Modern Mathematics - International Summer School for Students

Application Information

Participation Details

Participation Requirements

Important dates

  January 31     First application round closes
  from March 14     Notification of accepted participants

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the electronic application system. When you apply, be prepared to submit the following documents and answer the following questions. Technical hints are given further below.

Personal data

English Language Skills

Participants need to have a working knowledge of English. Please convince us of your English language skills: either by proof that the language of instruction (in your mathematics courses) at your school/university is English, or by scores in the TOEFL test (or similar), or by a letter from your English teacher. If your native language is English or if you are at an English-speaking high school or university, please document that to us.

Information about yourself and your mathematical interests

Selection of participants will be based to a large extend on their mathematical interests and background. Please take your time and think carefully about answering the following questions.

  1. Personal Statement: Explain us in a few words who you are and what are your motivations to attend our summer school.
  2. Three Problems: Describe two or three mathematical problems that you find the most interesting. Please explain clearly what these problem are, and why they do interest you. (We expect to read here about problems that you can fully or almost fully understand, and not about famous conjectures.)
  3. A proof: Is there a mathematical proof that you fully understand which impressed you because it is beautiful or unexpected? Which one, and why?
  4. Courses: Describe one or two courses you have taken recently. What were the main theorems (at most three)?
  5. Books, videos, and websites: Which mathematical books you have read/studied recently in some depth? Do you follow any mathematical website or blog? Have you been watching mathematical videos recently? By your own estimate: how well have you understood the material?
  6. Topics: Describe a few mathematical topics that you understand well. Which of them would you like to investigate further?
  7. Topics to learn: Specify a few mathematical topics about which you do not know much, but which you would like to learn. Do you have any plans to do so?
  8. Scientific activities: During the last two years, did you participate in any scientific activities, summer schools, math camps, etc.? If yes, please describe the experience you had: what were the courses you attended? How well did you understand the subject?
    Do you organize running seminars to learn new subjects? Have you ever given a “public” talk to other students like you? If the answer is yes, what was it about?
  9. Mathematical events: Did you participate in any mathematical events (national or international)? If yes: which were your favorites? What are the results you obtained during the last two years (in case of competitions)? This is not required, just in order to know more about you.
  10. Publications: We are aware that at your age, very few of you have already published. Just in case, if you have any mathematics-related publications, please, give exact internet references or attach electronic copies. (Not required.)
  11. You and the world of research: Is there a recent theorem or open conjecture that you have heard of and that you find particularly exciting? Please explain. (Not required.)

Recommendations

We request at least one, better two recommendations from someone who can write about your mathematical abilities and how you would do at such an international summer school (teacher, professor, olympiad coach). This recommendation should state who the recommender is and how well he or she knows you. This letter must be submitted through the electronic application system by the recommender or be sent separately to us. Please note that we generally will not read more than two recommendation letters per applicant.

Letters of recommendation must be in English.

Technical Information

The application system is hosted by the European Campus of Excellence (ECE). ECE organizes various programs, typically for Master and PhD students, so there are questions that will not apply to you. In particular, you may completely ignore the five items listed under “Please prepare the following PDF documents”; instead, follow the steps listed below.
  1. Apply an account
    When you go to the electronic application system, you will first need to provide your email address. You will receive an account password by email immediately. Upon first login, please complete your profile information.
  2. Select the program
    Go to “Application > Create New Application > Bremen 2015”
  3. Fill in personal and administrative information
  4. Enter the names of your recommenders
    You can enter the names and email addresses of up to three recommenders (at least one is required). The recommenders will then receive instructions on uploading their letters by email. We accept letters by regular mail or by fax; however, we strongly suggest using electronic submission via the application system whenever possible.
  5. Complete the MOMISSS program questionnaire
    Once the application form is complete, you can proceed upload the answers to the 11 application questions above and your English language certificate (if necessary).
Using your login, you can always go back and update your application, add a new recommender, or withdraw from the application process if necessary.