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Prospective UMTYMP Students
Grades 5-7
What is UMTYMP?
UMTYMP is a 25-year-old program that is voluntary and highly selective. It has two components. The high school component covers 4 years of high school mathematic content areas in two years (Algebra I/II, Geometry, and Mathematical Analysis). The calculus component allows students to complete up to 16 semester credits of college calculus, covering single- and multi-variable calculus, differential equations and linear algebra.
Why should a student consider UMTYMP?
Students should consider UMTYMP because of their interest and talent in mathematics. UMTYMP graduates have compiled enviable college records.
What if I'm on an athletic team or involved in other extracurricular activities that conflict with UMTYMP classes?
UMTYMP is equivalent to a major, fully committed, curricular activity. Other activities must be scheduled around UMTYMP, NOT vice versa. UMTYMP students successfully participate in sports, theater, band, debate, etc., when they allocate their time carefully.
Are UMTYMP classes divided by school grade or student age?
No attempt is made to divide classes by age. Each class may have students with a 4-year or 4-school-grade range. This grade/age range has not been a problem.
Is there high school credit for UMTYMP courses?
Each UMTYMP high school course (4 possible) and each full year of UMTYMP Calculus (3 possible) is equivalent to one full year of high school credit.
Does the student need to take math classes in their regular school?
No. UMTYMP recommends not taking home school math classes at the same time that the student is enrolled in UMTYMP. Students should be given study opportunities to do their UMTYMP assignments.
What if a student leaves UMTYMP during the school year?
If a student leaves UMTYMP before the school year ends, he/she is encouraged to return to the regular school's mathematics class. All students and their families have advance warning and are given counseling before withdrawing from the program. All students are given every opportunity to complete at least 1 year of high school work, and some students are encouraged to return to UMTYMP the following year.
Back to topWhat does a student have to do to enter UMTYMP?
Students wishing to enter UMTYMP at the Algebra level (High School Component) must take the UMTYMP Algebra Qualifying Exam.
What is the UMTYMP Algebra Qualifying exam?
It is a specialized aptitude examination built on pre-algebra mathematics knowledge. A good mastery of elementary and junior high school mathematics is expected and innate problem-solving skills and strategies are essential. The exam stresses accuracy, understanding, and speed. Please do not call the UMTYMP office to ask what is on the exam. We are not able to release any further information regarding the exam.
Who can take the UMTYMP Algebra qualifying exam?
Any student in a public or private school who:
a) Is currently in grades 5-7 (Twin Cities and Rochester) or grades 5-8 (St. Cloud).
b) Scored at or above the 95th percentile on a standardized mathematics achievement test in the past two years; or has been recommended by a school teacher or counselor to take the UMTYMP exam.
Note: High ability students who meet the criteria described in a) & b) but who have taken a course in Algebra I are still eligible to take the UMTYMP qualifying exam for admittance into the fall Algebra I course.
When is the qualifying exam given?
The exam is given once a year in mid April. Students must register by March 1.
Where is the qualifying exam given?
The exam is given at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, East Bank campus), St. John's University (St. Cloud), and the University Center (Rochester).
How much does the qualifying exam cost?
The exam costs $55.00 per student, which is NOT refundable. Payment must be included with registration materials (late registration cost is $75.00). Contact the UMTYMP office for a waiver of the testing fee based on financial need.
How long is the qualifying exam/testing process?
Students have 20 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice questions on the computer-scored examination. The entire process of distributing materials, explaining the testing procedure, gathering information and so on, takes approximately 60 minutes.
Can students use calculators in the qualifying exam?
No.
How can a student study for the UMTYMP qualifying exam?
A student cannot study for the exam. Students who have good elementary and junior high school mathematics preparation and have an outstanding ability in mathematical problem solving have historically done well on the qualifying exam. ITCEP’s Enrichment Program YES also helps prepare students for the exam.
What if a student does not speak English fluently?
Many students new to the United States have taken the UMTYMP qualifying exam without problems. With prior permission, students may use selected dictionaries.
How many students test for UMTYMP?
Statewide, about 1000 students test each year for the first-year algebra classes; about 150 are accepted into the program.
When will students know the results of the exam?
Each student receives a notification of eligibility within 2 weeks of the exam. Actual exam scores are mailed to the home by September 1.
If a student qualifies on the UMTYMP exam, does s/he have to participate in UMTYMP this year?
Students who tested in grades 5 or 6, were invited into the program but wish to defer for a year for maturity reasons, may do so. Parents should email ITCEP as soon as they know their student wishes to defer. They should then contact ITCEP again in March of the following year to ask for a registration packet. If students test in grade 7 (or grade 8 in St Cloud) and are invited into the program, they may not defer enrollment.
Do UMTYMP classes conform to the MN Department of Education (DOE) Academic Standards?
Students who successfully complete the first two UMTYMP courses, Algebra I and Algebra II, in the first year, achieve the high school grades 11-12 Algebra standards. Students who successfully complete the second two courses, Geometry and Math Analysis, in the second year, achieve the high school grades 11-12 Statistics, Trigonometry, and Geometry standards.
