20 Math Summer Programs for High School Students in 2023

What’s Covered

• 20 Math Summer Programs for High School Students
• How Impressive are Math Summer Programs in High School Admissions?
• Other Ways to Spend Your Summer

 

Are you a high school student who loves mathematics? Are you looking for ways to test your skills against other bright young students? Consider spending this summer with one of these 20 math summer programs for high school students. 

 

20 Math Summer Programs for High School Students

 

1. Summer Workshop in Math (SWiM) at Duke University 

 

Dates: TBD

Location: Duke University 

Application Deadline: March 22

 

Summer Workshop in Math (SWiM) is a free 7-day workshop for rising high school seniors interested in mathematics, particularly encouraging female participation. The course places a particular focus on advancing the participation of female and gender minorities in math. Participants in the program will attend math classes and seminars, join research groups, listen to lectures, and socialize with other students.

 

2. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp at The University of Minnesota

 

Dates: July 25-29

Location: University of Minnesota 

Application Deadline: June 1 

 

The Math Modeling Camp is a free program where high schoolers use mathematical models to analyze real-world situations like the effect of traffic on a bridge or the climate’s estimated impact on natural resources. The program tests participants’ problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate with others, and attention to detail for extended periods of time. Preference is given to students from Minnesota, especially those who live in the Twin Cities area.

 

To apply, you must have completed Calculus and present a recommendation letter from a math teacher. 

 

3. SUMaC (Stanford University Math Camp)

 

Dates:

• Online session 1: June 19-July 10 
• Online session 2: July 17-August 4
• In-person session: June 25-July 21

Location: Stanford University and virtual 

Application Deadline: February 1 

 

SUMaC offers two different programs that high school students can choose from, either a three-week virtual experience or a four-week residential experience. All participants immerse themselves in advanced mathematics through activities such as lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. Space in the program is extremely limited; just 64 students are chosen for the virtual program and 40 are selected for the residential program. 

 

It costs $3,550 to participate in the virtual SUMaC program. The residential program costs  $8,250. All participants are eligible for financial assistance. 

 

4. Idea Math Camp 

 

Dates: 

• Dallas/Plano, Texas: June 5-16
• Greater Boston: July 5-15

Location: 

• Dallas/Plano, Texas
• Greater Boston

Application Deadline: N/A

 

IDEA MATH is a two-week program for high school students that provides in-depth enrichment in important mathematical areas. The program combines an interactive teaching approach with group learning as well as seminars-style lectures. Students will participate in a variety of courses that add up to 65 academic hours and will cover subjects including algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. 

 

The cost of the IDEA Math camp program ranges from $1,895 to $2,095. Financial aid is available. 

 

5. Canada/USA Mathcamp

 

Dates: July 2-August 6

Location: Burlington, Vermont

Application Deadline: March 9 

 

Canada/USA Mathcamp is a five-week-long summer camp for high school students with demonstrated potential and aptitude in mathematics to enhance their abilities, skills, and confidence in the subject. Mathcamp enrolls 65 new students each summer, as well as 55 returning alumni. The Qualifying Quiz, a personal essay, recommendation letters, and prior mathematical knowledge are used to determine whether applicants are accepted. 

 

The cost of attendance is $5,000 but significant financial aid is available. 

 

6. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University 

 

Dates: July 1-August 5 

Location: Carnegie Melon University 

Application Deadline: March 15

 

SAMS (Summer Academy for Math and Science) camp is a free, residential, six-week intensive program for high-school Juniors. SAMS selects students who have shown a strong interest in mathematics, extra-curricular activities, and/or community engagement as well as a dedication to diversity and inclusion in education.

 

Students from low-income families, underrepresented communities, and individuals who have never attended a high school with a long history of admissions to top-tier institutions are encouraged to apply. 

 

7. AlphaStar In-Person Academy Summer Math Camp

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: June 26-July 14
• Session 2: July 17-August 4

Location: Mission College  

Application Deadline: N/A

 

AlphaStar Summer Math Camp is an intensive, three-week-long program for high-school students geared towards training for prestigious math competitions. The camp provides fundamental math courses such as algebra, counting, geometry, and number theory. Students are taught mathematical skills by subject-matter experts and participate in engaging national and international competitions throughout the course of the program. 

