions 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 answered completely, please don't hesitate to call or email us!

The application process
Finances
The students
The staff and the academic program
At the camp
Other years' camps

1. The application process.

1.1 What is the deadline for applications to Mathcamp 2008?

Your application must be received by April 30, 2008; late applications will be considered on a rolling basis. That is, all applications received by April 30 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. Applications received after April 30 will still be eligible for the automatic tuition reduction.

1.2. How many students do you enroll?

We usually enroll approximately 110 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 between 30% and 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. 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. Finances.

2.1. Why does Mathcamp cost what it does?

Mathcamp tuition is $3200. After the automatic tuition reduction is taken into account, the average camp fee is approximately $2,800 per person. Of this, $1,300 pays for the student's room and board, approximately $1,000 goes towards salaries and living expenses for the camp staff, and the remainder is used for other expenses such as printing brochures, classroom rental, office rental and supplies, insurance, and field trips.

Mathcamp is making a special effort to offer extra need-based scholarships; we expect to offer over $50,000 beyond the automatic tuition reduction. Please see the further questions below.

2.2. The Mathcamp brochure mentions an automatic tuition reduction for households whose annual income is less than $100,000. Our household income is US$80,000; what is my automatic tuition reduction in this case?

It will be $400.00.

The formula for the automatic reduction $(100,000 - D)/50, where D is your household income. In this case, it works out to $(100,000 - 80,000)/50 = $20,000/50 = $400.00. For incomes under $40,000, the maximum deduction of $1200 applies. (All figures are in U.S. dollars.)

2.3. How likely is it that I will be eligible for a scholarship?

Mathcamp expects to give out over $50,000 in scholarships beyond the automatic tuition reduction this year. Scholarships are based primarily on need, though we also take merit into account on occasion. We are deeply committed to making Mathcamp affordable to all qualified students; in the past three years, no admitted applicant has been unable to attend the camp for financial reasons. We give several full scholarships each year, and occasionally even help students with travel expenses. Please do not let financial considerations prevent you from applying!

2.4. How much of the camp fee will a scholarship cover?

Scholarships range from $200 to the entire camp fee; the amount of each scholarship is decided on an individual basis.

2.5. How do I apply for a scholarship?

Instructions are in our application. All that is required beyond the standard Mathcamp application is a statement about family income, a few details about the size of your household, and a statement about special circumstances that you would like us to consider. If we need more detailed financial information, we may request it from you later.

2.6 You used to offer a "local fundraising program". What happened to that?

We used to offer students a kit to help them raise money for Mathcamp in their community. Since we are now able to provide greater financial support to students on our own, we are no longer actively promoting this option. However, interested students who wish to supplement their scholarship may still request the information from us if they wish.

3. The students.

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?

We are generally prepared to make exceptions for 19-year-olds, as long as they are still in high-school (or have just graduated). However, we are extremely reluctant to make exceptions for 12-year-olds. In very unusual cases, we may accept a student who is a few months younger than the required age cutoff, but we will require evidence of exceptional mathematical accomplishment and personal maturity. (Younger students should consider MathPath, CTY or TIP.)

3.2. What is the ratio of boys to girls?

Most years, 25-35% of our campers are female.

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

Typically, around 75-80% of the campers are from the USA, 10-15% are from Canada, and 10% are international students. This is an international camp, but the number of students from outside North America is limited by the sizable cost of travel.

4. The staff and the academic program.

4.1 What can you tell me about the Mathcamp staff?

The dormitories will be staffed by nine mentors (graduate students in mathematics, who also teach many of the camp's classes), and seven junior counselors (former Mathcampers who are now in college).

Mentors and junior counselors are typically hired in February or March, and after then their names will be available here.

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. Dormitory safety is ensured by the camp staff; the sixteen counselors staffing the dormitory will always be accessible if needed. Details on the 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 working on mathematics. Staff members are available to answer questions and discuss mathematics at almost any hour of the day.

For more information, click here.

4.4. Will I have an academic advisor at Mathcamp?

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

5. At the camp.

5.1. Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes, vegetarian meals are always available in the dining hall.

5.2. I have a special dietary restriction. Is appropriate food provided? (e.g. vegan/kosher)

The availability of special meals varies as the camp moves from year to year. However, even when special meals cannot be arranged through the dining hall, Mathcamp has always been able to accommodate all of our students' dietary restrictions, including those of students with severe allergies and those who kept strictly kosher. Please contact us for further information.

5.3. What sports activities are available?

Mathcamp students have access to campus athletic facilities, including the swimming pool. Many informal sports activities are organized by students and staff in the evening. In the past, there have been soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, tennis, and swimming. If there's anything else you'd like us to arrange, let us know, and we'll try our best.

5.4. What other recreational activities are there?

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

We also have access to pianos on-campus for students to practice, and, of course, students can browse the college library.

5.5. What kind of rooms are students housed in?

It varies from year to year. In 2008, students will be housed in single and double occupancy rooms in the university dormitory. Students placed together are approximately of the same age. Students who know each other prior to arriving at Mathcamp may request to be in the same room.

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

Depending on the exact layout of our dormitories, girls' and boys' rooms may be either on separate floors or in different areas of the same floor.

5.7. Are there laundry facilities in the dorms?

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

5.8. Are bed linens and towels provided?

It depends on the year. Mathcamp always provides pillows and blankets. In 2008, students will need to bring bed sheets, pillowcases, and towels.

5.9. What should I bring to the camp?

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

5.10. 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.

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

Yes, we will take you to the nearest hospital.

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

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

5.13. Can I visit the town 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, unless accompanied by a staff member off-campus.

5.14. Can I bring my computer?

Yes, but we cannot take responsibility for any valuables.

5.15. Can I bring my calculator?

Certainly, though you can probably do without it.

5.16. Is there internet access?

Yes, there is free wireless internet in the dormitory

5.17. Is there a mailbox in the dormitory?

Yes, students can send and receive mail through the Mathcamp office.

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

In 2008, please direct mail to:

Please bear in mind that mail sometimes takes an extra day or two to get to us through the college mail room; allow extra time for delivery.

5.19. How can my parents contact Mathcamp while it is in session?

This information will be available in early summer; Mathcamp has a regularly staffed central office phone during the summer. And of course, you can always contact us by email.

5.20. Will there be a telephone in my dorm room?

Phone jacks will be live in students' rooms: that means that you can bring a phone and plug it in. Reed will also make telephones available for students to rent; renting a phone will cost $10 for the five weeks.

5.21. Can my relatives visit me?

Yes. However, we cannot provide accommodation for them.

5.22. 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. Other years' camps.

6.1. Where was Mathcamp held in the past?

1996: University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
1997: Babson College, Wellesley, MA, USA
1998: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
1999: University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
2000: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
2001: Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
2002: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
2003: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, USA
2004: Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
2005: Reed College, Portland, OR, USA
2006: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, USA
2007: Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA

6.2. Where will Mathcamp be held in 2009?

We hope to have this decided by Summer 2008.