On March 29, the UHS Math Club participated in USC’s SoCal Math Competition, continuing its efforts to involve more students in math contests. The competition offered a fun yet challenging opportunity for the two competing teams to test their skills and learn something new.
Preparation for academic competitions can look different for every student. For one participant, it involved a mix of independent study and adjusting to the dynamics of a new team.
“I prepared for the competition by doing some mock tests posted on the SCMC official website,” freshman Adam Xu said. “I also explored potential math topics that the test might cover. As a team, I didn’t even know my teammates before the competition, so our [preparation together] was limited.”
For many participants, the math contest was more than just a competition; it was a memorable experience that boosted learning, challenge and inspiration. From the time the students first arrived at the building, they were welcomed into an academic environment that combined problem-solving with opportunity for learning.
“I really liked the competition and the way it was structured, and I definitely would like to go to similar ones at other campuses in the future,” junior and Math Club Board Member Aryan Mukherjee said. “The campus tour was beautiful, and the problems were interesting to try to work [on]. We also had the opportunity to engage in a lecture from a professor at the university, which was delivered on a topic that intrigued me.”
Participants tackled challenging problems written by current USC students, testing their mathematical abilities and capacity to perform under pressure. Students also attended a campus tour that gave them a glimpse into college life and made the overall experience even more memorable.
“I felt linked to USC since my brother is also a USC student,” Xu said. “The high-quality problems written by the USC students [were] intriguing and difficult at the same time.”
Being part of the UHS Math Club has been a rewarding experience for many students. It offers opportunities to learn, grow and connect with others with a passion for mathematics. Team members also provide advice to students who may be interested in joining the Math Club in the future.
“Being a part of Math Club has already been one of the best experiences that I have had in high school,” Mukherjee said. “If you have a genuine interest in math, no matter what your level may be, I can promise you that you will learn something [new]. We try to make an opportunity for as many members as possible to go to competitions, so there is no risk whatsoever in applying for a team.”
SCMC was a meaningful opportunity for students to apply what they learned in and outside the classroom in a new, competitive setting. For many competitors, the experience reinforced their passion for math and showed the value of working together under pressure.
