How to get into UMTYMP

How To Get Into UMTYMP

Congratulations!!! You are preparing for one of the most coveted programs in Minnesota. It will be tough but you can crack the entrance exam if you follow these tips and study hard.

Background INFO

UMTYMP (University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program) is an advanced program for students who are skilled and want to go at a faster pace in math. The first two years cover the typical high school math courses (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calc) and the next three years are more Calculus. To get an idea of the pace UMTYMP goes at, you should know that they usually cover a chapter in one or two weeks. You should like math if you want to be in this program. If you despise math, this is probably not for you.

About The Test

You have two chances to take the test in 5th, 6th, and 7th grade. You can take it once in April and once in February. There is also a test prep session which you have the option to go to. The February exam is for the people testing for the first time. The acceptance rate is about 16–17% but don’t let these numbers scare you. The test is in a quantitative comparison format. You get 25 min to complete 50 questions. There are usually 3–4 word problems at the end which you get extra time for. There is also an essay portion. The essay is used as a tiebreaker. The best resource I can recommend to you is the 501 quantitative comparisons book. This book will teach you about the format of the test and it will also provide you the syllabus. The book has 501 questions and doing it two times will really help you. Here’s the link to the pdf of the book.

https://hchs.henryk12.net/ourpages/auto/2017/8/23/57395227/501QuantitativeComparisonQuestions.PDF

Study Plan

Now I will share with you the study plan you can follow and the study plan I followed to get into UMTYMP. You should start studying in September or even during the summer. The latest you should start studying is during winter break in December. For this test, you need to understand the concepts of Pre-Algebra.

Syllabus:

Arithmetic

■ Absolute Value ■ Decimals ■ Exponents and Square Roots ■ Fractions ■ Integers ■ Ordering and the Real Number Line ■ Percent ■ Ratio

Algebra

■ Applications ■ Coordinate Geometry ■ Inequalities ■ Operations with Algebraic Expressions ■ Rules of Exponents ■ Solving Linear Equations ■ Solving Quadratic Equations in One Variable ■ Translating Words into Algebraic Expressions

Geometry

■ Circles ■ Lines and Angles ■ Polygons ■ Quadrilaterals ■ Three-Dimensional Figures ■ Triangles

Data Analysis

■ Counting ■ Sequences ■ Data Representation and Interpretation ■ Frequency Distributions ■ Measures of Central Tendency ■ Measures of Dispersion ■ Probability

(This syllabus is also included in the 501 quantitative comparison book)

Learning Plan

• Start by creating a Khan Academy Account. Khan Academy is a free website.
• Next, finish the arithmetic and basic geometry course. It might be easy for some of you so just work on speed and calculating quickly. If it isn’t easy for you, don’t worry. Just learn the concepts because that is most important.
• Start the Pre-Algebra Course. If you are not sure about the concepts, you can watch the videos. Work on finishing and understanding the concepts in this course. This is very important and make sure that you are actually learning. Do every lesson, quiz, and test.
• Finish pre-algebra and start working on Algebra Basics.
• Finish algebra basics. Start the arithmetic section of the 501 questions book. Try your best and check your answers after you finish. Read the explanations.
• Do the algebra section of the 501 questions book. Check your answers and read the explanation.
• Do the geometry section of the 501 questions book. Check answers and read explanations.
• Do the data analysis section of the 501 sections book. Check answers and read explanations.
• If you don’t understand a concept, go back to Khan Academy and learn it.

Review plan

• Do the 501 questions book again but this time practice by timing yourself. For example do 20 problems and put 10 minutes on the clock. Or you can do all the odd problems in the geometry section. Just keep practicing with the 501 questions book.
• Here are link to practice quizzes. Try to time yourself when doing these.

https://studyres.com/doc/7904798/umtymp-mock-test-2

https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=mock-test-1b

GRE Math Quantitative Comparisons

Essay Portion

• The essay portion is nothing serious. It is just used for tiebreakers
• You should be answering the questions honestly. Your parents should not be answering the questions for you
• These are the types of question asked in the essay portion:

1. What is the main reason YOU would like to participate in UMTYMP?

2. Complete the following sentence: I am interested in studying mathematics because…

3. List any/all special mathematics experiences you have had.

Final Tips

• Look for the fastest way to complete each problem
• If you can, sign up for the practice test so you can get a feel for the real exam.
• Try to not look at the clock too much. That will waste time and get you stressed out.
• NEVER STOP WORKING during the test
• If you have time check your work
• If you don’t have time, GUESS because there is still a chance of getting the question right
• If you don’t get in, you can always try again

Good Luck!