Ishani Agarwal

I am currently a freshman at Stanford University studying computer science and mathematics. I’m drawn to math because of the way it reveals patterns within complex systems, and to computer science because it allows those abstract ideas to turn into something tangible. Studying both fields lets me move from theoretical reasoning to real-world impact, which is what excites me most about my academic path.

My interest in math was shaped largely through competition math, which taught me how to persevere through challenging problems and think critically about why certain results are true. I’m a 6x AIME qualifier, 3x USAJMO qualifier with an honorable mention, and have competed in a range of national contests, including earning 3rd place at the MIT Math Prize for Girls, 6th place in geometry at CMIMC, and 8th place in geometry at BMT.

I joined Random Math in 2017 and continued through 2023, where the emphasis on deep problem-solving strengthened both my confidence and my approach to learning. At Random Math, I also served as a TA for the accelerator program for one year, which allowed me to give back to the community that helped shape my growth.

The persistence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills I developed through competition math and teaching continue to play a central role in my coursework and research at Stanford, and I’m excited to keep exploring how mathematics and computer science intersect in meaningful ways.