The {MathILy, MathILy-Er}
application process
Students apply to be a part of {MathILy, MathILy-Er}, not to the individual programs. The two programs admit students with different degrees of mathematical prowess, with MathILy-Er intended to prepare particularly promising students for MathILy and other very selective residential summer mathematics programs. The MathILy and MathILy-Er curricula are distinct so that a student can benefit from participation in both programs over multiple summers. If an applicant is admitted, placement in a given program is determined by academic suitability only.
Here's how to apply to {MathILy, MathILy-Er}:
(1) Fill out the Short Form---it's below, on this page.
(2) Wiggle your toes.
(3) Receive, and complete (in a 4-hour time block), and return to us, the Exam Assessing Readiness
.
(4) Ignore the order of these instructions.
(5) Fill out the Not-as-short Form. (<-- Those words are a link to the form.)
(6) Giggle, laugh, or smile (your choice).
(7) Make sure that your recommender got the request that was generated by your Not-as-short Form submission.
Timing: We have rolling admissions starting in the Spring, when the is released to applicants. You should be prepared to spend about 4 hours on the , to show what you can do during a {MathILy, MathILy-Er} class; please return it within a few weeks of receiving it. Once your application
is complete (though that does include getting recommender comments sent), we
will give you a decision in a week or so.
Deadlines: Applications received before April 28, 2026 will
receive full consideration. After that point, applications will be considered
only if you ask nicely and if we have any space left.
Note:
We are (as of May 26th) continuing to accept applications and have spaces; when needed, we will create a waitlist. We expect that spaces will be available for the next couple of weeks.
If you're admitted, half of the fee must be paid in order to reserve your spot;
the full fee (minus any aid you are awarded) is due by May 19th, 2026.
Other details:
- If you're an international student, and might require a visa, you should apply to {MathILy, MathILy-Er} well before our full-consideration deadline---the visa application process takes a while. You will need to obtain a visa yourself (we cannot do it for you), but we do have instructions available for admitted students.
- Students who are not in high school are welcome to apply, but preference
will be given to high-school students. Additionally, students who are
outside the 14--17 age range may be asked to supply more information as
part of the admissions process.
- Financial aid forms are available to admitted students only---we don't
want any knowledge of your financial circumstances to be within a mile of
the admissions process.
- We do not respond to communications or applications originating from domains such as yopmail.com, where anyone can access the account without a password.
