Join Prestigious Math Camp: UK & Worldwide Options

[huey910]

I am in lower 6th and have been invited by my school to attend the villiers park math camp next year and would like to join more of the kind. I really wanted to go to RSI in the US but unfortunately the organization said that they have no sponsors in the UK, so that is out of the window. Are there any math programs that teach students to become more experienced math researchers that are of a similar level as the RSI in the UK(or in other parts of the world where UK students are allowed to go)? Furthermore, do these math camps helpful in terms of impressing universities or are they just some activity that universities do not care about? On a related note, does taking the STEP a year earlier help, too?

 

[R.Mesri]

It is great that you are interested in pursuing math research and attending math camps! In the UK, there are a number of excellent maths programming opportunities available to sixth formers, such as the Oxford Maths Institute, the Cambridge Mathematical Institute, and the London Mathematical Society. These programs are all of a very high level and do provide students with the opportunity to become experienced math researchers. It is worth noting though, that these are usually not residential camps like RSI, and are more focussed on lectures and seminars rather than hands-on activities.In terms of impressing universities, it is likely that universities will take note of any additional maths related activities that you have taken part in. However, it is important to remember that universities are primarily interested in your academic performance, so it is important to maintain good grades and achieve a good score in the STEP exam if you are taking it. Taking the STEP a year early may help as it could demonstrate a higher level of aptitude; however, it is also important to make sure that you are adequately prepared for the exam.