About

MathILy is a five-week, intensive residential summer mathematics program for mathematically excellent high school students, run by the nonprofit Mathematical Staircase, Inc. and hosted at Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For 2026, the program runs from June 28 to August 1. Unlike enrichment camps that focus on preparatory content, MathILy emphasizes creative mathematical exploration and inquiry-based learning, inviting participants to encounter advanced ideas, make and prove conjectures, and develop problem-solving habits through sustained engagement with deep topics in discrete and theoretical mathematics. Instruction is collaborative and interactive—students are expected to contribute actively to class discussions, tackle challenging problems, and grow both individually and collectively as thinkers.

Admissions are highly selective and occur through a shared application for MathILy and its sister program MathILy-Er; placement is determined by academic readiness. The application process includes a short form, an Exam Assessing Readiness (EAR)—a four-hour mathematical evaluation designed to mirror the program’s inquiry-based style—and a "not-as-short" form with recommendations and personal context. Applications received by April 28, 2026, receive full consideration. The program fee for 2026 is $6,175, with a final payment deadline of May 28, 2026. MathILy offers need-based financial aid, and the application for aid is provided to students upon admission to maintain a need-blind review process.

Instruction consists of daily inquiry-based classes where instructors provide frameworks and students explore the material deeply, often contributing their own conjectures and proofs. The schedule gives substantial time to both structured and informal interactions, blending serious mathematics with a vibrant community culture. Residents live on campus, interacting with peers and instructors outside class, which contributes to the program’s intense but collegial atmosphere.

Participants leave MathILy with sharpened mathematical reasoning, confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems, and experience writing rigorous solutions. The program does not confer academic credit but is widely recognized among advanced mathematics summer experiences.