As Mu Alpha Theta (commonly referred to as MAƟ) began its practices on October 16, the club prepares for the numerous upcoming competitions that will start in January.

Each affiliate of MAƟ participates in one of four subjects: Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Calculus. Typically, ninth graders compete in Algebra 2, tenth graders compete in Precalculus, and eleventh and twelfth graders compete in Statistics or Calculus.

Competition dates begin in January of 2016, so MAƟ’s current focus is preparation. Each Friday, practices are held in Dr. Vong’s room, Mr. Dreilinger’s room, and Dr. Springfield’s room. During these practices, members retake tests from previous years. To improve their scores, they review the problems they missed and try to fix their mistakes. Using tests from previous years allows members to adapt to the structure of the test, which yields greater results.

Junior Aaron Zhang, secretary of MAƟ, says, “On Fridays we have practice and we’re preparing for the competitions next semester.”

MAƟ is surrounded by the stigma that you have to be brilliant in math in order to get in the club.

Zhang says, “Most people probably think you have to be a nerd to be in MAƟ […], but that’s not true. We have some fun days where we bring board games and just socialize.”

On the day of competitions, team tests and section tests are taken by members in the morning. Testing ends at noon, and usually by three in the afternoon results are revealed.

Zhang states, “We go in during the mornings to take the tests. While we wait for the results we usually hang out, eat, and play some games.”

Some students find math challenging and stressful, but that isn’t how Mu Alpha Theta members view the subject.

Freshman Srinija Cherivirala says, “I think [the club] is really friendly because we’re all in the same boat. We’re all taking higher level classes and we’re all dedicated to our studies. We’re [also] all competitive in some way. We just try to do the best we can.”

When the students compete they gain exposure to a plethora of opportunities. If the students place, then they would be able to put that on their resume to show colleges. Students would also be able to get scholarships for joining the club and being successful in it. For more information, students interested in Mu Alpha Theta should contact Dr. Vong.