MIT PRIMES – Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science for High School Students
Mathematics is a unique and wonderful way of life. The goal of PRIMES is to allow high school students to discover the joy of being a research mathematician, so that more of them choose mathematical research as their profession. In this program you will learn, through a first-hand experience, how mathematicians ask and answer questions, look for patterns and form conjectures, discuss their work and collaborate with each other, read and write mathematical texts, make and correct mistakes, feel frustrated and elated, give talks, and use sophisticated computer systems. You will also be able to discover how mathematics can be applied to real life problems, for example, in molecular biology (in particular, in cancer research). And hopefully you will experience the unforgettable thrill of proving a new theorem or solving a previously unsolved problem! This will develop into a lifelong passion for mathematics.
MIT PRIMES is a free year-long after-school program that offers research projects and guided reading to high school students living within driving distance from Boston. Program participants work with MIT researchers on exciting unsolved problems in mathematics, computer science, and computational biology.
Location(s)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Schedule
- Year-Round
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- To participate in MIT PRIMES, you must live in the Greater Boston area, so that you can come to MIT weekly (late afternoon or evening on a weekday or on weekend) in February-May and September-December. Students are selected on the basis of their demonstrated extraordinary mathematical ability, potential for conducting original research or advanced reading, and self-motivation for independent study. A small number of candidates are admitted, and a very advanced background is expected.
- Current MIT PRIMES students may reapply to stay in the program. If they reapply for the same section, they submit only an updated questionnaire and do not have to submit solutions of the entrance problem set. Their applications will be evaluated based on their mentor's recommendation. If they apply to a different section, they must do the problem set for that section.
Deadline
- Late November
Application or Entry Requirements
- Choose your research section.
- Open your application online.
- Ask for two to three letters of recommendation from people who know you well, preferably from those familiar with advanced mathematics or computer science, such as teachers, counselors at summer camps, or college professors.
- Solve the entrance problem set; it is strongly recommended to write the math solutions using LaTeX.
- Write your personal statement; 1-2 pages discussing some of your most memorable/enjoyable math/computer science experiences.
Notifications of Decisions
- January
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- March 14: brief reading report
- May 31: interim research report
- Mid-October: conference presentation
- December 1: penultimate draft of the final paper
- December 31/January 15: final research paper.
Have other questions?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is renowned for its strong emphasis on scientific and technological research and innovation, and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to economics and architecture. MIT has a long history of producing notable alumni, including 96 Nobel laureates, 58 National Medal of Science recipients, and 29 MacArthur ""Genius Grant"" recipients. Additionally, its strong culture of entrepreneurship has led to the founding of many successful startups and companies by MIT alumni or faculty. Notable examples include Dropbox, Akamai Technologies, and Bose Corporation. The university's campus, situated along the Charles River Basin, features a mix of historic and modern architecture, including works by renowned architects such as Frank Gehry and I.M. Pei.
