Every summer since 1989, PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists) has been held at Boston University. An innovative six-week course called PROMYS is available to high school students who want to major in math and science. The program’s objectives include fostering the development of fresh approaches to problem-solving as well as helping students become proficient in fundamental mathematics concepts (such as calculus):
PROMYS Europe debuted in 2015 as a result of cooperation between the organization’s founders, former students, and faculty at PROMYS Boston University and the Clay Mathematics Institute at the University of Oxford. The European partner program is now able to offer significant scholarships to students from all over the world following two previous successful pilot programs. A significant portion of PROMYS graduates enroll in prestigious universities. The cost of their research is often covered by competitive fellowships for those who continue on to graduate school.
Plans for PROMYS 2023 Will PROMYS 2023 run in person or online?
PROMYS intends to participate in a live race on the Boston University campus in the summer of 2023.
Applying to PROMYS Do I need to answer all the problems on the application problem set?
Not necessarily. Our evaluation of your mathematical aptitude for PROMYS is comprehensive and considers a number of factors, including your mathematical background. The problem set is the most important part of the application because your answers show us how inventively, passionately, and persistently you think through and explain the difficult problems you do attempt. Have any applicants who weren’t accepted the year before attended PROMYS?
Yes, some of our most successful PROMYS participants were rejected upon their initial application. Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?.
Someone who can attest to your enthusiasm and aptitude for mathematics should write your recommendation. For illustration, this person could be a mentor, coach for a STEM club, current or former math teacher, or professor. Are high school seniors who are graduating eligible? What is the minimum age requirement?
By the start of the program, participants must have completed at least ninth grade and be at least 14 years old. The majority of pupils who enroll in PROMYS do so following their sophomore or junior year of high school. Before matriculating at college or university, students may attend the summer session after completing their 12th grade education or during a gap year. Are international students accepted? Do you require TOEFL scores?.
Over the years, we have welcomed students or counselors from nearly 50 countries, even though the vast majority of participants are Americans. PROMYS Europe is an option for students who typically live in Europe, though you cannot apply to both programs in the same calendar year. Although PROMYS does not require TOEFL scores, you must be able to fully participate in English-language lectures and math discussions. Please visit International Students. Has everyone at PROMYS been participating in or excelling at advanced mathematics before applying?
Students are equally motivated and capable of thinking deeply about fundamental mathematical concepts. Students from various mathematical backgrounds can explore and collaborate significantly while studying number theory, and PROMYS fosters different skills and qualities from those typically used in and developed by mathematics competitions. What is the acceptance rate at PROMYS?.
Although PROMYS has a variable acceptance rate, admission is competitive. We regrettably reject a large number of qualified applicants each year, but we do hope that they will try again the following summer if they are still qualified. We encourage applicants to apply to other programs as well because PROMYS is unable to accommodate all of the gifted young mathematicians. I want to know if I can get the answers to the application problem set after admissions decisions are announced.
PROMYS neither offers individual feedback nor solutions to the problem sets. We hope that applicants will continue to delve into the complex mathematical threads present in the issues and pursue a variety of mathematical avenues.
Learning at PROMYS Who makes up the mathematical community at PROMYS?
About 60 first-year students, 20 returning students, 25 counselors, faculty, research mentors, and visiting mathematicians are among the PROMYS participants each summer. Additionally, PROMYS for Teachers participants and their advisors attend the identical Number Theory lectures as PROMYS students. Who will be my counselor?.
At prestigious universities, counselors major in mathematics; some are former PROMYS participants. Each counselor mentors about three to four students. Will I learn just Number Theory at PROMYS?.
Students can quickly begin exploring unexpected and extremely deep patterns in number theory, the study of integers. For instance, Gauss made significant advances in understanding the distribution of the primes while still a teenager. Despite the fact that the daily problem sets and morning lectures are grounded in number theory, you will be exposed to a wide variety of new mathematical concepts. On a vast array of math-related topics and areas, there are advanced seminars, mini-courses, lectures, research, and informal discussion. You will leave PROMYS with a deeper level of understanding regardless of your prior level of mathematical knowledge. If I need assistance with the problem sets, who will it be?
Everyone! PROMYS is collaborative, not competitive. There is always informal classroom support from peers and counselors, both in small groups and individually. Everyone participates in mathematics in a positive and beneficial way. Will I get graded at PROMYS and receive course credit?.
