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University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) (Minneapolis, MN)

UMTYMP provides a challenging alternative for Minnesota’s talented mathematics students in grades 6-12. The highly accelerated courses are specially designed to provide these students with an intense academic experience that will stimulate their mathematical interest and abilities. The program, offered through the University of Minnesota School of Mathematics Center for Educational Programs (MathCEP), is partially supported by an appropriation from the State of Minnesota. Students currently in grades 5-7 are identified and recommended by their schools as eligible for entering UMTYMP at the Algebra level. The University of Minnesota also offers an affiliated Saturday Enrichment program.

Comments

Parent on 2/18/2015
My son is a high school junior, and has attended UMTYMP for the past five years. He also attended the pre-UMTYMP Saturday enrichment program at the U of M since third grade. UMTYMP is extremely challenging and is not for everyone. This program is meant for the cream of the crop of Minnesota math students, and if a student isn't ready for this level of rigor, it won't take very long for that to become apparent. The time commitment is very demanding. If students are willing to do the hard work the rewards are incredible. We are only now seeing the opportunities that are starting to come his way, and it is very exciting. If you are thinking AP or IB classes are the same thing, they are not even close. UMTYMP is the highest level of AP math class you can take, and it continues for five years. In the end UMTYMP has been one of the best decisions we have made for our son's education. The professors and staff are great and work hard to make UMTYMP students successful during and after UMTYMP. By the way, the entrance exam is 50 college level algebra questions to be completed in 20 minutes, plus there is an essay portion as well. The test is usually taken in fifth or sixth grade or potentially as late as seventh. Students must begin the UMTYMP program no later than eighth grade because the length of the program is five years, and UMTYMP must be completed by the time they finish high school.
Parent on 1/30/2013
As a parent of a former UMTYMP "graduate" I would like to say, "thank you!" My son was able to graduate from college in three years vs. 4 or sometimes the more normal 5 year plan. He is now a very successful "member of society" working in the Silicon Valley. Over and over again, he has been told at the ripe old age of 25, that the opportunities he has been afforded have been because of his amazing math background. This happened in large part because of UMTYMP. So, even though as a parent sitting and waiting patiently in the freezing cold for him to finish class, sometimes wondering if this would all be worth it, in the end, the answer is a resounding YES. Thank you, UMTYMP!!
Student on 10/23/2012
I am a Sophomore in high school who is taking the UMTYMP Calc III this year. Like many of the other people said, I was never challenged before and this provided a great opportunity for me. Of course, I believed they have cut back slightly on the heavy workload (in an attempt to keep so many from dropping out) the course is still very rigorous and definitely at college honors level. I am proud to say that I have managed A's throughout, but this was no easy task at all. Yet, it's not like I've given up a social life or anything.....it goes to be shown that UMTYMP will not over power your life, but it will allow faster working students to work at the pace they are capable of in order to achieve more in a lesser amount of time.
Parent on 3/26/2010
I am a parent with a son who has been in the UMTYMP Program for 3 years now. If you are self motivate and able to pick up topics quickly, then the program is for you. If you are a student (or have a kid) who needs to be prodded to do homework, then this program is not for them. It moves fast, about 3 weeks of regular paced High School Math is covered each week.
Student on 1/2/2010
I think anyone that works hard, loves math, and is well rounded should take the UMTYMP test. And if you pass the test your probably able to handle the classes. I've been in UMTYMP for years and my brother has too. We both have been getting good grades even though it's hard. GO MATH!!!!
Student on 8/20/2008
I just finished my first year and it was challenging, but it was worth it knowing that I was ahead of everybody. That feeling is great :]
Student on 4/16/2008
I am a current student and this is a really good math program.
Student on 9/24/2007
The UMTYMP program is an excellent resource for students who would otherwise remain unchallenged at the aloof pace of their average high school mathematics programs. It is especially tailored to high school students in a college environment, so there is supervision, but allows students to begin to experience "college life." In addition, there are resources within the program for applying to the best schools in the nation.
Other on 7/8/2006
Beginning in the 2nd grade, my school (a very expensive private school, I might add) struggled to find a mathematics curriculum for me. After many disastrous attempts, I started with UMTYMP in 7th grade. Finally, I had an environment in which I was challenged but not overwhelmed. In addition, it helped me socially to have the opportunity to interact with so many other gifted math students - I felt like less of an outcast! I unreservedly endorse UMTYMP; it not only helped me get the math education I needed, but helped me to understand myself a little better.
Other on 3/9/2006
UMPTYMP was hard but it reaps big rewards. Of the five students who went through Calculus III with me at the Rochester site, 3 are at graduating from MIT, 1 from Stanford, and myself from Columbia. So buckle down and do it.
Student on 6/1/2005
I went through the whole UMTYMP sequence a few years ago, and I sometimes regret it. With 2 hours of class and 8 hours of homework a week, you're basically teaching yourself math. This worked well for me up to Calculus, but not after that. It's nice to get college credits, but I think that even for most "geniuses" it's better to wait until college to learn calculus, so you get more out of it.
Student on 10/18/2004
I'm also in the program and I feel it is much more beneficial to me than my school program which it okay too. Classes are only once a week and what would be days and days of class time is compressed into one class. We usually cover 1/2 a chapter each class session.
Student on 7/5/2004
I'm currently in this program and it's great. It's taught by some of the greatest instructors out there, I believe my Algebra I/II teacher graduated from Harvard.
Parent on 5/19/2004
While I have not used this program, many have recommend it highly. Since Minnesota does not mandate gifted services, it is nice that some colleges provide enrichment opportunities.
Parent on 3/11/2004
This resource is very beneficial to Minnesota students interested in mathematics, who gain a supportive peer group and attention from faculty members.
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