How to Get Into PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists)
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
For students who love math—not just the answers, but the thinking, the structure, and the mystery of it—PROMYS, aka Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, is more than a summer program. It’s a community and a challenge that changes how students see mathematics, located on the Boston University campus. With an acceptance rate rumored to hover as low as 5%, PROMYS is a hub for the nation's most talented young mathematicians. Not only do participants learn way more math than any high school teaches, but they also become incredibly compelling candidates to the U.S.'s top-ranked colleges and universities for math, which Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, Caltech, and more chief among them.
PROMYS isn’t about lectures or memorization. It’s about exploration, proof, and discovery—working on unsolved problems and learning to think like a mathematician. Because of that, gaining admission isn’t about having perfect test scores or competition medals—it’s about showing creative mathematical potential and the kind of intellectual curiosity that drives deep thinking. It isn't about getting all the answers right; it's about trying your best and showing ingenuity in your answers, both on the required problem set and in personal statements. That’s exactly where thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.
Here’s how we help students prepare, apply, and craft applications that truly reflect their mathematical promise.
What PROMYS Looks For
PROMYS admissions isn’t simply evaluating whether a student can solve calculus problems. They’re evaluating whether a student:
Thinks deeply about mathematical ideas
Can persevere through non-routine problems
Shows genuine curiosity and self-driven exploration
Is ready to engage with a rigorous, collaborative community of peers and mentors
Notably, PROMYS values potential as much as polished background—which is empowering for students who may not have had access to advanced coursework, but do have early proof of mathematical dedication. You can get into PROMYS with no track record of participation or success in math competitions. You just have to make sure you're the kind of person who looks at the line-up of six weeks of rigorous mathematical inquiry and thinks, "That sounds fun."
We help students understand this and position their applications accordingly, so you can show admissions that you're the kind of student who will make the PROMYS experience fun for everyone.
Step 1: Identifying Genuine Motivation for Mathematics
Too many applicants start with broad statements like “I love math.” That’s not enough for PROMYS reviewers — what reviewers want to see is how students engage with math beyond the expected.
We help students:
✔ Articulate why math matters to them—not because it’s useful in college applications (though, let's be honest, it definitely is), but because it’s intellectually compelling
✔ Highlight mathematical experiences that show active exploration (like independent problem solving or research)
✔ Tell a story about how they got interested and what they’re driven to understand next
This isn’t about sounding impressive—it’s about sounding real and motivated.
Step 2: Showcasing Proof-Oriented Thinking
PROMYS values proof — not memorization or speed. But many students haven’t yet written formal proofs in school settings.
We help students:
Collect examples of creative mathematical thinking (e.g., solutions that go beyond routine steps)
Reflect on moments where they struggled with a problem and pushed through
Include examples of mathematical writing that demonstrate clarity, logic, and curiosity
That makes applications far more persuasive than simply listing courses, scores, or contest honors.
Step 3: Strengthening Math Identity Through Projects
Not all strong PROMYS applicants come from math teams or contests. Many come from self-directed mathematical projects—developing proofs, exploring topics independently, or even reading advanced texts with purpose.
We help students:
Shape these projects into compelling evidence of mathematical momentum
Explain what they learned, not just what they did
Connect their work to the kinds of thinking PROMYS values
This tells reviewers: “This student isn’t just good at math—they are a budding mathematician.”
Step 4: Polishing Essays and Personal Responses
PROMYS applications usually include written components where students explain their mathematical journey or interests.
We help students:
Write with precision and authenticity (not cliché or generic)
Structure essays that reflect clear thought processes
Use examples that illustrate their mathematical focus and growth
Communicate how PROMYS fits into their long-term goals (without overstatement)
This transforms essays from generic math enthusiasm into compelling academic narrative.
Step 5: Getting Ready for the Experience
PROMYS is demanding: long sessions, deep discussions, and a community of committed math students from around the world.
We help students:
Understand what the program feels like day-to-day, sharing anecdotes from our students who have already attended (and often been accepted to top colleges like Harvard and MIT!)
Prepare mentally for collaboration and long problem sessions
Set realistic goals for their time at PROMYS—goals rooted in growth, not external validation
This not only boosts confidence; it shows reviewers that the student gets what the program is about.
Final Thoughts
PROMYS isn’t just another résumé line. It’s a chance for students to grow as thinkers, join a community of passionate peers, and see what mathematics can be when deeply explored. Prospective applicants should love math enough to dive into it 24/7 for six weeks, but they should also know that they just might have their minds blown and their definitions of "math" radically expanded.
Preparing a strong application isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about clarifying purpose, shaping authentic mathematical narratives, and communicating readiness for challenge. It's about taking a step towards crafting an overarching story of why you love math, one that you can leverage for future acceptance to the nation's best colleges.
If you're dreaming of PROMYS and want meaningful support to navigate the application with confidence and clarity, we’re here to help—every step of the way.