How fast do UMTYMP courses cover material?
The pace is consistently accelerated. Each two-hour UMTYMP class covers the equivalent of about three weeks of regular high school mathematics content.
What mathematics material do the UMTYMP Algebra I/II courses cover?
These two courses cover 2 years of high school material in one year. They cover the following topics: Basic algebraic concepts and properties, equations, inequalities and problem solving, polynomials, rational expressions, exponents and radicals, quadratic equations and inequalities, linear equations and inequalities in two variables, functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences, mathematical induction, probability, and introductory statistics.
What mathematics material does UMTYMP Geometry cover?
This course spans a semester and covers one year of high school mathematics: Introduction to geometric figures and space, reasoning in geometry, geometric constructions, triangle properties and proofs, polygon properties and proofs, circle properties and proofs, transformations and tessellations, area, investigations involving the Pythagorean Theorem, volume, similarity, trigonometry in geometry, and geometry as a mathematical system.
What mathematics material does UMTYMP Math Analysis cover?
In a semester, this course covers one year of high school mathematics: Algebra for pre-calculus, coordinates, graphs and inequalities, functions, polynomial and rational functions and their applications to iteration and optimization, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and their graphs, analytical trigonometry, vectors in the plane, systems of equations, analytic geometry, roots of polynomial equations, sequences and series.
Who teaches UMTYMP classes?
Outstanding Minnesota-certified secondary mathematics teachers teach all UMTYMP high school classes.
Who are the teaching assistants for UMTYMP classes?
Each class has a teaching assistant to help with homework, exam grading, special problems, and student tutoring. All teaching assistants must have exemplary college grades. Many teaching assistants are UMTYMP alumni now enrolled as undergraduates at Minnesota colleges.
Where are UMTYMP classes held?
Twin Cities’ classes are held at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis Campus); Rochester classes at the University Center; and St. Cloud at St. John's University.
When are UMTYMP classes held?
They are held from September through May, once a week, usually on Thursday afternoons (& approximately 1 Tuesday each month), from 4:00 to 6:00 pm (these times may vary in Rochester and St. Cloud).
How large are the UMTYMP classes?
25-30 students.
What if a student misses UMTYMP class due to illness?
The student must contact the teaching assistant, teacher, or the office. Teachers and/or teaching assistants are available during the week by phone or e-mail. Students are responsible for the material covered.
Does a student have to attend each UMTYMP class?
Yes! Students can rarely miss class and still be successful in the program. UMTYMP strongly advises students not to miss any UMTYMP class unless necessary.
How much time does a student have to spend on UMTYMP homework?
UMTYMP homework is the key to success in UMTYMP. Homework averages at least 10 to 12 hours per week. The students should use one hour per day (at school) to study and work on their homework and then do the additional work outside of school. Homework assignments are challenging and emphasize an understanding of key concepts.
Can students use a calculator in class?
All students enrolled in UMTYMP are required to purchase a graphing calculator to be used while taking UMTYMP classes. Students continuing in sequence through UMTYMP use the graphing calculator purchased at the beginning of UMTYMP until they leave the program.
What textbooks are used in UMTYMP?
The following textbooks are being used in 2007-08:
Algebra I & II
Algebra for College Students (0495109959), 8th edition, Authors: Kaufmann, Schwitters, Publisher: Brooks/Cole
Geometry/Math Analysis
Discovering Geometry (1559534598), 3rd edition, Author: Serra, Publisher: Key Curriculum Press
Pre-Calculus w/ Unit Circle Trigonometry (0534402305), 4th edition, Author: Cohen, Publisher: Brooks/Cole
Does UMTYMP grade strictly?
Yes. UMTYMP sets high standards and students must earn their grades. To continue in UMTYMP, students must earn a final grade of "B-" or better the first year of the high school component and “B” or better in the second year of the high school and calculus component. Students earning below these benchmarks may not be permitted to continue. However, experience has shown that nearly all students admitted to UMTYMP can be successful if they work hard.
When and where are grades sent?
UMTYMP mails high-school-component grade reports to both the student's home and school at the end of each course, e.g., at the end of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Math Analysis.
How do schools use the UMTYMP grade in computing GPA?
GPA calculation depends upon the home school and its grading policies and procedures. UMTYMP reports the grades and standards achieved to the students' home schools.
How much does UMTYMP cost? What about books?
The State of Minnesota furnishes underlying support for UMTYMP. High School component participants each pay about $700-$800 per year, which includes fees and textbook purchase. Payment must be paid prior to the first week of class, and is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Are there scholarships available?
Student scholarships, based on financial need according to Minnesota state guidelines, are available. Information about how to apply for these scholarships will be sent to all students who are invited into UMTYMP. After they receive this information, families wishing to apply for scholarship funds are required to send ITCEP a brief statement written by the student's parents and a copy of their most recent income-tax return.
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