I got a 3!!!

[iironiic]

... Out of 120 points on this years Putnam Exam (Top 33%). I don't know if I should be happy about that or not haha. I was really confident that I scored at least 20 points, but I guess this year was one of the harder exams.

For those that are unfamiliar, the Putnam Math Exam is a 12 question exam given to undergraduates nationwide (in Canada and US). You have six hours. The median score is usually a 0 lmfao.

Last year I scored a 10 which was the (Top 50%). I guess that there is some improvement right? :3

Hopefully I'll do my best next year! I should probably work on math problems more often so I'll make that a habit! :3 Wish me luck? :3

[DossarLX ODI]

Re: I got a 3!!!

What type of math questions are even asked if you got a 3 out of 120? Sounds like some really long brutal test.

[iironiic]

Re: I got a 3!!!

What type of math questions are even asked if you got a 3 out of 120? Sounds like some really long brutal test.

Here was this year's (technically 2011's) exam:

http://amc.maa.org/a-activities/a7-problems/putnam/-pdf/2011.pdf

I was really confident with A4 and B2 since I have the right answers and am confident with my proofs. I guess it was not so convincing to the graders haha.

[8 Hour Whore]

Re: I got a 3!!!

I'm in Cal 4 atm and I don't even want to attempt this because if azn can only get a 3... I would get a -10

[Winrar]

Re: I got a 3!!!

(33th percentile)

[iironiic]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Bahahahahahaha fixed. Man I am so stupid today... first I don't know what a love triangle is, and now this? xD

[Bluearrowll]

Re: I got a 3!!!

This has been advertised in a few universities around the city by math societies - mainly because after you attempt this test, succeeding tests will seem much easier. LOL

I now dub you
Wilson XXXIII

[Breakdown16]

Re: I got a 3!!!

I've heard about this competition a couple times before and it seems extremely challenging. How much math background is usually recommended before taking the test?

[dag12]

Re: I got a 3!!!

It's an extremely difficult proof-based test. Kinda like the USAMO or IMO, but harder. (though those are for the high school kids haha.. Good times)
Also, I'm confused how 50th percentile -> 33rd percentile is improvement haha. Or maybe my sarcasm detector is broken.
Grats though! I took the test too

[Breakdown16]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Quoted from here. Doesn't seem too descriptive as to number of courses/years of experience, but it does mention at the end a few of the topics covered...though it doesn't really say to what extent.

The examination will be constructed to test originality as well as technical competence. It is expected that the contestant will be familiar with the formal theories embodied in undergraduate mathematics. It is assumed that such training, designed for mathematics and physical science majors, will include somewhat more sophisticated mathematical concepts than is the case in minimal courses. Thus the differential equations course is presumed to include some references to qualitative existence theorems and subtleties beyond the routine solution devices. Questions will be included that cut across the bounds of various disciplines, and self-contained questions that do not fit into any of the usual categories may be included. It will be assumed that the contestant has acquired a familiarity with the body of mathematical lore commonly discussed in mathematics clubs or in courses with such titles as “survey of the foundations of mathematics.” It is also expected that the self-contained questions involving elementary concepts from group theory, set theory, graph theory, lattice theory, number theory, and cardinal arithmetic will not be entirely foreign to the contestant’s experience.

[iironiic]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Also, I'm confused how 50th percentile -> 33rd percentile is improvement haha. Or maybe my sarcasm detector is broken.
Grats though! I took the test too

I don't know haha! That's why I'm not too happy about my 3 xD. Do you know what you got? I'm sure you did better than me!

And there isn't really any required classes to take for this exam. It is more like an extracurricular activity haha. It is suggested to take as many math classes though.

[Mau5]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Here was this year's (technically 2011's) exam:

http://amc.maa.org/a-activities/a7-problems/putnam/-pdf/2011.pdf

I was really confident with A4 and B2 since I have the right answers and am confident with my proofs. I guess it was not so convincing to the graders haha.

Wrong link, that was to a foreign language exam
Fix please

Lmao kidding nice job regardless though dude

[Breakdown16]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Ha ha, I think I saw qqwref on the list of award recipients. Congrats!

And congrats to iironiic and dag12 for even taking it...really seems out of my league once I looked over the problems. Kind of scary knowing the median is zero...

[MyRoseTearsBlood]

Re: I got a 3!!!

In before Rubix takes the test blindfolded.

[Bluearrowll]

Re: I got a 3!!!

Also, I'm confused how 50th percentile -> 33rd percentile is improvement haha. Or maybe my sarcasm detector is broken.
Grats though! I took the test too

The 50th percentile means you placed in the top 50% of the people who took the test. the 33rd percentile means you placed in the top 33% of the people who took the test. Therefore, being in the top half to the top third is in fact an improvement.