In this guide, Aralia explains everything you need to know about MathILy, including the program structure, admissions process, and application timeline. We will also cover practical tips to help you prepare a competitive application and stand out in this highly selective program.
1. What is MathILy?
MathILy (Mathematics Infused with Levity) is a residential program dedicated to exploring mathematics through original problem solving and proof construction. It runs for five weeks each summer and is dedicated to high school students who are interested in bringing math beyond the classroom. Hosted annually at Bryn Mawr College and operated by the nonprofit Mathematical Staircase, Inc., the program admits roughly 45 students each year, making it one of the most competitive mathematics summer programs in the United States.
Unlike traditional math programs that emphasize lectures or competition-style problem solving, MathILy is built around a discovery-based learning model. Instead of presenting complete solutions, instructors introduce mathematical ideas and encourage students to develop proofs, test conjectures, and build mathematical theories through exploration and collaboration.
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2. Program Schedule
- October 2027: Short Forms open on the MathILy application page
- Spring 2027 (exact date pending): Full-consideration deadline, likely similar to the 2026 deadline of April 28
- Admissions run on a rolling basis throughout the cycle. Applicants should then submit as soon as the Short Form opens, since spots fill as decisions go out continuously
3. Program Structure
The curriculum follows a 2-1-2 structure, designed to build foundational knowledge and skills before branching into specialized topics that match students’ interests.
Here’s an overview of the program schedule:
Weeks 1–2: Root Class
The course kicks off with an inquiry-based course, where instructors introduce core mathematical frameworks while students develop proofs and discover patterns together.
Topics for this Class will cover combinatorics, graph theory, affine geometry, and theoretical linear algebra, and are likely to discuss number theory, probability, group theory, and cardinality.
Week 3: Week of Chaos
Students rotate through short mini-courses taught by different instructors, exposing them to a wide variety of mathematical areas outside the core curriculum.
Example topics include alternate geometries, ciphers and cryptography, combinatorial optimization, generating functions, information theory, knot theory, and Markov chain modeling.
Weeks 4–5: Branch Classes
Students choose advanced seminars based on interests they developed during the first three weeks of the program.
Recent Branch Class topics have included polytopes, finite fields and geometries, and the mathematics of paper folding (origami), reflecting the program’s commitment to expose students to the kind of mathematics that is rarely encountered in the classroom.
4. Eligibility
MathILy is looking for mathematically gifted high school students who are curious and creative.
Most admitted students fall between the ages of 14 and 17, although applicants outside this age range are welcome to apply and may be asked to provide additional materials. Students who are not currently enrolled in high school are eligible to apply, though priority is typically given to current high school students.
5. Cost and Financial Aid
The 2026 MathILy program costs $6,175. This covers instruction, housing, and meals for the entire five-week residential experience.
MathILy operates under a need-blind admissions policy, meaning a student’s ability to pay is not considered during the admissions review process. Financial information is only reviewed after a student has been admitted.
6. How Mathily Compares to Peer Programs
Applicants often weigh MathILy against several other highly selective mathematics summer programs for high school students. Comparable programs include Canada/USA Mathcamp, Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), and the Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS).
| Program | Location | Duration | Focus |
| MathILy | Bryn Mawr College | 5 weeks | Discrete math, inquiry-based |
| Canada/USA Mathcamp | Varies yearly | 5 weeks | Broad, student-chosen topics |
| SUMaC | Stanford University | 4 weeks | Abstract algebra, number theory |
| PROMYS | Boston University | 6 weeks | Number theory |
What sets MathILy apart is its strong emphasis on mathematical discovery and collaborative problem solving. It does not follow a traditional lecture-based format, which many students have already been doing throughout the school year. Instead, it introduces a new format that encourages students to explore mathematical concepts from the ground up. Humor and creativity are also built into its learning environment, creating a collaborative and supportive community that many students will appreciate.
7. Student Outcomes
Beyond strong college admissions outcomes, many MathILy alumni pursue advanced opportunities in mathematics through research programs such as PRIMES-USA, undergraduate REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates), and graduate study in mathematics.
MathILy alumni go on to attend MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Caltech, among others, per the program’s impact page.
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8. How to Build a Competitive MathILy Application
Demonstrate Mathematical Curiosity
The program is built around mathematical exploration, so admissions reviewers pay close attention to applicants who enjoy asking questions and investigating patterns. The same value is given to students who love to experiment with different approaches to solving a problem.
You can demonstrate mathematical curiosity by:
- Exploring mathematics beyond your school curriculum through books, online lectures, or other external programs.
- Participating in math circles or independent study projects.
- Working on challenging problems.
- Reflecting on the reasoning behind a difficult solution rather than focusing only on whether you found the correct answer.
Develop Strong Writing Skills
Unlike other mathematics competitions that emphasize speed and accuracy in obtaining the correct answer, MathILy places far more weight on mathematical reasoning and communication. Students spend much of the program constructing proofs and explaining their thinking to their instructors and classmates.
Self-learning about proof-based topics such as number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, and introductory abstract algebra builds familiarity with this style of reasoning as early as now. Receiving feedback from teachers or mentors on your written solutions adds another layer of advantage, since communicating a proof clearly is a skill that develops through repeated correction rather than instinct alone.
Explore Mathematics Beyond School
Strong grades provide a solid academic foundation, but grades alone tell the admissions committee little about how you engage with mathematics outside the classroom. What the admissions committee looks for is evidence that you actively seek opportunities to deepen your understanding of mathematics outside of school. Here are useful habits that you can do to prepare:
- Reading enrichment books on higher mathematics.
- Studying independently about introductory topics in combinatorics, graph theory, or discrete mathematics.
- Answering challenging problems from mathematical enrichment resources.
- Joining niche communities where you can share your ideas with other students and learn from peers.
- Attending summer programs or workshops when possible.
Approach the EAR Thoughtfully
The Exam Assessing Readiness (EAR) is where MathILy stands out from a typical application process. It is not like a traditional timed examination that measures speed or evaluates how many facts a student has memorized. Instead, it is designed to reveal how applicants think when faced with unfamiliar mathematical challenges, which is closer to what the program itself demands. Students are encouraged to spend around four hours completing the assessment. As part of the review, the committee will weigh persistence and clarity of reasoning more heavily than a fully correct set of answers.
Prepare for MathILy and Other Top Mathematics Programs with Aralia Education
Getting into a program like MathILy takes more than good grades or a general interest in problem-solving. Beyond stellar academic standing, successful applicants tend to demonstrate mathematical curiosity and the ability to engage with challenging concepts beyond the standard high school curriculum.
Aralia Education works with ambitious middle and high school students to develop exactly those skills. We help dreamers achieve the advanced mathematical skills and academic confidence needed to pursue opportunities like summer programs, mathematics competitions, and research experiences. Through personalized instruction from world-class educators, Aralia students sharpen their problem-solving abilities and build a deeper understanding of mathematics.
Our students have earned admission to prestigious summer programs, including the MathILy and Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), an outcome that reflects the kind of preparation and mentorship they received along the way from Aralia.