 

AlphaStar encourages students with proven mathematical talent and analytical problem-solving skills to apply, as well as those who would like to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. 

 

The cost of the in-person program is $3,050.

 

8. AwesomeMath Summer Program

 

Dates:

• Session 1: June 5-23
• Session 2: June 26-July 14
• Session 3: July 17- August 4 

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: 

• Early: January 19
• Regular 1: February 23
• Regular 2: March 30
• Late 1: April 27 
• Late 2: May 22

 

The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week intensive online course for talented high school pupils who want to improve their problem-solving abilities and enhance their mathematics education in general. The AwesomeMath Summer is particularly unique in that it helps students practice and prepare for contests such as AMC10/12, USAMO, and AIME.

 

The cost of program attendance ranges from $1,075 to $1,375—the earlier you apply, the less expensive the program is. 

 

9. The Ross Mathematics Program at Ohio State University 

 

Dates: 

• Otterbein University: June 11-July 21
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: June 18-July 28

Location: Otterbein University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Application Deadline: March 31

 

The Ross Program is an intensive six-week residential summer experience designed to encourage motivated 15- through 18-year-old students to explore mathematics, with a particular emphasis on Number Theory. Admission decisions are based on several criteria, including school transcripts, teacher recommendations, a personal applicant essay, and proof of the applicant’s previous work on challenging math problems.

 

The cost of the program is $6,000 and financial aid is available.

 

10. Research Science Institute Program at MIT

 

Dates: TBD

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Application Deadline: November 2021

 

MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) selects approximately 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school students to attend this six-week program that exposes students to advanced theory and research in mathematics, science, and engineering. Participants spend the first week of RSI taking STEM coursework and the last five weeks conducting projects under the mentorship of experienced researchers and scientists. 

 

High school juniors are eligible to apply for this free program. 

 

11. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College

 

Dates: June 25-July 29

Location: Bryn Mawr College

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions through April 25

 

MathILy is a five-week residential summer math program for high schoolers. The math lessons are inquiry-based, interactive, and operate on the principle that combining smart people with mathematics results in learning and fun. Math class takes place for about seven hours—six days a week—in two morning shifts and two evening shifts. Instructors are Ph.D.s in math, as well as undergraduate math students. 

 

The program cost is $4,950 and need-based financial aid is available.

 

12. Michigan Math & Science Scholars Summer Program (MMSS)

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: June 25-July 7
• Session 2: July 9-July 21 
• Session 3: July 23-August 4 

Location: University of Michigan 

Application Deadline: N/A 

 

The Michigan Math and Science Scholars (MMSS) summer program exposes high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to current mathematical developments and research while also encouraging future generations of mathematicians to engage in and enjoy the subject. The residential program also provides participants with a sample of what it’s like to attend a major university—living in a residence hall, working in labs, taking classes, and learning from faculty, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates. 

 

Three two-week courses are offered, with students given the option to attend one, two, or all three. The cost of the program starts at $2,400 and financial aid is available.

 

13. Math Skills Camp at Hofstra University 

 

Dates: July 24-August 4

Location: TBD

Application Deadline: TBD

 

The Math Skills Camp at Hofstra University is designed for 6th–10th graders who want to improve their math abilities and consolidate classroom learning before the start of the new academic year. The program’s objective is to foster students’ current math abilities while also motivating them to improve their skills.

 

Hofstra University’s program, unlike the others on this page, does not focus on mathematically gifted students. It is intended for everyone. Tuition for the Math Skills Camp program begins at $2,175. 

 

14. HCSSiM (Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics) 

 

Dates: June 25th – August 5th

Location: Hampshire College

Application Deadline: N/A

 

HCSSiM is a six-week program for talented and highly motivated high school students that includes college-level mathematics instruction. For the majority of the day, participants are actively engaged in doing mathematics (rather than merely learning about the outcomes of mathematics).

 

The curriculum is made up of lectures, study sessions, math workshops (general-knowledge classes), maxi-courses (three-week classes taught by senior management personnel), and mini-courses (specialized shorter classes).

 

The cost of the program is $5,780, however, financial aid is available and the program is free for students from families with household incomes beneath $68,000. 

