San Diego Math Circle

Registration

Welcome to SDMC's new registration process.

Owing to mounting pressure fueled by years of strong growth, it has become necessary for SDMC to shift from an open registration process to a selective application process. Since this is the first year for this process, we need to ask returning students as well as new students to pass through the same application process. In future years, returning students will be able to update incrementally rather than reapply from a blank page.

Like many other aspects of SDMC, application is a family matter. To assist both students and parents in understanding and completing this process, we provide two PowerPoint presentations immediately below that explain rationales behind the new process and the steps that are required to complete it. We recommend that parents especially take a little time to review both of these before beginning.

You may notice that these two PowerPoint links are the only registration-specific links now on the website. This is not an error - the new application process is not only different in substance, it differs strongly in its technical implementation. Please follow the directions as spelled out in "How to Apply".

In brief, application is now based on the development of a Student Profile (replacing the former registration form), submission of the required liability waiver, providing a student headshot photo (new), and indicating family intentions regarding financial contributions and support through service.

(For your convenience, you may jump directly to the liability waiver HERE)

The new application process not only requires incrementally greater effort on the part of families, it also requires substantially more attention and effort from SDMC. We ask that you be patient and diligent in following directions as closely and completely as possible, as following up on errors and omissions in hundreds of applications is simply impossible.

What does "essentially" mean?

Is there a waiting list? How can I know my student's "rank" on the waiting list?

SDMC's selection process is merit based and aims to be responsive to the diverse and rather dynamic experience of high-ability students. Students and families discover SDMC at random points in the year and our target students are producing new achievements throughout the year that may affect the strength of their SDMC Student Profile. For these and many more pragmatic reasons, SDMC has no intention of attempting to maintain any kind of ranking system in regard to deferred and/or late-season applications. When we find that circumstances are amenable to involving additional students, we will review the applications as then pending and will issue whatever invitations may appear appropriate at that time. Please do not call with questions about the status of your student's application. It will not be possible for us to provide any more satisfying response than we are already providing here.

What are the numbers? What are my student's "odds"?

We have acccepted slightly more than 200 students based on a merit review of more than 360 applications to date, with more submitted each day. Based in current and past experience, total applications are likely to exceed 400. The pool of deferred applications thus stands currently at more than 160, and will likely exceed 200.

Is there any point of making a new application now? Is there any point when the odds of late-season acceptance appear to be 1:200 against?

For most students, applying after the start of the SDMC season is not a promising exercise; especially, applying just to get your "name in the pot" or "just in case" is discouraged. However, if you are legitimately a very strong student, particularly with verifiable distinction in math and science, our merit-based review may prioritize your application even late in the season.

What now?

All Student Profiles will remain active. Deferred students who wish to reapply next year can continue to add information, particularly new distinctions earned in the coming year. This expanded Student Profile can then be the basis for reapplication next season, if that is your wish. Be frank, however, in reaiizing that any reapplication will again be merit based.