Math Excel was an established and successful program for freshman at Northeastern University up until 2003. Math Excel selected students with demonstrated ability in mathematics, and provided them with an opportunity to challenge themselves further than regular classes might. The goal of the program was a high level of achievement in all students.

The heart of the Connections/Math Excel Program was the workshop in which students worked in groups on challenging mathematics problems related to their calculus course. The high success rate of our program was directly traceable to these workshops which met twice weekly for each quarter. Although this was a substantial commitment of time, most students found the intense work in groups a productive and enjoyable experience. This environment, of solving challenging problems in groups, more closely resembled the actual situation in which most scientists and engineers worked than did the usual classroom. Math Excel helped prepare NU students for their co-op experiences and for their careers.

The challenge of Math Excel helped students do well in all their subjects. In addition, students formed friendships in the program and used the resources provided to achieve a balanced record of academic success.