The second test is Mathematics Proofs, Models and Problems. This test has only 4 questions that you have one hour to complete. Two questions are computational problems; one is a proof (usually geometrical) and one model problem. Each question on the exam I took had three to six sub questions. In this exam they are focused not only on seeing if you can solve the problem, but that you can articulate the processes you used and show a clear understanding of the questions. Because this test is so short one of its main challenges is just being able to complete the test in the time allotted. 
        When taking these tests it is important to remember that they are a stepping stone to your goal of becoming a successful math teacher. They can be stressful and challenging but it is all just a part of the process. Just a reminder for those of you in your first three years of undergraduate studies who want to be teachers, just because you are done with a class does not mean you are done with the material. I recommend keeping textbooks and other study aids to help you when you need to refresh your knowledge on certain subjects. If you have any other questions regarding testing contact the College of Education or visit the Praxis web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Good luck to all!

 
       Outside of class, I feel like I must have been laughing nearly the entire month, even though I spent most of the time doing homework. We were assigned to study with the same group of four throughout the program, and by the end of the month, my group had bonded so much that we made t-shirts to commemorate the good times we had - like when we got all wrapped up in yarn trying to figure out how many times a knot crossed itself. I made friends with some really cool math girls there, and we still keep in contact today.
       Besides the mathematical and social benefits, the program is a great deal. It's not only free to those who get to go, but it also provides free travel, free lodging (in a very nice upper-level dorm), free food (yes, that's right, free food), and at the end of the program, participants are awarded a stipend of $1000. 
       Carleton College has a beautiful campus. The math building is nearly brand new with an entire computer lab for math students, and a sky-lighted study room. Northfield is equally darling, with a small population and a main street full of cozy coffee shops.
       So ladies, if you feel like learning some very cool math, creating lasting friendships with female math majors from around the country, and earning some money at the same time, I would definitely recommend applying to this program. You can learn more information at their website: http://www.mathcs.carleton.edu/smp/. Also, please feel free to email me at kheim@gladstone.uoregon.edu. I would love to answer any questions about the program that you may have. 

by Krista Heim

       In the summer of 2003, I attended a four-week intensive math program for undergraduate women at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Each year, about 30 undergraduate sophomore and junior women from around the country are accepted to this program as an effort to increase the percentage of women who go on to study math at the graduate level. 
       Mathematically, the program was invigorating. We had two professors, Tina Garrett, who regularly teaches at Carleton College, and Erica Flappan, who was a guest from Pomona College of the Claremont Colleges. Tina taught us introductory combinatorics, and Erica taught us introductory topology and knot theory, and I can honestly say that those classes have been the most entertaining math classes I have ever taken.