Where have the IMO gold medallists ended up? Part three of three

The third part of the series on International Math Olympiad (IMO) gold medallists explores the evolving trends in their post-competition paths. Notably, there has been a significant increase in the number of gold medallists attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which now attracts nearly half of these top performers. This shift is attributed to MIT's preferential admissions for gold medallists and a growing trend of students from China and other countries opting for US institutions over their home countries. Conversely, the proportion of medallists pursuing PhDs has declined, dropping from 75-95% in the late 1990s to 60-80% in the early 2010s, likely due to better opportunities in tech and finance. The article also highlights unique career paths taken by some medallists, including a monk, a defector, and prominent figures in machine learning and finance. The overall conclusion indicates a changing landscape for IMO medallists, with MIT's rise and a decrease in PhD pursuits reflecting broader trends in education and career choices.

- MIT has become the leading destination for IMO gold medallists, now enrolling nearly half of them.

- The number of medallists pursuing PhDs has significantly decreased over the past 15 years.

- There is a notable shift in the countries where medallists choose to study, with a decline in those attending institutions in China and France.

- Unique career paths among medallists include roles in tech, finance, and even monastic life.

- The article raises questions about the future of talent distribution and career choices among top mathematicians.