Top universities in the United States, especially the Top 15 and Ivy League schools, are increasingly emphasizing students’ extracurricular activities during admissions. High-value summer school programs are often very competitive, with acceptance rates sometimes even lower than those of Ivy League undergraduate programs. Being accepted into a top summer program can be like stepping into the door of an elite U.S. university. Today, Embark introduces high-value U.S. math camps!

1. PRIMES—Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program

The Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOP) is an intensive summer program held at Carnegie Mellon University. Since its inception in 1974, the main goal of MOP has been to select and train six members of the U.S. team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Students qualify for this program through the USA(J)MO. The top 12 scorers across all grades form the "Black Group." About 18 U.S. students in 11th grade and below, scoring just below the top 12, form the "Blue Group."

In 2004, the program expanded to include about 30 top-scoring freshmen and sophomores each year, forming the "Red Group." This group was later split into the "Green Group" and "Red Group." The "Green Group" consists of about 15 freshmen and sophomores who qualify through the USAMO, while the "Red Group" is formed by students who qualify through the USAJMO. These group names are inspired by karate belt colors.

Under the new system, the "Black Group" primarily includes the IMO team, not necessarily all USAMO winners. Until 2011, only MOP students in the "Black Group" were eligible for the U.S. IMO team, determined by combining USAMO scores with results from a similar contest called the "Team Selection Test" (TST).

From 2011, a new contest called the "Team Selection Test Selection Test" (TSTST) was introduced, open to all MOP participants, and combined with USAMO scores to determine TST participants. This, along with USAMO and MOP results, ultimately decides the IMO team.

Canadians can participate in the USAMO but not in MOP unless they are U.S. residents. Occasionally, top Canadian scorers in the USAMO are added to the "Black Group" and can qualify for the IMO team. In 2005, one such student qualified and won a gold medal at the IMO.

Since 2011, under the TSTST system, winners can qualify for the IMO team and be included in the "Black Group." MOP often invites female students to the camp to prepare them for the EGMO selection process.

2. Canada / USA Mathcamp

Mathcamp is a five-week summer intensive program for mathematically talented high school students, aimed at exposing them to advanced mathematical concepts and new ways of thinking, appreciating the beauty of mathematics. Mathcamp is not just a summer school but a vibrant community of diverse people who share a love for learning and mathematics.

At Mathcamp, students can explore undergraduate and even graduate-level courses while building problem-solving skills to aid in any field they wish to study. The location of Mathcamp changes each year, with international students making up 10% of the participants, and spots are very limited. Unlike ROSS, PROMYS, and HSMC, Mathcamp offers a wide variety of courses and the freedom to choose.

Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12

Application Period: January to March each year

Program Dates: June to August each year

Application Process:

• Basic personal information and contact details
• Personal mathematical background
• Application essay
• Completion of a qualifying test (the most critical requirement, open-book, no time limit)
• Contact information for a recommender (optional)
• Scholarship application if financial aid is needed

Program Dates/Location:
Mathcamp will be held from June 30, 2024 (Sunday) to August 4, 2024 (Sunday) at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

Here is the summer calendar for 2024：

Application Deadline:
Applications are open, and the deadline is March 6, 2024. All parts of the application, including the qualifying test, must be received by this date. Candidates seeking financial aid should also submit a complete financial aid application by this date. Canada/USA Mathcamp will issue admission notifications on April 18.

Fees and Financial Aid:
The base fee for Math Camp 2024 is $5,500. After deducting financial aid, the final camp fee will range from $0 to $5,500, depending on individual family circumstances.The camp fee includes tuition, room and board, all extracurricular activities, and local transportation to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), with no application fee.

Mathcamp is free for U.S. and Canadian families with an income below $100,000. Middle-income families and international students can receive need-based financial aid, including full scholarships.

Student Eligibility:
Students aged 13-18 are eligible to apply. Applicants for Mathcamp 2024 should have birth dates between August 4, 2005, and June 30, 2011.

3.Ross Mathematics Program

The Ross Mathematics Program was founded by Professor Arnold Ross in 1957 and is one of the three high-prestige math camps in the U.S., alongside "PROMYS" and "SUMaC". Renowned U.S. math professors teach outstanding high school students from around the world, inspiring interest in mathematics and developing critical thinking through mathematical problem research. "Think deeply of simple things" is the motto of this program.

Each year, only 10% of high school applicants are fortunate enough to enter the Ross Mathematics Program. Many alumni go on to attend Ivy League universities and other top institutions worldwide. Because a majority of its participants are admitted to prestigious universities after high school, entering and successfully completing the Ross program is akin to being halfway to gaining admission to top schools.

