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The Formula for Success: How Gould’s Math Talent Ranks Among the Nation’s Best
Gould Academy students Richard Chen ’26 and Bruce Qiu ’27 have achieved a significant milestone in high school mathematics by qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). This places them among the top high school math students in the country and reflects their dedication to learning beyond the classroom.
The path to qualifying for the AIME begins with the American Mathematics Competition (AMC), a highly challenging test designed for advanced math students. Achieving a top score on the AMC and qualifying for the AIME is rare. Ajay Zutshi, their math teacher and advisor, likened the accomplishment to scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT in terms of its rarity and prestige.
“Many schools don’t have a single student even attempt the AMC because of its difficulty, let alone qualify for the AIME. To have two students from Gould achieve this distinction is remarkable and speaks to their commitment to mathematics.”
Ajay Zutshi, Gould Math Teacher
What makes Richard and Bruce’s success especially noteworthy is their self-directed preparation. While Gould encourages intellectual exploration, the school’s math team does not train specifically for these exams. Instead, the students took the initiative to study independently, using resources like past exams to sharpen their skills.
Zutshi highlighted their determination and love for the subject. “This level of achievement isn’t just about talent—it’s about curiosity and hard work. Richard and Bruce have gone above and beyond to reach this level, and their success reflects their dedication.”
Beyond the honor itself, qualifying for the AIME is a significant addition to their academic profiles. For competitive college applications, especially to technical or engineering programs at schools like MIT or Caltech, this accomplishment stands out. It demonstrates not only mathematical ability but also the initiative to pursue advanced learning independently.
“This is a rare achievement that few students in the country can claim,” Zutshi explained. “It sets them apart from peers who simply excel in classroom settings and shows a deeper commitment to their interests.”
Bruce Qiu scored an impressive 132 on the AMC 10 B, well above the cutoff score of 105, while Richard Chen achieved a remarkable 126 on the AMC 12 B, far surpassing the cutoff score of 88.5.
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Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.
Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.
