Summer Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Accelerator (SUMSA) • IMSI

Description

The Summer Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Accelerator (SUMSA) is an eight week mathematics and statistics summer bootcamp for undergraduates at U.S. colleges and universities which will be hosted by IMSI on the campus of the University of Chicago. The aim of the program is to help prepare students for the rigors of graduate school in a mathematical science with lecture series and problems sessions. The primary focus of this bootcamp is basic coursework; in particular, the program is not an REU, which tends to be more project-oriented.

The bootcamp offers an avenue for “standardizing” the backgrounds of undergraduates to help them develop competitive candidacies for graduate school. The topics likely to be covered will include:

Linear algebra: real and complex vector spaces (including infinite-dimensional ones) linear transformations, bases and dimension, algebra of linear transformations, invertibility of linear transformations and isomorphism of vector spaces, determinants, positive-definite inner products, symmetric and orthogonal linear transformations and projections, singular value decompositions
Topology of metric spaces: continuous functions, open, closed, compact, and connected sets, convergence of sequences, completeness, Heine-Borel, Bolzano Weierstrass, Banach Fixed Point Theorem
Advanced calculus: differentiability of functions in R^n, critical points and constrained extrema, vector fields and flows, Inverse and Implicit Function Theorems. Integration in several variables, Fubini’s Theorem, Change of Variables Formula, Stokes’ Theorem with special cases in low dimensions
Probability: Overview of probability models for random phenomena, independence and dependence, distribution theory, probability inequalities and limit theorems, probabilistic foundations of statistical inference, Bayes rule and diagnostic testing

The bootcamp will be an intensive experience; participants will be expected to invest a substantial amount of time working through the material outside lectures and problem sessions.

Accepted applicants will be offered travel support and housing on the University of Chicago campus, as well as a stipend. The bootcamp is only available to participants who are able to attend in person. Participants are expected to spend the full eight weeks in residence during the program.

Eligibility

This program is open to students who will be rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors at U.S. colleges and universities and will be at least 18 years old at the time the program begins. Participants must be able to spend the full eight weeks in residence during the program.

Participants should have had a full year of calculus (or equivalent experience), gained some familiarity with computational linear algebra (including representation of linear transformations by matrices, matrix algebra, and determinants), and had some experience with mathematical proofs by the time the program begins. Students who have already taken theoretically rigorous courses in both linear algebra and analysis are most likely not a good fit for this program.

Questions? Email [email protected]

FAQs

1. Does the recommendation need to come from a faculty member?

The letter can come from a faculty member and/or an instructor in a mathematics or statistics course.

2. Is this intended for undergraduates studying in the sciences (e.g. physics, computer science, chemistry), or is it specifically for math students?

SUMSA is intended for students who want to obtain a PhD in the mathematical sciences. So, for example, a Physics undergrad major would be eligible if they want to get a PhD in Statistics, but they are ineligible if they want to get a PhD in Physics.

3. What is the funding and other support for SUMSA?

Participants are provided with a stipend which is paid out roughly monthly. Last year, the total amount of the stipend was $5400; the amount this year will be at least that amount. In addition, participants are provided with housing in University of Chicago dormitories at no cost to them, and are reimbursed for airfare, taxis to and from airports, and other travel expenses, subject to IMSI policies. Some support for meals may also be provided.

4. Will the classes be counted for college credit

5. Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?

You must be enrolled at a U.S. institution, and either be in the US on a valid student visa, or be a US permanent resident or citizen.

6. Is it possible for recent graduates to apply for this program?

Yes

7. Can SUMSA possibly lead to/connect me with a grad program offered at U of Chicago?

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with grad students at UChicago. However, SUMSA is not intended as a pipeline into graduate programs specifically at UChicago.

8. When will first round admissions decisions be made?

By mid-March

9. I am at a non-US institution. Can I apply?

No, you are not eligible for SUMSA.

Application

The deadline for applications is February 14, 2025. Letters of recommendation are due on February, 21, 2025.