 

15. PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Students)

 

Dates: July 2-August 12

Location: Boston University

Application Deadline: March 5

 

PROMYS is a residential six-week summer program at Boston University that aims to encourage exceptionally driven high school students to delve deeply into the creative world of mathematics in a positive learning environment with peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and visiting scientists.

 

Approximately 80 high school students over the age of 14 are chosen to participate annually along with 25 undergraduates to work as counselors. Students who are female, African American, Hispanic, or from other underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. 

 

The cost of the program is $6,000, however, it’s free for domestic families who earn under $80,000 per year. 

 

16. Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC)

 

Dates: June 18-July 29

Location: Texas State University

Application Deadline: February 15

 

This residential six-week program helps students develop the skills needed to pursue degrees and careers in math, science, and engineering. In addition to developing as researchers and problem solvers, participants are given ample time to connect with fellow campers and become a member of the camp community. 

 

The program costs $5,400 and need-based financial aid is available. 

 

17. UPenn Mathematics Academy

 

Dates: July 9-29

Location: University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Application Deadline: N/A

 

This residential program exposes high school students to mathematical complexes rarely offered at the high school level, including:

 

• Combinatorics
• Generating functions and partitions
• Graph theory
• Combinational game theory
• Galois theory
• Linear algebra
• Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries
• Point-set topology
• Knot theory

 

Participants take part in lectures, workshops, group work, computer simulations, and problem sessions. One year of high school algebra II or trigonometry is required. The program costs $9,700 and scholarships are available to students who attend a public or charter school in the School District of Philadelphia.  

 

18. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics

 

Dates: July 3-28

Location: Rutgers University 

Application Deadline: N/A

 

This residential four-week program encourages talented high school students to consider careers in mathematics. Participants use mathematical concepts to solve problems, work with professional mathematicians, and learn about careers in the field. Participants also sample college life by living and studying at Rutgers University during the week, yet returning home on the weekend.  

 

The approximate cost of the program is $4,500. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. 

 

19. Illinois Tech Mathematics Camp 

 

Dates: June 19-23

Location: Illinois Tech 

Application Deadline: Rolling 

 

This online program seeks to expose rising 10th through 12th graders to mathematical problems they rarely encounter in high school. Participants will bolster their abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills and learn to better communicate mathematical ideas. Students will also gain a better appreciation for the usefulness, power, and beauty of mathematics.

 

The cost of this program is $249. 

 

20. AI/Machine Learning Research Bootcamp

 

Dates: June 19t-28

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: June 7 

 

This six-week virtual program exposes students in grades eight through 12 to the mathematics behind AI, machine learning, and deep learning models. Engineers from MIT and Stanford teach classes while students work in teams of two to three under their supervision to train their own AI models from scratch. No prior experience is required to attend this program. 

 

The cost of this program is $6,000 and a limited number of scholarships are available to students with family incomes less than $100,000. 

 

How Impressive are Math Summer Programs in High School Admissions? 

 

A college is looking for students who have a wide range of interests. Summer math programs allow you to show not only your abilities but also your enthusiasm for learning, which is highly valued by academic institutions.

 

Extracurricular activities are divided into four tiers. The four tiers are divided into more and less distinctive activities, with Tier 1 representing the most unique programs and Tier 4 covering more common activities. You should aim to include a few of each when applying.

 

Math summer programs generally fall into Tier 3 or 4, but could be considered Tier 1 or 2 if they are particularly prestigious and selective. For example, Tier 1 might be PROMYS and a Tier 4 might be MathILY.

 

How does a math summer camp or an outside activity influence your chances of acceptance? CollegeVine’s free chancing engine will let you see your true chances of getting into 1500+ colleges in the United States, as well as offer tips for enhancing your profile!

 

Other Ways to Spend Your Summer

 

Math summer programs are an excellent way to improve your admissions chances, but there are other options, including internships, volunteering, and independent study.

 

• Internships can help you explore career options and gain valuable professional experience.
• Volunteering offers the chance to do good work in your community, which will impress admissions officers.
• Independent study can provide an opportunity to pursue a topic of personal interest outside the classroom. 

 

Overall, math summer programs are a great way to improve your chances of admission, but only one factor in an entire application.