So You Want to Study Math!
Periodically we hope to highlight ways students can get involved in their area of interest. The information below is not a comprehensive list, but some of our favorite resources. Our second area to explore is math. Math is everywhere. It is the foundation for so many subjects and interests ranging from engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, astronomy, art, design, economics, finance, business, research, even the humanities. We could go on forever.
This is a good thing. Even if math is not your friend, there are ways you can use it and perhaps even like it, if you see it through a different lens-your area of interest.
Math is a standard course commitment for all high schoolers, typically at least three years of math is required, and most students take math all four years. To be a competitive applicant in the undergraduate admissions process as a math major students will need to look at their math trajectory and think ahead. For example, maybe a student needs to take a summer math course to reach calc. Future math majors will likely take as many math classes as they can, depending on their college goals. Below is a general overview of some potential course options for future math majors:
o Four years of math including geometry and calculus
o Four years of English
o Four years of lab science- bio, chem and physics and one or more of your choice. This could potentially be a CS course, anything engineering related, or whatever your school has to offer
o Four years of history/social science, which could include economics, psychology etc.
o Three-Four years of foreign Language
o Electives to consider- various programming (Python) quantum computing, or CS related courses, statistics but not in lieu of calculus, data science, economics, a design course etc.
Here are some websites that are filled with incredible information about math, career advice, college info, competitions, camps and much more.
o The Mathematical Association of America is filled with incredible resources, camps, information etc.
o Students should consider joining professional associations if they are free or reasonably priced. Almost every subject area has associations students can join. You get so much great information that helps you learn more about opportunities you might be interested. You can even be a member of the MAA
o This is Statistics is fantastic! So many cool college resources, competitions, info and much more!
o Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
If you like competitions:
o This is Statistics has two competitions a year, the Fall Dataset Challenge and one in March surrounding March Madness.
o Modeling for the future competition
o American Invitational Math Exams
o Grand Engineering Challenges
o TEAMS
o Wharton Investment Competition (not exactly math, but compliments nicely)
Other extracurriculars/competitions you might consider:
o Research- talk with your science teachers about pursuing your local science fair, or ISEF, JSHS, STS
o Join or start a math club at your school, or a math circle outside of school
o Tutoring is often a popular option or get a job at a KUMON or other tutoring facility
o Being the treasurer of various clubs where you will manage money, fundraising, management etc.
o AOPS- Often used for courses, or competition prep
o Internships or mentorships- if you live close enough to a university look into the math department and see if there are opportunities you might want to pursue, look and see if they have a Putnam team as well
o Chess club, robotics, science Olympiad
Looking for a summer camp?
Be sure to plan ahead. Some of the more competitive programs require you solve math problems in the application.
Mathly, AwesomeMath, Promys, ROSS, the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program are a few and here is a great list of math summer programs you might be into: https://www.ams.org/opportunities
Need help finding activities that explore your interests? Our expert team is now welcoming students from the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027, providing invaluable guidance throughout the college preparation, search, and application journey. Contact us today to unlock your full potential and embark on your academic future with confidence.