Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010 - (Page 42)

one step ahead Crossing the Pond in the summer before my senior year in high school, at a program called Canada/Usa mathcamp, i made friends with several students who were interested in the University of Cambridge in england. i knew Cambridge had a good math department, and since i planned to apply to about 10 Us schools, i thought, “Why not give Cambridge a shot, too?” the more i learned about Cambridge, the more i liked it. the undergraduate degree is focused; you apply to study in your major instead of deciding it later (although you have the option to change later). You take courses only in your subject, so a math major would take only math and some theoretical physics. during high school, i had taken history, spanish, and other courses that typically fulfill general education requirements at the University of maryland, Baltimore County. though i enjoyed those classes, i felt that a focus on math would be a bonus. i also liked that homework is evaluated and discussed in 1:1 or 2:1 supervisions with a lecturer, professor, or research fellow. this gives students the opportunity to interact with professional mathematicians and receive individualized feedback. and because the degree takes only three years, i would earn my Ba sooner. By the time i completed my application in october, i wasn’t just giving it a shot. i was seriously considering Cambridge for college. in november i received an invitation to a series of interviews—in england! for this next step in the application process, i flew to Cambridge in early december. it felt like a fairy tale. Cambridge University comprises 31 colleges, where students from a variety of disciplines live and socialize. the red-brick college i stayed in, girton College, was nearly 150 years old. its archways and well-kept gardens gave it a certain elegance, and the dining hall looked like something out of harry Potter. i enjoyed meeting several of the college fellows during my three interviews there. by Cathy Cannizzo in January, i made it to the next step, an offer conditional on my passing a mathematics exam set by Cambridge. i was proctored for the test in maryland at the end of June, and in august i learned that i passed the exam, and hence was accepted by the university. While i was thrilled, i had also been accepted to some great Us colleges, so i had a difficult decision to make: the Us or UK? my parents would support either decision, so i researched everything i could think of to help me choose—extracurricular activities, location, math opportunities—but there were benefits either way. in the end, i decided on Cambridge. two years later, it’s been an excellent fit. the mathematics program is rigorous and rewarding. i’ve loved my courses, activities, and independent lifestyle. i have taken classes from famous mathematicians, and i’ve enjoyed spending afternoons going over notes or having supervisions in the department, the Centre for mathematical sciences. outside of academics, i’ve sung in a large choir, taken ballet classes, and performed in several piano concerts, as well as met wonderful students from all over the world. i experienced some of the famous Cambridge traditions, such as punting on the Cam river and attending formal dinners with members of the college— including the mistress, the head of the college—where our academic black gowns are required. my reasons for choosing Cambridge have all been affirmed. even now, on the plane ride across the pond, i’m excited about another year of study. i Cathy Cannizzo is in her third and ﬁnal undergraduate year as a mathematics major at the University of cambridge. She has danced ballet pre-professionally and professionally, and enjoys playing classical piano. in the future, she hopes to continue on to graduate school, either overseas or in the US. 42 imagine nov/dec 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010
Contents
Big Questions
In My Own Words
Inside the Ropes
Get Your Hands Dirty!
The Bone Reader
The Science of Archaeology
A Window to the Past
History and Archaeology in the News
National History Day
Dig This!
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Taking the Leap
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2010