At PROMYS, you will not be enrolled at Boston University. As a result, neither course credit nor grades are given. Every day, your counselor will provide you with feedback on your problem sets rather than grades. At the program’s conclusion, certificates of completion are given to the students.
Campus life at Boston University What are the housing arrangements at PROMYS?
Students in the PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS live in Warren Towers, a Boston University residence hall. Counselors from BU Residential Life oversee each floor, which is assigned based on the resident’s gender identity. Depending on your gender identity, a double room will be assigned to you and one other PROMYS student. When possible, PROMYS counselors live on the same floor as the students and are close to the students they mentor. Can I live off campus and commute to PROMYS?.
No. Much of the PROMYS experience is living and breathing mathematics. Late at night, in the common areas and dormitories, this frequently occurs. What should I bring to the program?.
A list of items to bring to campus will be sent to you and will primarily consist of clothing, bedding, and school supplies. Can I get accommodations for my food allergy?.
Yes, Boston University’s Dining Services is used to accommodating special dietary requirements like veganism and gluten-free diets. Vegetarian options are available at all meals. Unfortunately, Kosher food service is not available over the summer. If you are worried about food allergies, please get in touch with the PROMYS office. How can I reassure my parents that PROMYS won’t be a problem for me?
Some of you are leaving their homes for the first time for an extended period of time. You can ask a counselor to meet you at the station or airport and ride with you to the campus. All academic staff and counselors go through background checks and Boston University-provided training. Students and counselors at PROMYS live in a close-knit community where they watch out for one another. If your parents have any questions, they can contact the PROMYS office. Boston is a big city. What safety precautions are in place for students?.
During orientation, a number of safety procedures that PROMYS and Boston University adhere to will be discussed. All students must check into their dorms by 11 p.m. m. on school nights and midnight on weekends. The dorm’s security staff restricts access for visitors and upholds resident rules. Although Boston University’s immediate neighborhood is generally safe, it is still advisable to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. What else will I do at PROMYS besides math?.
While math will occupy the majority of your time, PROMYS also has other recreational activities. Weekly “mandatory fun” events like game nights and scavenger hunts are planned. Counselors organize regular basketball, volleyball, frisbee or soccer games. Field trips to the MIT Museum, the beach, or counselor-led tours of Harvard and MIT are planned whenever it is feasible. While others prefer to play cards or chess, some students enjoy running or walking along the Charles River.
Miscellaneous Questions Are scholarships available?
NEED-BASED ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE THROUGH PROMYS, COVERING UP TO THE ENTIRE COST OF PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING Additional details are available on the Financial Aid. Can I begin or end PROMYS a few days later?
No. The problem sets for number theory are created specifically to demand intense work over the course of the entire six-week period. Missing even one of these days would compromise your mathematical research and jeopardize your social relationships. It would also disrupt the program as a whole. I have other commitments this summer that conflict with PROMYS, like MOP, SAT prep, or a family wedding. Will I have time for these things?.
Unfortunately, once you decide to attend PROMYS, you will have to forgo other opportunities and obligations. Our curriculum is made to be difficult in a way that keeps students interested for the entire six-week period. Even though there are fewer math classes on the weekends than there are during the week, we still expect all students to stay on campus and concentrate on PROMYS. How many PROMYS alums become mathematicians and scientists?.
Since 1989, over 1,800 high schoolers have participated in PROMYS. Of those, roughly 60% have majored in mathematics. Our alumni body includes graduates with doctorates in STEM-related fields as well as those who pursue a wide range of professional and extracurricular interests. Please visit Alumni Outcomes.
Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) – Alumni Experience
FAQ
Is PROMYS competitive?
Both PROMYS programs can accommodate between 70 and 100 students. Although the majority of the student body hails from the US and the UK, more foreign students have been admitted each year. Only a small percentage of applicants are accepted on the first try due to the intense competition for admission.
How many people go to PROMYS?
About 80 high school students, ages 14 to 18, are admitted to PROMYS each summer, with 60 first-year students and 20 returning ones.
Is PROMYS prestigious?
The University of Chicago’s Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS), Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SuMAC), Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS), and MIT LaunchX are some of the most esteemed STEM summer programs.
Is PROMYS rolling admissions?
Decisions made on rolling basis starting February 15. Applications not accepted after March 15. promys. org/counselors/cou….