PROMYS: Invaluable Mathematics Experience For High Schoolers!
Discovering programs in high school that not only challenge your academic knowledge but also help you foster global friendships that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life can be extremely difficult.
Within this blog post, we will be sharing information about what to expect at PROMYS and official program details for the next session.
What is PROMYS?
PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists) is hosted by Boston University for high school students especially interested in advanced mathematics. In the six week residential program, students will collaborate with peers who share the same love for mathematics as them and come from various different countries.
This immersive opportunity was specifically designed to encourage a passionate love and curiosity for the subject of mathematics. The highly rated program was founded in 1989 by founder Glenn Stevens who asks you to look for secrets in “the precise and the simple.”
The program’s core values are aligned with collaboration, inclusivity, and problem solving. Additional programs have been added to the PROMYS program: PROMYS Europe, PROMYS India, PROMYS Pathways and PROMYS for Teachers.
Why should you participate in PROMYS?
Participating in an international competition can be quite nerve-racking but it doesn't necessarily need to be a competition. PROMYS’ mission statement encourages students to participate because they provide a non-competitive environment to true lovers of the subject of mathematics. PROMYS is an exceptional opportunity to better your mathematical, problem-solving, analytical and conceptual skills.
PROMYS Alumni in numbers
Attend 100+ undergraduate universities/colleges
Half of them attend top colleges such as Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Caltech, etc.
60% major in mathematics, while others may double major with engineering, physics and computer science.
80% alumni are STEM Phd graduates/students.
PROMYS Foundation for Scholarships
The PROMYS Foundation was founded in 2011 by the program’s alumni because of their positive experience at the program. The primary initiative for the foundation is to help students enjoy the same, positive experience that they did by offering scholarships and raising funds through sponsors and donations. With the foundation’s support, Boston University has accelerated its scholarship and financial need program. Financial aid is given on a case by case basis for international students. The PROMYS foundation has also extended its role to ensure the continuity of the program and provide resources, and support to students, teachers and counselors all over the world.
PROMYS is free for students from the United States whose family earns <$80,000/year.
Typical Day at PROMYS
9:00-10:30am: Each weekday starts with the whole group gathering for a ‘Number Theory’ lecture.
When the lecture concludes, students work with their counselor over the last day’s problem and receive their daily mathematical problems.
Overall, after the ‘Number Theory’ lecture, students can choose how they want to spend their time efficiently. For example, students in the past have chosen to participate in lab projects and seminars. They also have the option to select if they want to work on these activities, independently or collaboratively.
Mathematical activities usually occur on weekends and unscheduled time.
Additionally, students are scheduled to have non-math activities called ‘mandatory fun.’ This time block included events that are designed to strengthen the community and foster relationships such as playing basketball, volleyball, going for a walk in the Charles River park and practicing musical instruments, etc.
PROMYS for Teachers
This program is specifically catered to high school teachers, providing a memorable experience of problem solving in the six week program to encourage the exploration of mathematical topics in high school classrooms.
The program is FREE for all teachers and they will also receive 8 college credits that can be used towards any degree + $1500 for participating in the program.
PROMYS for Teachers invites teachers from all over the United States and internationally. They would be responsible for their own housing during the program. Encouraging teachers who are black/latino, female and underrepresented groups in STEM, PROMYS will admit all candidates who are qualified.
Requirements*
Students must have completed ninth grade.
They must be 14 years of age by the first day of the program.
TOEFL scores are not required but participants must have a proficient understanding of the English Language.
European applicants are encouraged to apply to PROMYS Europe and conversely, Indian applicants should apply to PROMYS India.
Participants are not allowed to miss any of the program dates.
Students must stay in the Boston University dormitories, Warren Towers.
Applicants should not be enrolled at a college/university student.
*might be different for PROMYS Europe and India, refer to the official PROMYS website for more information for those specific programs.
Application Process
Find Solutions to Difficult Problem Set
Provide a Letter of Recommendation
Attach a high school transcript
Short Answer application form
Important dates/deadlines
PROMYS (Students)
PROMYS 2024 : June 30 to August 10
Application Deadline : March 1, 2024 @ 11.59 EST
Application Decisions : by April 30, 2024
PROMYS (Teachers)
PROMYS 2024 : July 1 to August 9
Priority Deadline : March 31, 2024
Admission Decisions : Rolling basis till June 1
We have shared a lot of information about the PROMYS program but ultimately it is up to you to decide what works best for you. We urge you to at least apply if you enjoy mathematics. Participating in a program like PROMYS which offers academic challenge, mentorship and networking opportunities can help you gain experience and offer a new perspective in your life as a teenager!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