Starting in 2023, the Ross Mathematics Program will have two U.S. campuses and one in Asia, each planning to enroll 50 new students per camp. The U.S. camps last six weeks, while the Asia camp lasts five weeks.

Eligibility: Students aged 15-18

Application Deadline: March each year

Program Dates: June-July each year, in-person format

Student Qualifications:
Ross admits about 60 first-year students per campus annually, supported by approximately 12-15 counselors and on-site staff. Due to the large number of applicants each year, the admission process is highly competitive. In 2023, about 15% of complete applicants were admitted, with one-third being female.
Successful applicants typically have excellent high school grades and outstanding performance in mathematical problem-solving, which is part of the application. Admitted first-year students are usually between 15-18 years old, with an average age of 16 or 17. In rare cases, Ross admits particularly mature 14-year-olds and some students who have already graduated from high school.

4.Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) was established in 1989 by Professor Glenn Stevens and three other faculty members. It is also one of the three high-prestige math camps in the U.S.

PROMYS encourages students to pose and solve their own problems, discovering the beauty of mathematics. Unlike Ross, PROMYS is not limited to number theory; participants have the opportunity to explore a broader range of mathematical knowledge through seminars, courses, lectures, research, and informal discussions.

PROMYS admits about 80 math-talented high school students globally each year (including 60 new students and 20 returning students), aged 15-19. The program is guided by three professors from Boston University and 25 counselors, with guest lecturers such as mathematicians and researchers.

Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old and have completed Grade 9

Application Period: January to March each year

Program Dates: July-August each year, in-person format

5.Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) began in 1994, funded by the American Mathematical Association's Epsilon Fund and Stanford's Mathematics Department. It is an academic program aimed at expanding high school students' mathematical abilities.

Since its inception in 1995, when the first cohort of 12 students was admitted, SUMaC has strictly limited enrollment to 40 students per session to ensure participants receive ample attention and benefit from the program. During the pandemic, SUMaC's in-person activities were moved online. Starting in 2022, SUMaC resumed its in-person camp while retaining the online camp (with enrollment similar to the in-person camp), marking a historic expansion that benefits many outstanding students wishing to apply to this high-quality summer school.

Application Period: Opens mid-December

Target Students: Students in grades 10-11 interested in mathematics, with a strong grasp of high school geometry and algebra.

Past Enrollment: 40 students for the Residential Program, 64 students for the Online Program

Schedule:
SUMaC will offer two online courses and one in-person course this summer, with classes held Monday to Friday.

In-Person Program: June 22, 2025, to July 18, 2025

Online Program:

• Session 1: June 16, 2025, to July 4, 2025
• Session 2: July 7, 2025, to July 25, 2025

Application Requirements:

• Online Application Form (including math test)
• Academic Records
• Teacher Recommendation
• Optional Video Essay
• $65 Application Fee

Attendance Policy:
Online: Participants must attend the entire course and should remotely attend all classes and activities. Participants must be present during designated daily class times with microphones and cameras on. All activities aim to provide a comprehensive experience both in and out of the classroom. Participants should not undertake non-course commitments that conflict directly with required course activities.

In-Person: Participants must attend the entire course and all course activities. Students must arrive on the designated arrival date and stay until the course ends. All activities, including extracurricular ones, aim to provide a comprehensive experience both in and out of the classroom. Participants may only miss scheduled activities for health reasons, religious beliefs, or family emergencies.

6.MathILY at Bryn Mawr College

MathILY is a five-week mathematics summer program that enrolls about 45 students each year. In MathILY courses, instructors provide a theoretical framework, and students make conjectures and proofs. Here, students encounter new ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, learn advanced mathematics, and develop critical thinking.

MathILY is ideal for students who are curious about mathematics and demonstrate creativity and enthusiasm in their learning approach. The courses are engaging and challenging. MathILY promises tailored activities to stimulate extensive learning, immense enjoyment, and significant personal growth.

Students will also meet math enthusiasts from around the world and explore mathematics together with like-minded peers.

Class Format: Each class is conducted interactively, with students discovering mathematics and leading the sharing of conjectures and proofs.

Teaching Details: Classes run about 7 hours daily, split into morning and evening sessions, six days a week. Each class has a primary instructor with a Ph.D. in mathematics and 1-2 graduate student apprentice instructors. The weekly schedule is 2-1-2: starting with a two-week "Root Class" covering a variety of mathematical topics to lay the foundation for all students.

This is followed by the "Week of Chaos," where students and instructors suggest short-term courses on various topics.

The final two weeks feature more advanced "Branch Classes."

