At Boston University’s Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, I spent six weeks exploring number theory through proof-based problem sets and collaborative inquiry. For six weeks at 744 Commonwealth Avenue, alongside roughly 90 students and a staff of mathematicians, there were no lectures and no worked examples — just conjectures, failed proofs, office-hour arguments, and theorems we proved and presented ourselves. The experience made sustained mathematical discovery part of my daily routine.
What I’ll carry forward
- Six-week immersive number theory program on BU's campus
- Admitted on a proof-based problem set of eight open-ended questions
- Lecture-free pedagogy: students discover, prove, and defend results daily
- Built collaboration and mathematical research skills with ~90 motivated peers