PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists) at Boston University
Full Financial Aid Available
80 participants
A rigorous six-week residential summer mathematics program at Boston University for high school students passionate about deep mathematical exploration and discovery.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
$8,000
Participation format
Individual
Duration
6 weeks
Time needed
Intensive, with daily lectures and problem-solving sessions; average 1.5 to 3.5 hours of scheduled class time each weekday, with significant time spent on independent and collaborative problem sets.
Eligibility
Open to high school students aged 14-18 who have completed at least 9th grade and are not yet enrolled in college. Applicants should have a strong passion for mathematics and English proficiency. Financial aid is available, with the program being free for domestic students whose families earn under $80,000 annually. International students are considered for aid on a case-by-case basis. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Grade level
- Grade 10 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Strong motivation and passion for mathematics; demonstrated aptitude for mathematics through problem-solving. Must have completed at least 9th grade (or its equivalent).
- Prerequisites
- Completion of 9th grade or equivalent
- Strong interest in mathematics
- Submission of solutions to a challenging problem set
- High school transcript
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Full Financial Aid
Financial aid can cover up to the full cost of participation, including tuition, room, and board. For domestic students, the program is free if family adjusted gross income is under $80,000 per year. International student aid is case-by-case.
Opens doors to
Participation demonstrates exceptional mathematical aptitude and commitment, significantly enhancing college applications for competitive STEM programs. Alumni often gain admission to prestigious universities globally.
Career pathways
Prepares students for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields, particularly mathematics, computer science, engineering, and research. Graduates often excel in careers requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, such as academia, finance, and technology.
Recognition
International Academic Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 27 Feb 2026
- Camp
- 28 Jun 2026 to 8 Aug 2026
How to apply
- 1The application requires submission of solutions to a challenging problem set, a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation from a mathematics teacher, and an online application form with short answer questions. A financial information form is also required for financial aid consideration.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be at least 14 years old by the first day of the program.
- Participants must have completed at least 9th grade or its equivalent.
- Students may apply to either PROMYS (Boston), PROMYS Europe, or PROMYS India, but not to multiple programs in the same summer.
- Participants are expected to engage actively in problem-solving, lectures, and discussions.
- Adherence to Boston University's campus rules and regulations is required.
- Full participation for the entire duration of the program is expected.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer or device for online application submission.
- Basic calculator (non-programmable) may be useful for some problem-solving, but advanced technology is not required for the core curriculum.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The program cost for PROMYS is up to $8,000 for the six-week residential program. The actual per-student cost is subsidized by donors and sponsors. Financial aid is available, and the program is free for domestic students whose families make under $80,000 per year. Financial aid for international students is considered on a case-by-case basis and can cover full cost,s including room and board.
Financial support
Need-based financial aid is available, which can cover the full cost of participation, including tuition, room, and board. The program is free for domestic students whose families have an adjusted gross income under $80,000 per year. Financial aid for international students is determined on a case-by-case basis. Specific scholarships like the Jane Street Fellowships may also be available. Students from India requiring financial assistance are encouraged to apply to PROMYS India.
Refund policy
Not explicitly stated, but full participation for the entire duration is required, implying no refunds for early withdrawal.
About this opportunity
PROMYS is a highly selective six-week residential summer program held at Boston University, designed for strongly motivated high school students who are passionate about mathematics.
The program encourages participants to explore the creative world of mathematics in-depth within a supportive community of peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and visiting scientists. The core of the program involves intensive efforts to solve challenging problems in Number Theory, fostering mathematical discovery and proof-based reasoning.
To be eligible, students must have completed at least 9th grade (or its equivalent) and be at least 14 years old by the start of the program. Students who have not yet enrolled as full-time college or university students are eligible, including those taking a gap year. International students are welcome to apply, though space is limited, and those residing in Europe or India are encouraged to apply to PROMYS Europe or PROMYS India, respectively.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of advanced mathematical concepts, particularly in Number Theory, and develop critical problem-solving skills, creativity, and independent thinking. The program emphasizes the art of mathematical discovery, encouraging students to formulate conjectures and devise their own proofs. It also provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers and receive mentorship from experienced mathematicians.
The program fosters a collaborative community where students work independently and in small groups on daily problem sets. Beyond the core Number Theory lectures, students can participate in lab projects and advanced seminars. Recreational activities and weekend field trips are also organized, providing a balanced and enriching summer experience.
Camp details
Boston University Campus
Trainers
Faculty includes math professors from Boston University and visiting faculty. Counselors are undergraduate mathematics majors, many of whom are PROMYS alumni. Research mathematicians and visiting scientists also serve as mentors and guest lecturers.
Facilities
Activities
- Daily Number Theory lectures
- Intensive problem-solving sessions (individual and group)
- Lab projects
- Advanced seminars (for returning students)
- Original research projects (for returning students)
- Guest lectures by professional mathematicians and scientists
- Recreational activities (volleyball, basketball, jogging)
- Weekend field trips (e.g., MIT Museum, Boston Museum of Science)
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum is centered around daily Number Theory lectures and intensive problem sets. Students engage in designing numerical experiments, discovering mathematical patterns, formulating and testing conjectures, and devising their own mathematical proofs. Returning students may participate in advanced seminars and original research projects.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support is available for students adjusting to the residential environment?
PROMYS provides a supportive community with undergraduate counselors housed on the same floors as students. Counselors offer both academic guidance and personal support, helping students navigate the intensive program and residential life at Boston University.
How does PROMYS foster a sense of community among participants?
The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, with students working together on daily problem sets. Beyond academics, recreational activities, math games, and weekend field trips are organized to encourage interaction and build strong bonds among peers and mentors.
What are the housing arrangements for students during the program?
PROMYS students reside in Boston University dormitories designated for pre-college summer programs. Each floor is supervised by BU Residential Life counselors, and students are typically assigned to double rooms with another PROMYS participant of the same gender identity.
How does the program ensure the safety and well-being of participants?
Safety is a priority, with supervision by counselors in dormitories and adherence to Boston University's campus safety protocols. On-campus medical facilities and emergency contacts are available, and a supportive environment helps with academic and personal adjustments.
What is the lasting impact of attending PROMYS on a student's academic journey?
Participation in PROMYS significantly enhances college applications for competitive STEM programs, demonstrating exceptional mathematical aptitude. Alumni often gain admission to prestigious universities and excel in careers requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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