BEAM 7 Welcome Lunch: hear from our alumni!

How has BEAM helped you grow?

Before the summer, we invite students and their families to learn more about the program. After a presentation about BEAM, we turn the day over to our alumni, who are the highlight of the event!

Here are some of the quotes from our alumni at family lunches this April!

Question: How did you feel about going to a math summer program?

“I was a little scared at first to do all math, but was nice to be around people who also loved math. Being at college gave me independence.”

— Ariel, 11th grade, Midwood High School at Brooklyn College

“I was so full of wonder being on campus with trees and open space. I was really excited to take college classes. I bragged to friends at home about it.”

— Angelina, 12th grade, East Side Community High School

Question: Were you excited to go to BEAM before it started? Or were any of you forced to go by your parents?

“I was forced to go, but BEAM quickly felt like a second home and didn’t want to leave. I love to reminisce with other BEAM students at my high school.”

— Rashik, 10th grade, Bard High School Early College

“I was excited to go to BEAM. Math was boring for me in seventh grade and I was glad to work on math I had never seen before.”

— Malachi, 11th grade, Brooklyn Technical High School

“I was forced to go by my mom, but I’m glad I was. The program was much more fun than I expected.”

— Gabe, 8th grade, Great Oaks Charter School

Question: How did BEAM help you after the summer?

“BEAM helped me apply and attend math programs every summer after BEAM: MathPath in 2014 and Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp at Texas State in 2015, 2016, & 2017. BEAM has helped me study for the SHSAT, the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests, and a whole lot more. [BEAM] does a lot actually... they have everything. You just need to talk to them and ask for help.”

— Malachi, 11th grade, Brooklyn Technical High School

“After BEAM 7, they helped me go to the Center for Talented Youth, where I took engineering classes for two summers, and now I do clubs at school like robotics.”

— Mayra, 10th grade, University Heights High School

7th graders! Welcome to BEAM. We're so excited to see where BEAM can take you.

BEAM 8th Graders Visit NYC Google Headquarters!

Ever wondered what Google, one of the top multinational technology companies in the world, is like? Our 8th graders got the chance!

This past Friday afternoon, our 8th graders visited the Google NYC headquarters to learn about what working for Google is like. They learned about "Math and Google," Software engineering and Time Complexity Theory! They then took a tour of the building and asked a panel of Googlers some thought-provoking questions. 

Software Engineering was presented by Luis. He assists in developing software to help run Google as a company.

With Luis, students learned how to simulate IP networks. They sent each other "human messages" using IP addresses!

"Math at Google" was presented by Paul. He works with Gmail and uses mathematical equations to make email sorting easier for users!

"Time Complexity Theory: How Fast can a Computer Solve Problems?" was presented by Kenechi. Kenechi is a software engineer who taught our students how computers use Logarithmic Notation to solve problems. 

BEAM students then took a tour of the Google building. They learned the history of the building and the significance of room names (they're all named after NYC landmarks!) They were able to see the game room, which allows Googlers to take a mental break from working in order to help stimulate their brains for more creative ideas. They saw the Google kitchen which allows Googlers to have a well-balanced meal for lunch and provides snacks for when they need them. Google is an awesome place to work at! Employees even travel around in scooters because hallways are so long!

Take a look at these pictures for proof !!

The day at Google ended with a panel discussion. BEAM students asked thought provoking questions to 4 Googlers: Paul Cheong, Justin Venezuela, Molly Alter and Kenechi Ufondu.

Examples of questions were: "What advice would you give to me pursuing a career revolving around my love of math?" "What kind of mathematics is used at Google?" "How does it feel like to be apart of such a large company?" "Is this your dream job?" The panelists were amazing and honest. They provided our students with great insight on what it is like to work for Google.

We hope to see some of our alumni working at Google in the next 10 to 20 years! 

Admissions Week

It's Admissions Week!  Our BEAM 7 admissions decisions go out tomorrow and our BEAM 6 decisions follow next Friday.

One of the most interesting aspects of BEAM 7 for 2017 is that we are, for the first time ever, admitting many students we already know -- alumni of BEAM 6! All BEAM 7 applicants take our admissions challenge, featuring problems similar to those detailed in the New York Times feature about BEAM and BEAM 6 -- problems that test thinking without relying too heavily on background knowledge. Promising candidates new to BEAM are also invited to an interview to get to know the student and to get to know their mathematical skills by doing problems together.

Our BEAM 6 alums, however, skipped the interviews: we already know them! Instead, they were asked to submit applications to allow us to gauge what they gained from BEAM 6, why they want to attend BEAM 7, and how BEAM can help them reach their goals. Here are some of our favorite responses:

Camila

Anthony

Ivy

Serigne

Lismary

David

Thays

Emyr

We are thrilled to have 28 BEAM 6 alumni among the students coming to Bard College for BEAM 7 this summer, and to admit 54 student who are new to us as well! Congratulations to all!