Mathematical Content: Topics are at the undergraduate and graduate levels, typically not encountered in high school. The core is discrete mathematics. Root Class topics include combinatorics, graph theory, binary linear algebra, epidemic modeling, and number theory, and may also cover proof techniques, combinatorial game theory, and ring theory. In 2024, Branch Class topics may include probability and non-Euclidean geometry.

Another component of MathILY is the "Life Seminar": discussions on college selection, career possibilities within and outside mathematical sciences, mathematical insecurities, preferred gender pronouns, etc. MathILY will also regularly show mathematical animations and films, and organize at least one trip to Philadelphia.

At the end of the summer, instructors will write personal evaluation reports, including descriptions of student work and progress and suggestions for improvement. (In most cases, these evaluations can easily become recommendation letters).

Application Process:
Students apply to join {MathILy, MathILy-Er} rather than a specific program. These programs enroll students at different mathematical levels, with MathILy-Er aimed at nurturing particularly promising students for MathILy and other selective summer residential math programs.

MathILy and MathILy-Er have distinct curricula, allowing students to attend both programs in different summers. If an applicant is admitted, placement in a specific program is based solely on academic ability. MathILY accepts applications on a rolling basis starting in spring. Here's how to apply to {MathILy, MathILy-Er}:

• Fill out the Short Form

• Receive and complete the "Exam Assessing Readiness" within 4 hours, then return it to MathILy
• Fill out the Not-as-short Form
• Ensure your recommender receives the request generated by your submission of the Not-as-short Form

Once a student's application is complete (including receipt of recommendations), MathILy will respond in about a week.
Only admitted students receive the financial aid form.

Program Dates/Location:
June 30, 2024 - August 3, 2024, at Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia)

Application Deadline:
Applications are open, with a deadline of April 30, 2024. If admitted, students must pay half the tuition to reserve their spot; full tuition (minus any aid received) is due by May 30, 2024.

Fees and Financial Aid:
MathILY tuition is **5,300∗∗(5,300∗∗(1,060/week), with financial aid available. For admitted applicants with significant need, the full fee may be waived.

Student Eligibility:
High school students aged 14-17 with a talent and interest in mathematics.mathematics.

7.The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)

HCSSiM, or The Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics, is one of the high-quality math summer programs recommended by MIT's website. It has been held for over 50 years. The six-week program at Hampshire College offers college-level math seminars and courses, providing high school students worldwide with opportunities to deeply explore various mathematical fields. HCSSiM's curriculum is rich and engaging, with the first three weeks in seminar format and the last three weeks in course format, allowing students to experience university-style math research and teaching.

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

Application Period: January to April each year

Program Dates: June to August each year, in-person format

Application Process:

• Fill out the Application Form

• Complete the 2024 Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics Interesting Test and return it to HCSSiM

8.Honors Summer Math Camp

Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) is an intensive summer program for high school students. The goal of the program is to nurture talented students from various socioeconomic backgrounds through immersive and in-depth experiences in a unique learning environment. Students will develop important skills for future degrees and careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and many other fields.

The program aims to enhance essential skills needed for development in mathematics, science, engineering, and other areas through a unique learning environment and deep learning experiences for gifted students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Eligibility: Grades 9-12

Application Period:

• First Round: January 1, 2025 - February 15, 2025
• Second Round: February 16, 2025 - March 15, 2025
• Third Round: March 16, 2025 - April 16, 2025

Program Dates: June 15, 2025 - July 26, 2025

Format: In-person

9.MIT PRIMES

MIT PRIMES (Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science for High School Students) is a year-long free program offering research projects and guided reading to high school students in the Greater Boston area. Participants work with MIT researchers on exciting unsolved problems in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology.

10.PRIMES-USA

PRIMES-USA is a year-long free mathematics research program for high school juniors (or homeschooled students of the same age) across the United States (outside the Greater Boston area). As in previous years, juniors will participate in individual and group projects.

Starting this year, PRIMES-USA will accept a small number of exceptionally well-prepared juniors for group projects. The projects are guided by MIT and other university graduate students and faculty through remote meetings, using online collaborative software and hardware tools, or by local mentors selected by PRIMES.

Another Option - Embark Exploration Program

Embark, founded in 2016, is an educational institution focused on providing customized scientific research training for teenagers. The core team consists of graduates from prestigious U.S. universities. Embark has over 3,000 mentors from renowned schools like the Ivy League, MIT, Caltech, Johns Hopkins, and Carnegie Mellon.

Embark offers personalized one-on-one research guidance, creating custom research topics based on students' interests. Embark helps students systematically develop research skills, establish a solid research framework, connect research with real-world applications, appreciate the value of research, and enhance their problem-solving abilities, all of which strengthen their college applications.

For more information, please visit the Embark Exploration Program. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist and discuss possible collaboration opportunities.