PROGRAMME PROFILE
At a glance
- Organiser
- PROMYS / Boston University host campus
- Destination
- United States
- Format & duration
- On campus · 6 weeks
- Age / stage
- 14–18
- Type
- Research & selective
- Information year
- 2027
Sources checked: 2026-11-10 · Facts and editorial guidance are labelled separately
Learning and approach
- Explore mathematical problems and proofs
- Discuss reasoning with peers
- Sustained inquiry rather than speed alone
Academic content in depth
PROMYS emphasises sustained problem-solving, conjecture and proof. Six weeks allow participants to revisit a theme and connect examples with general principles. The application problems offer a useful preview: an answer matters, but so do complete arguments, clearly stated assumptions and an understanding of why an attempted approach fails.
Classes, assignments and workload
The official student page describes a six-week residential programme on the Boston University campus and an application comprising problem solutions, a recommendation, a transcript and short responses. It lists June 27–August 7 for 2027, while exact late-February application and late-April decision dates remain pending. The listed cost figure is still a 2026 reference.
Eligibility and international applicants
The student page specifies age 14–18 at programme start, completion of grade 9 or equivalent, and no full-time university enrolment. Applicants are selected from the US and internationally.
Dates and costs
Schedule
June 27–August 7, 2027. Applications are expected to close in late February; the exact deadline is pending.
Costs
2026 reference: up to US$8,000 for the residential programme, depending on aid. International financial aid is considered individually.
Fit and preparation
Suitable for students who enjoy revisiting proofs and documenting unsuccessful approaches. Work independently on application problems and distinguish what you have proved from what remains open.
Application preparation
Begin the application problems well before the deadline. Keep dated working notes distinguishing proved results, experimental observations and unresolved points, then turn sound arguments into readable proofs. A recommender can be particularly helpful when describing persistence and revision. Follow the application’s current integrity rules for assistance, collaboration and tools.
Choosing well and reflecting on outcomes
Consider PROMYS if you enjoy mathematics itself and can continue working without immediate answers. Contest results provide context but speed is not the only dimension of fit. International aid is considered individually, so prepare both funded and self-funded budget scenarios. Comparing early and later proof drafts can make your learning visible after the programme.
Frequently asked questions
Are incomplete solutions pointless?
Incomplete work can still reflect genuine thinking. Follow the official instructions and distinguish proved results from conjectures; never substitute somebody else’s work for your own.
Is being 14 sufficient for eligibility?
No. The start-date conditions also include completion of grade 9 or equivalent and no full-time college or university enrolment.
Are 2027 fees confirmed here?
No. The currently cited student page gives a 2026 reference of up to US$8,000, not a verified 2027 quotation.
Official sources and verification
- Official source 1 ↗promys.org
- Official source 2 ↗promys.org
Check the relevant official edition for fees, eligibility and sessions. Images primarily use official programme or university material, with other sources credited separately. They illustrate programme or campus context, not a specific current-year class.