High School Placements, a First Draft

This month, BEAM students found out where they will be attending high school.  We are pleased to announce that, so far, 42% of our 8th graders have been admitted to highly selective high schools and 61% have been admitted to selective high schools.  At this point, 79% will be attending "trusted" schools, which meet BEAM's minimum standards for college preparation. We say "at this point" because every year a few students are undermatched in the process. We are currently working with students who were not admitted to high schools that meet our standards to make sure that they can navigate the appeals process and find a good fit for the next four years.

BEAM will have students attending:*

• Bard High School Early College (8)
• Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (6)
• Brooklyn Technical High School (4)
• Stuyvesant (3)
• University Heights High School (3)
• Bronx High School for Science (2)
• The Beacon School (2)
• Midwood High School (2)
• Pace High School (2)
• A. Philip Randolph (2) 
• The Cate School
• NEST+m 
• Staten Island Tech
• Manhattan/Hunter Science High School
• Baccalaureate School of Global Education
• LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
• Medgar Evers College Preparatory School
• Academy for Software Engineering 
• Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics
• Urban Assembly Maker Academy

*This doesn’t count everyone with great results to share! Four students are still deciding between great options, like one student deciding between Bronx Science and Bard High School Early College. 

Congratulations are also in order to two 9th graders who are transferring to even stronger high schools.  In the fall, Chuka will be attending Brooklyn Tech and Ezelle will be attending High School of Math, Science, and Engineering at City College. 

Congratulations everyone!

BEAM Alumni Focus Group

How do we help BEAM alumni?  How can we do better?

BEAM has been running for 6+ years, long enough to have alumni in college and to have grown enormously as a program. As we move past our first 5 years and well into our first decade, we want to know what our students value about BEAM and what else we can do for them.

This month, we convened our first in a series of focus groups of alumni (with separate parent series coming later).

Here's what they had to say!

“The best part of BEAM is Office Hours! I had a new teacher for English, and I needed to learn how to write better. And I was in a way harder math class than before. And I felt more comfortable asking “stupid” questions here at BEAM than I did in school.
I wish I had more help knowing how to study.”

— Aishat, 11th grade, Brooklyn Friends School

“Last summer, I attended BEAM College Prep, which was so helpful. I didn’t really understand financial aid. I took notes on financial aid and I didn’t understand them but then I would refer back to these notes when I did my paperwork. And I heard about special circumstances for undocumented students, how they apply, and I was able to turn around and help my friends. At BEAM College Prep, we picked target, reach, safety schools. Starting my essay during the summer also really helped, being able to brainstorm and refine my ideas. My essay turned out bomb. ”

— Angelina, 12th grade, East Side Community High School

“BEAM was the first time I was away from home. Getting to live at Bard College in BEAM 2013 made college feel real for me.”

— Christian, 11th grade, Bard High School Early College

“My high school has had one graduating class, so they don’t always know how to help us with college applications. Teachers try to help, but it’s not enough. Last year, students didn’t get the financial aid forms in on time because no one told them what to do. This year, there are 12th graders who were told to apply to only CUNYs and that’s it.
BEAM helped me apply to all kinds of programs that will enable me to navigate college applications: Questbridge, F&M College Prep, LEDA. And then I take that information back and help my classmates.
”

— Faith, 11th grade, Comprehensive Model School Project

“I screwed up in 8th grade and didn’t put Bard on my list (HS application, Round 1 form), so Bard wanted to accept me but the Department of Education couldn’t match me with my dream high school. BEAM took me to a family enrollment center to get a form and fix it. ”

— Felix, 10th grade, Bard High School Early College

“I knew nothing about high school, and neither did my mom because she’s not from here. I had trouble knowing which HS was right for me and BEAM helped.”

— Mariam, 8th grade, IS 77

“In my HS, there is only 1 guidance counselor for 150 students. She has to write all the letters of recommendations for all the 12th graders and she doesn’t know us because she’s the guidance counselor for 12th graders only.
BEAM knows me and is able to give college advice that’s just right for me. BEAM helped me refine my college list, figuring out what was best for me strategically, which one would give the most money, or where you’re likely to get accepted.”

— Taylor, 12th grade, Manhattan/Hunter Science High School

Students also gave feedback on their favorite and least favorite events, how to stay in touch, and what help they still need. 

Aishat: you're in luck. We are adding a week-long HS transition class in August to teach study skills before students start 9th and 10th grade. Mariam already said she will be there!  And thanks to Angelina and Taylor who agreed to form a 12th grade committee to plan our graduation party. 

We can't wait to see what other focus groups will turn up!

AMC 8 Results

As you may recall, students took the AMC 8 contest back in November, and we wanted to report on how they did!

