SUMaC is an academic program designed to help high school students expand their mathematical abilities. It offers 3 to 4 weeks of courses for students passionate about mathematics.
In this program, high school students engage in advanced courses, lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving, similar to university students and researchers. Through lectures, guided research, and problem-solving activities, students will immerse themselves in advanced mathematics, exploring current mathematical research directions, the historical significance of major mathematical fields, and even interdisciplinary applications.
SUMaC offers two programs:
- Program I focuses on abstract algebra and number theory, with research topics including the limitations of compass and straightedge constructions, cryptography, and the classification of symmetry.
- Program II focuses on algebraic topology, with research topics that include different methods of analyzing the topological properties of shapes through algebraic concepts, such as the concept of groups.
Since SUMaC is a non-credit summer school, students can freely choose research topics based on their interests.
Application Information:
- Eligible Grades: G10-G11
- Application Deadline: February 1st every year
- Application Materials:
- Challenge Problems: Usually 6-10 problems designed to assess your problem-solving skills.
- Online Application Form
- Transcripts: Academic records from the last two years (unofficial transcripts such as semester reports are acceptable).
- Recommendation Letter: One recommendation letter from your math teacher.
- Personal Essay: A 500-word essay about yourself, including a five-year plan and reflections on the most challenging and interesting problems you encountered while working on the challenge problems.
- List of 10 Activities: Similar to college applications.
- Video Essay: Optional, but recommended.
Program Dates:
- In-Person Program: mid-June to mid-July, lasting 4 weeks, with a fee of $8250.
- Online Program: mid-June to early-July, lasting 3 weeks, with a fee of ¥3550.
Additional Information:
- The acceptance rate for SUMaC is around 6%, making it one of the top three math camps in the U.S., alongside ROSS and PROMYS.
Additional Information:
- The acceptance rate for SUMaC is around 6%, making it one of the top three math camps in the U.S., alongside ROSS and PROMYS.
Application Tips: As a SUMaC alum, here are some DIY application tips from my experience:
- Challenge vs. Completion: You don’t need to solve all the application problems or get them all correct. What’s important is to demonstrate your thought process and willingness to challenge yourself. Some of the problems are derived from lemmas of certain theorems, so it’s okay if you find them difficult—don’t be disappointed.
- Optional Video Essay: Although the video essay is optional, I highly recommend completing it. The prompt usually asks why you want to join SUMaC and what two things you would bring to the program.
- Gains from SUMaC: Whether you choose the online or in-person option, you will gain a lot. You’ll attend guest lectures from renowned mathematicians, have in-depth discussions with Stanford math students who serve as your TAs, and engage with a group of math enthusiasts in solving challenging problems.
- Essays and Activities: The application requires you to list up to 10 activities, similar to college applications. I did my application DIY, and I suggest showcasing your most authentic and unique self in this section.
Here is a link to official website:
Reference:
SUMaC Admissions | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies. (n.d.). https://sumac.spcs.stanford.edu/sumac-admissions#application
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