Questions
- How do I apply to the UCI Math Circle?
- When and where does the Math Circle meet?
- What if I skip a meeting?
- What should I bring to the circle meeting?
- Which Math Circle should I attend?
- Am I prepared to come to the Math Circle?
- Does the Math Circle prepare students for math competitions?
- Does the Math Circle sponsor any math competition for its participant?
- How can I help with circle?
- Is there are a fee for the Math Circle?
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Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the UCI Math Circle?
Our tuition-free program is open to all students who enjoy doing mathematics. To apply, please fill out the registration form and the photo release form.
[return to top]When and where does the Math Circle meet?
The UCI Math Circle typically meets on Monday or Thursday afternoon, from 6.30 to 8pm. Please consult the Calendar page for information about meeting dates and times, and the About page for information about the location of the circle, and directions. Please check the calendar frequently, since updates are common.
[return to top]What if I skip a meeting?
The first meeting of the year is scheduled on October 6, 2014 for the High School and October 13, 2014 for the Middle School. In order to increase the effectiveness of the program, we recommend you attend the circle regularly. However, if you happen to skip a meeting, please keep coming: the meetings are independent of one another.
[return to top]What should I bring to the circle meeting?
Please bring scratch paper, a pencil and an eraser to each meeting. We also recommend you keep a binder to collect all the handouts from the circle.
[return to top]Which Math Circle should I attend?
The UCI Math Circle offers two level of participation: middle school and high school. Please, register for whatever level is most appropriate for your school grade. Middle school students who are particularly advanced may be asked to switch to the high school circle.
Please note that the High School Math Circle is offering two very different programs this year. In the Fall, we have problem solving sessions open to all high schoolers who enjoy the thrill of mathematical challenges. The Winter program is more selective, and is designed to introduce the most advanced students to research in mathematics. The Winter program is by application only.
[return to top]Am I prepared to come to the Math Circle?
The middle school circle is open to all middle school students who have a deep interest in mathematics, and are able to do basic algebraic manipulations, at about the level of Algebra 1. If you have not taken Algebra 1 but love mathematics, you should attend the first few meetings and see if the level is appropriate for you. For the Fall program of the high school math circle we invite all students that enjoy learning new mathematics and engaging in challenging problem solving (at about the level of Geometry). The winter program is by application only; participant to their winter program will be selected based on their achievements in mathematics and their interests in mathematical research.
[return to top]Does the UCI Math Circle prepare students for math competitions?
The goal of the UCI Math Circle is to promote a deeper appreciation of mathematics and to stimulate mathematical creativity. The participants will be actively engaged in mathematical explorations, thus developing their mathematical thinking and problem solving skills. In this sense, the UCI Math Circle is a good complement to any program training students for math competitions.
[return to top]Does the UCI Math Circle sponsor any math competition for its participant?
The UCI Math Circle will sponsor the AMC8 competition for its middle school participants, and the Tournament of the Towns competition for its high school participants.
[return to top]How can I help with circle?
Whether you are a parent or a teacher, your help advertising the circle is critical. Please, print a copy of the flyers and pass it along to your children/students/neighbors and friends. The Outreach page has an interest form for parents and teachers, where you can leave your email address. We will send you reminders about upcoming meetings that you can share with interested students.
[return to top]Is there are a fee for the UCI Math Circle?
The UCI Math Circle is currently supported by grants from the Mathematical Association of America and the National Association of Math Circles, and is free to all students. The grant allows us to pay a small stipend to the graduate students instructors who prepare and run the circle meetings, but is not sufficient to fully cover expenses for class material, photocopying costs, national competition registration costs, advertising and administering costs. Therefore, we welcome donations from parents in any amount. (Donations are not a prerequisite for enrolling.) Parents are also welcome to bring snack for the students.
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