The AMC 8 is a 25 question contest, and it's quite challenging.  This year, 108,295 students nationwide took the contest.  The median (middle) student scored 9 -- just over a third of the questions answered correctly!  To score in the top 25% percentile, students had to score at least 12.  Only 90 students across the world got a perfect score. 

Of the 11 BEAM students who took the contest, seven scored above 9 questions correct, putting them above the nationwide average.  Good work, everyone!  We are particularly impressed by Agata, whose score of 20 puts her the top 5% nationwide, and one question away from making the honor roll. BEAM is sure this a sign of future success yet to come.  

Winter Party 2016

Each year, we invite all BEAM alumni and staff back together for a winter party of board games, pizza, music, and time together. It's so nice to have our BEAM family back in the same place, spending time together. 

This year, as a fun extra treat, we also set up a photo booth for alumni and staff. Check out all the portraits we captured!

From all the BEAM staff, we wish you a happy holiday season and a happy new year!

Center for Talented Youth Admissions Results

On Saturday, December 3, 35 BEAM students took the admissions test for Center for Talented Youth (CTY).  CTY offers students three-week summer programs in math, science, English, and humanities, provided they score well either the math or verbal section of an admissions exam (the SCAT). 

This week, we found out that an unprecedented 29 students passed the test, qualifying to take either math or verbal courses, or both!  Next summer, they could take courses ranging from Discrete Math to Astronomy to Philosophy.  CTY's summer programs normally cost about $4000, but their exemplary financial aid means that the median BEAM students pays only $100 to attend. 

Congratulations to Crystal, Xavier, Ari, Gustavo, Stephanie, Luis, Dakota, Leny, Grace and 20 other students who have opened a door to the next opportunity!  We are so proud of you all.

Getting on track for 8th grade: High School Information Session

This Saturday, 45 8th graders and their families joined BEAM to hear about high schools, how to apply, and also to hear the perspectives of BEAM students now in high school.  At the end of the event, students went home with personalized recommendations for which high schools to apply to as well as a calendar of next steps. 

Missed the event?  Here's some information and advice from our high school BEAM students. 

“BEAM suggested that I apply to NEST+m because I was studying for the SHSAT and the exams are similar. I ended up not getting into any specialized schools, but I did get into NEST+m. I have just finished two weeks there and I like it. Everyone is friendly. You can go up to an 11th grader and ask a question and they will help you.”

— Adrianne, 9th grade, NEST+m

“I first studied for the SHSAT during my summer at BEAM. I ended up being accepted into Bronx Science and Bard High School Early College and chose Bronx Science. There was some culture shock when I first arrived, but it’s absolutely the right school for me. ”

— Andy, 11th grade, Bronx Science

“BEAM exposed me to high schools I had never heard of. I went to visit Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) with BEAM. In the end, I got into both Brooklyn Tech and BHSEC. BEAM helped me make a decision and I went with BHSEC, which is the best choice I ever made.”

— Lennin, 10th grade, BHSEC

“I went to the Citywide High School Fair with BEAM. They taught me how to shake hands and introduce myself. While there, I talked with the Assistant Principal of the Academy for Software Engineering (AFSE). I really liked her and the school, so I went to an Open House to learn more. I ended up ranking it first and got in. I like the school because of its community environment.”

— Mona, 11th grade, AFSE

You can read more about each of their high schools on InsideSchools:

• Academy for Software Engineering
• Bard High School Early College
• Bronx Science
• NEST+m

8th graders?  Interested in attending one of these schools?

• Next step for Academy for Software Engineering: sign up for their mailing list; then, attend an Open House
• Next step for Bard High School Early College: come to the essay writing workshop on October 1; then, take the admissions assessment with us on October 25
• Next step for Bronx Science: keep studying for the SHSAT and ask BEAM for help with that
• Next step for NEST+m: sign up for the entrance exam; we recommend the October 29 date, as it's exactly one week after the SHSAT

BEAM is here to help with high school!  Please reach out if you have any questions. 

High School Placements, a first draft

This month, BEAM students found out where they will be attending high school.  We are pleased to announce that, so far, 35% of our 8th graders will be attending highly selective high schools and 51% will be attending selective high schools.  We say "so far" because a number of students, due to extenuating circumstances and the logistics of the process, are still awaiting a high school placement and we hope those numbers will go up as students are settled.

BEAM will have students attending:

Bard High School Early College (10)
Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (6)
Brooklyn Technical High School (5)
The Beacon School (4)
NEST+m (3)
Academy for Software Engineering (3)
Bronx High School for Science (2)
University Heights High School (2)
High School of Math, Science, and Engineering at City College
LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies
Manhattan Village Academy
Pace High School
Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics
Hostos-Lincoln Academy of Science

Congratulations are also in order to three 9th graders who are transferring to even stronger high schools.  In the fall, Amanda will be attending Brooklyn Tech, Eric will be attending Manhattan Center, and Mayra will be attending University Heights. 

We are so proud of them all!