Any undergraduate who has taken at least one course
with mathematical proofs is eligible to apply
for the DRP. We encourage anyone who is interested in learning
more about math - whether it’s a specific topic or just wanting
to know how mathematicians think - to apply to the DRP. We
do not care if you are going to pursue math in
the future or not. We do want you to be committed to the program
for the whole semester. Since a typical student spends around 4
hours a week on the DRP, if you are taking a heavy course load,
please ask yourself before applying if you have the time and
energy for an extra project.
Applications
are open at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.
Before applying please read over the expectation sheet carefully. In the
application form, you will be asked to fill out which courses
you have taken (we do not care about grades).
This will help us know if you are prepared for the DRP and to
match you effectively with a project. One of the most important
aspects of the application is the statement of interest, so
please take some time to consider what you will say. Previous
participants of the DRP are encouraged to apply again; however,
applicants who have never participated will be given preference.
We are always looking for graduate student mentors to participate in the DRP. We do not encourage first year graduate students to be mentors unless they are placing out of a couple courses - we prefer you focus on your course work and become a mentor later. If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact the DRP organizers. Also, look out for an e-mail from us. A few weeks before each semester we will be sending out an e-mail asking for mentor participants. At this time you are asked to come up with a project - this includes a subject for a project plus a book or paper to follow plus a brief description for any undergraduate students applying. If you are having trouble coming up with a project you may look at the past projects or go to Kassar 205 where the DRP library is and browse the books we own for inspiration. A list of books in the DRP library is here.