To view the frequently asked questions, you may either scroll down and look at each one or select a question below:

  • Is there a fee for the BMC?
  • How do I apply and when do I come to the BMC?
  • How and when will I know if I'm accepted to the BMC?
  • Can I join the Circle now? I have already missed several sessions.
  • Am I advanced/prepared enough for the BMC?
  • I didn't get everything at the last session. Should I still keep coming?
  • What kind of sessions should I expect at the BMC?
  • How can parents get involved in helping the BMC?
  • How do I get to the BMC? Where is it, what time, etc?
  • I don't live in the Bay Area. Can I still attend the Berkeley Math Circle?
  • How can I donate to the Berkeley Math Circle?


  • Is there a fee for the BMC?
     
    Yes, there will be a fee of $150 per semester. The sponsors of the Berkeley Math Circle want to share responsibility for the Circle with those who benefited the most from its success. Thus, the parents last year decided to implement this fee. MSRI will be hosting a site here where you can securely pay online with your credit card. If you wish to pay with check, please address the check to "Mathematical Sciences Research Institute", and in the "Note" section at the bottom left of the check, clearly state the name of the student, the specific semester (Fall or Spring), and "...for the BMC". Donations are also very welcomed. You can either donate online through the same website as above, or with check following the same instructions.

  • How do I both apply and submit, and when do I come to the BMC?
    z
    You can apply and submit parental consent online by following the link "Apply for BMC" on your left. Alternatively, you can print out and fill out the application forms and consent forms under the link "Apply for BMC" on your left, bring them with you directly to the next BMC session, and submit them to the BMC assistant. Finally, you may choose to submit the forms through regular mail; the address to send them is also under "Apply for BMC". You don't need to wait for a response to the application; just come to the first BMC lecture you can make!

  • When and how will I know if I'm accepted to the BMC?
    z
    The BMC does not have selection procedures. It is open to all middle and high school students. =)

  • Can I join the Circle now? I've already missed several sessions.
    z
    You can join the BMC anytime during the school year. In general, the sessions and topics are independent of each other. Some sessions will be harder and some will be easier, depending on the instructor and the particular topic.

  • Am I advanced/prepared enough for the BMC?
    z
    No one knows until you try it out. =) The BMC participants' ages range from 4th to 12th grade, and their preparation, depth of math knowledge, and maturity vary greatly. We try to give suitable problems and materials to everyone.

  • I didn't get everything at the last session. Should I keep coming?
    z
    Yes, definitely! It often requires several years to become an experienced problem solver and to be comfortable with everything taught by the Circle. Thus, expect the first year to understand on average between 30% and 50% of everything said at the Circle, taking into account that the material covered is very advanced and non-traditional. 30% to 50% is actually quite a lot!


  • What kinds of sessions should I expect at the BMC?
    • z
    Anything from an interactive session where students solve problems individually or in groups to hardcore lectures similar to undergraduate courses: it all depends on the suitability of the topics and particular teaching styles of instructors. We hope that exposure to various learning styles will season the young students to what will come up in their college careers.


  • How can parents get involved in helping the BMC?
    • z
    Parents can help with various aspects of the circle, from providing refreshments during the circle breaks to helping organize the annual Christmas party, to helping with the overall organization or donating to the circle. For other ideas or more information on how parents can help, please contact Marc Whitlow at marc_whitlow@sbcglobal.net.


  • How do I get to the BMC? Where is it, what time, etc?
    • z

    The BMC is held on Tuesday evenings on the UC Berkeley campus. The sessions are being held in 101 Moffit on the UC Berkeley campus. (Click here for directions to Moffit.) It is advisable to come as early as possible, as Berkeley is notorious for difficult parking. After 5 or 5:30 pm, it is usually a bit easier to find parking, as many classes end around that time.

    For more information on parking, please visit the UC Berkeley Visitor Services Page or UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Page. A campus map of UC Berkeley can also be found at http://www.berkeley.edu/map/.


  • I don't live in the Bay Area. Can I still attend the Berkeley Math Circle?
    • z
    Unfortunately, no. The Berkeley Math Circle consists of live, in-person session for the kids living around the San Francisco Bay Area. If you're living out-of-state or in another country, we cannot accept you into the circle. However, there are may be another math circle set up in your local area. For a list and links to other math circles around the US, check out the "Links" section on the left. Also, you are free to take a look at any of the instructor notes from the past 9 years, as well as the monthly contests and solutions, both of which may be found under the "Circle Archives section on the left.

  • How can I donate to the Berkeley Math Circle?
    • z
    You can donate to the Berkeley Math Circle in a number of ways. One way is to donate to the Berkeley Math Circle is form the online payment form hosted by MSRI's website, which can be found here. For more information, please send an email to Marc Whitlow at marc_whitlow@sbcglobal.net.

    For further administrative questions, please send an email to our administrative assistant, David Wertheimer, at david.bmc2006@gmail.com.

    For further mathematical questions, please send an email to our program director, Zvezdelina Stankova, at stankova@berkeley.edu.

     

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