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Prospective UMTYMP Students
Grades 8-10
What is UMTYMP?
UMTYMP is a 28-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 Calculus courses?
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 topWho is eligible for the Calculus Component of UMTYMP?
Non-UMTYMP students must have finished all four years of required high school math content (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Math Analysis/Trigonometry) and be in grades 7-10 the year before they wish to enter UMTYMP Calculus I.
When should interested students contact MathCEP?
Students interested in entering UMTYMP Calculus I in the Fall, should contact the UMTYMP Program Assiociate at mathcep@umn.edu in March.
What does a student need to submit to be considered for admission?
They should send, all at one time:
- Calculus Test Application (you can recieve this by contacting mathcep@umn.edu)
- Their high school transcript(s) with all pre-calculus/calculus coursework and performance listed.
- A letter of recommendation from their most current mathematics teacher.
- Non-refundable test fee of $125.00. Please make all checks payable to the University of Minnesota.
Where should these materials be sent?
UMTYMP Exam
MathCEP
4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
What happens after all materials are submitted?
Once the student's profile is reviewed, they will be notified of eligibility to take the appropriate qualifying exam. If eligible, students schedule a time to take the appropriate qualifying exam sometime between March and June. Students who pass the exam taken will start UMTYMP classes in September of the same year.
Calculus I
Semester 1, 17 class sessions plus exams
September - December, 2 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. Foundations of calculus. Single variable calculus through differentiation and applications. It includes more theoretical materials, goes beyond the text, and introduces aspects of proofs and formal reasoning. Exams emphasize conceptual reasoning as well as techniques. Students begin professional write-ups of homework problems.
Semester 2, 19 class sessions plus exams
January - May, 3 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. Theory and techniques of integration. Applications. Introduction to parametric equations and polar coordinates. There will be increased emphasis on conceptual reasoning and professional write-ups in both homework and exams.
Calculus II
Semester 1, 16 class sessions plus exams
September - December, 2 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. Introduction to differential equations, and sequence/series. Introduction to linear algebra. Theoretical reasoning and geometric approaches continue to be emphasized. Professional write-ups are expected in homework, and more aspects of proofs and formal reasoning are used in class.
Semester 2, 19 class sessions plus exams
January - May, 3 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. Linear Algebra from a geometric viewpoint. First-order systems of differential equations. It is structured similar to Calculus II, semester 1, with professional write-ups, and increased emphasis on proofs and formal reasoning.
Calculus III
Semester 1, 16 class sessions plus exams
September - December, 3 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. The geometry of IR² and IR³. Vectors and vector functions. Multivariable calculus through differentiation using linear algebra. There is an increased emphasis on proofs and formal reasoning. The lectures will stress concepts in mathematical thinking. Professional write-ups of homework problems, and some proofs are included in the assignments and on the exams.
Semester 2, 19 class sessions plus exams
January - May, 3 credits
Accelerated honors sequence for selected mathematically talented high school students. Integration in multivariable calculus using linear algebra. Vector Analysis. Topics from differential equations. Topics may include significant numbers of proofs. Homework and exams reflect a balance between proofs/formal arguments and non-computational concepts.
Who teaches UMTYMP classes?
University instructors teach UMTYMP calculus 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) and Rochester classes at the University Center.
When are UMTYMP classes held?
They are held from September through May, once or twice a week, either on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons (with occasional Mondays or Tuesdays), from 4:00 to 6:00 pm (these times may vary in Rochester).
What is the format of the classes?
Students in UMTYMP Calculus II and III all attend a lecture for the first hour of class. The lecture component is used to introduce new materials, present challenging examples, introduce the concept of proofs, and explain how each subtopic fits into the larger context of the mathematical ideas. In the second hour, students participate in small groups led by workshop leaders. A significant part of the learning takes place in this section. This environment allows the students to work through examples, discover patterns, and formulate conjectures. Interaction with the workshop leaders and teaching assistants, group work, and collaboration with peers are essential parts of the workshop component.
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 and includes professional write-ups. 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.
How are grades determined?
In order to fully assess understanding of the concepts and the ability to apply the knowledge gained by participating in UMTYMP Calculus, final grades for each course include: homework scores, in-class group work and quizzes, and in-class examinations. The examinations given for these courses are at a collegiate level commensurate with the high quality of the courses.
What grade is needed to continue in UMTYMP Calculus?
A college grade of "B" or better is considered successful completion of each Calculus course. Students with a final college grade of less than "B" will not be allowed to continue to the next Calculus course and may be given a "W" (withdrawn) in place of a grade. All calculus students earning a final college grade of "B" or better must also have their professor's recommendation to continue in the next course of the calculus sequence.
When and where are grades sent?
UMTYMP mails College Component grade reports to both the student's home and school at the end of each course, e.g., Calculus I, semester 1; Calculus I, semester 2 etc. The grade sent to the student's high school office is one full grade higher than the student's college grade. The college grade is recorded on the student's University of Minnesota transcript.
How much does UMTYMP cost? What about books?
The State of Minnesota furnishes underlying support for UMTYMP. Calculus component participants each pay about $500-$600 per course (about $1000 a 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 MathCEP a brief statement written by the student's parents and a copy of their most recent income-tax return.
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