At Wellington, students are encouraged to dive deep, think critically, and challenge what they know. For Isaac Xiu ’26, that mindset — combined with a strong foundation in mathematics — helped him secure a spot in one of the most prestigious summer math programs in the country: the Ross Mathematics Program.
Ross is a highly selective, six-week immersion into number theory, where students engage in intense problem-solving and mathematical discovery. With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the program attracts top math minds from around the world. Isaac first learned about Ross from an online talk by a Stanford student, and after being waitlisted the previous year, he was determined to earn a place in the program.
That determination paid off. Reflecting on what changed between his first and second application, Isaac shared that he started earlier, spent more time preparing, and felt more confident because he already knew what the process would be like. “It also probably helped that I was a year older and had more experience,” he said. The waitlist setback became a motivator — and ultimately, a stepping stone to success.
His time at Ross was transformative. Isaac tackled complex number theory proofs, questioning the fundamentals of mathematics in ways he had never considered before. One of his most memorable challenges was proving that a × 0 = 0 using only basic axioms and algebraic properties — an exercise that seemed simple at first but revealed the depth of logical reasoning required in advanced mathematics.
The independence at Ross was another surprise. Outside of daily lectures and mealtimes, students had full control over their schedules, reinforcing the importance of self-discipline. Isaac credits Wellington for preparing him to succeed in this environment, particularly through the school’s rigorous academics and emphasis on time management. “Having an organized schedule at Wellington helped me manage the abundant free time I had to be productive while also trying to enjoy as much as possible,” he reflected.
Isaac’s experience at Ross is a testament to how Wellington empowers students to embrace challenges, push intellectual boundaries, and thrive in the most demanding academic environments.