Mu Alpha Theta

Overview

Mu Alpha Theta, formed in 1957, is a national honor society for math that has chapters in 2,300 schools across the United States and internationally.  The organization focuses on inspiring students to develop an interest in mathematics, enabling them to excel in the subject.  Mu Alpha Theta is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the American Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges.  Mu Alpha Theta offers scholarships, summer grants, awards, and leadership opportunities to students.  Becoming a member of Mu Alpha Theta will be a great way for students of Westwood Regional Jr. / Sr. High School to be recognized as excelling in mathematics and will also help students to demonstrate their interest in mathematics in the application process for colleges and universities.

Mu Alpha Theta (MAΘ) has 2 types of membership:

1. Member

   1. Members are high school students in grades 11 through 12, at the school where their permanent record resides, who have completed the equivalent of two years of college preparatory mathematics and in addition have completed or are enrolled in a third college preparatory mathematics course (Pre-Calculus Honors, AP Calculus or AP Statistics). Additionally, students must meet additional criteria for membership (see below).

2. Associate

   1. Associates are high school students in grades 10 through 12, at the school where their permanent record resides, who have completed one year of algebra, or its equivalent, with distinction and are currently enrolled in a higher math course. Associates are not members of MAΘ but are likely candidates for membership (students planning on taking PreCalculus Honors, AP Calculus or AP Statistics next year). Associates are listed with the National Office, should they wish to participate in MAΘ national math contests. While they are not entitled to vote nor hold office in their chapter, they are entitled to attend and be heard at meetings. A student may remain an associate for only one year and then, if eligible, must be inducted as a member of MAΘ. Any student who is not eligible to be made a member after one year will be deleted as an associate, but may continue to participate in math honor society activities. 

Membership Eligibility

Academic Requirements to be a Member

1. Must have completed the following mathematics courses

   1. Geometry (CP level or above)

   2. Algebra 2 w/Trig (CP level or above)

2. Must be enrolled in at least one of the following courses

   1. Precalculus Honors

   2. AP Statistics

   3. AP Calculus AB or BC

3. Must have at least 3.7 content (math) GPA and at least 3.0 overall GPA

4. Must show participation in additional math activities in high school such as:
   Math Team, STEM League, Science League, Chess Club, Academic Decathlon,
   math tutoring through NHS, Math Honor Society Associate etc.
   Additional activities may be considered on a case by case basis.
   
   

Membership Requirements (to remain in good standing)

Membership is on a year-to-year basis. As such, all members must:

1. Maintain at least 3.7 content (math) GPA

2. Maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0

3. Show active participation in a mathematical activity such as: Math Team, STEM League, Science League, Academic Decathlon, chess club, math tutoring through NHS, etc.

4. Members need to attend all MAΘ monthly meetings and inductions.

Associate Requirements

Any student may be an associate of MAΘ. Associates should be likely candidates for membership in the following year (planning on taking Pre-Calculus Honors, AP Calculus or AP Statistics next year). Associates are not inducted but may participate in MAΘ meetings and activities.

Character Criteria

These are some examples of important characteristics of members.
This is not a checklist but should be considered.

The candidate:

• upholds scholarship and shows loyalty to the school.

• demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability and academic integrity.

• complies with school rules both inside and outside the classroom.

• takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously.

• exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise).

• shows concern and respect for others.

• demonstrates a love of mathematics and challenges themself in the subject.

Students’ disciplinary records will be reviewed from the time period of 9th grade through the current grade of application. Students must be in good disciplinary standing for consideration for entry to MAΘ. Additionally, a student may be denied or lose membership in the National Honor Society, subject-area honor society, student council and as a peer leader due to disciplinary standing.  Please see Westwood Regional High School National Mathematics Honor Society Constitution and Code of Conduct for complete details.

Math Honor Society Application