HCSSiM is an intensive six-week encounter with college-level mathematics for talented and highly motivated high school students. It is demanding and expanding. Participants spend a major portion of each day actively engaged in doing mathematics (not simply learning the results of mathematics). HCSSiM students live in the dorms at Hampshire College in Massachusetts for six summer weeks, and study and play in its fields, woods, and academic buildings (not typically in that order). Typically, there are as many girls and non-binary students as boys.
The daily schedule includes 4 hours of morning classes (Mon-Sat), the pre-supper Prime Time Theorem, and evening problem sessions. Afternoons are devoted to reading, rest, recreation, occasional trips to town, and informal study. Participants have unparalleled access to faculty members in classrooms, at meals, and in the program dorm. Productive collaborations continue long after the program, and many lifelong friendships are forged.
Location(s)
- Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts
Schedule
- June 29th - August 9th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- 2025 costs TBA
Eligibility Requirements
- Most students come to HCSSiM after their sophomore or junior years in high schools.
- Recent programs have included students who have just completed their 9th grade and have taken more advanced math.
- We’re open to an occasional even younger student.
Deadline
- TBA
Application or Entry Requirements
- Competed online application
- Letter explaining your reasons and motivations for applying and why you believe you would enjoy the summer studies. (E.g., why do you think that spending 8 hours a day doing math during the summer is a reasonable thing to do?)
- Name of sponsor who is willing to provide a letter of recommendation
- After applicants complete the initial form, they will receive an email with the Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics Interesting Test attached. Students must complete that exam and return it.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
- We offer substantial financial aid, with all decisions based on need.
- The program will be free for all domestic students whose family household income is under $85,000.
- In addition, we offer travel grants for families who cannot afford transportation to/from Amherst.
- For families with household income above $85,000 and international students, the size of award will be decided on a case-by-case basis, and may also include travel support.
- We will ensure that all invited students may attend regardless of their financial circumstances.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Hampshire College, situated in Amherst, Massachusetts, was established in 1965 as a liberal arts institution. Hampshire is known for its progressive pedagogy, student-centered philosophy, and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Unlike traditional colleges, Hampshire offers students the freedom to design their own personalized course of study, encouraging exploration across academic boundaries and hands-on, experiential learning.
