Discover+ Opportunities: Math Programs

In the highly competitive college admissions landscape, high school students seek opportunities to stand out and demonstrate their academic prowess—and participating in a prestigious math program can be a great way to do so. Taking part in such a program not only strengthens mathematical skills but also provides numerous advantages that can significantly enhance a student's college application.

• Engaging in a math program signifies a student's dedication to academic excellence in the field of mathematics. It demonstrates their willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum and pursue advanced mathematical topics. Admissions officers value applicants who demonstrate a passion for their chosen field of study and have a track record of exceptional academic performance, as these attributes indicate the potential for success in a rigorous college environment.
• Participating in a math program showcases a student's ability to think analytically and logically. It highlights their capacity to tackle challenging mathematical concepts, solve intricate equations, and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios. Admissions officers recognize the importance of these skills in various fields of study and appreciate applicants who exhibit strong analytical thinking.
• Math programs provide students with ample opportunities to develop and refine their problem-solving skills. These programs often expose students to complex mathematical puzzles and collaborative projects that require creative thinking and perseverance. By participating in such programs, students demonstrate their ability to approach challenges with resilience and find innovative solutions, qualities that are highly sought after by colleges and universities.

Discover+, AtomicMind’s free online catalog of high-impact extracurricular opportunities, was inspired by our years of experience helping students find and engage in a broad array of meaningful, enriching extracurricular activities, including prestigious math programs, some of the best of which are described below. Feel free to contact us for guidance and support in choosing and engaging in a math program that’s the right fit for you.

MIT PRIMES

MIT PRIMES is a transformative program that introduces high school students to the world of research mathematics, fostering a deep appreciation and passion for the subject. Through hands-on experiences and collaborations with MIT researchers, participants gain valuable skills and insights into the process of asking questions, solving problems, and discovering new mathematical concepts. The program not only nurtures students' mathematical abilities but also exposes them to the practical applications of mathematics in fields like molecular biology and cancer research. By igniting a lifelong love for mathematics, MIT PRIMES empowers students to pursue careers in mathematical research and make significant contributions to the field.

CrowdMath

CrowdMath provides high school and college students with an extraordinary opportunity to engage in research mathematics through collaborative programs that allow participants to tackle complex problems alongside a large group of mathematicians. Specifically geared toward students with advanced mathematical backgrounds, CrowdMath provides an opportunity for these young scholars to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

NYU Center for Mathematical Talent (CMT) - Summer Math Program

The NYU Center for Mathematical Talent is dedicated to recognizing and supporting mathematical talent among pre-collegiate students in New York City. Through extracurricular activities and after-school programs, the center identifies talented students from diverse backgrounds and provides them with problem-solving opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. The Summer Math Program for Young Scholars is a three-week intensive online program designed for mathematically talented high school students that introduces participants to undergraduate-level math topics, including number theory, group theory, and graph theory. The program features problem-solving sessions and presentations on the practical applications of math in different fields.

The Ross Mathematics Program

Ross is a specialized summer program designed for high school students with a talent for mathematics. This six-week residential program offers an immersive experience in which participants can explore advanced mathematical concepts. Participants dedicate the majority of their time to solving challenging problem sets that revolve around abstract mathematical ideas. By focusing on a single subject, such as number theory, students gain a deep understanding of its fundamental principles. However, the program’s emphasis extends beyond content knowledge, as it also aims to foster effective communication of mathematical ideas. Ultimately, Ross, which promotes cooperative and collaborative learning, aims to provide students with a strong foundation for independent mathematical research.

Mathroots

Mathroots is an immersive fourteen-day summer program that aims to nurture the mathematical talent of high-potential high school students from underrepresented backgrounds or underserved communities. While a solid foundation in high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry, exponents, and logarithms is necessary, calculus is not a prerequisite. Mathroots provides a unique opportunity for students to delve into the world of mathematics and develop their problem-solving skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Michigan State High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program (HSHSP)

The Michigan State University High School Honors Science/Engineering/Mathematics Program is an intensive seven-week summer research program designed for motivated high school students from across the United States. It offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in research while residing on the campus of a renowned research-intensive university. Many HSHSP alumni have received recognition for their research through competitions and publications and have gone on to study math-related fields at prestigious educational institutions.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp – SUMaC

SUMaC offers an advanced mathematics experience through lectures, guided research, and group problem-solving. Participants delve into current research topics, explore the historical development of significant areas of mathematics, and investigate ways in which math is applied in various scientific fields. The program goes beyond typical classroom mathematics, catering to students with a strong interest in the subject. Participants should expect a rigorous workload akin to a college course. Overall, SUMaC provides a challenging, engaging environment in which students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in advanced mathematical study.

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