About

The Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University is a six-week, residential summer experience for high school students interested in deepening their mathematical thinking through immersive problem-solving, advanced coursework, and community learning. Held on the Texas State campus in San Marcos from June 21 to August 1, 2026, HSMC invites students from across the U.S. and abroad into a full-time, in-person environment where they bond with peers, tackle sophisticated mathematical topics, and develop reasoning and communication skills. While first-year participants engage in structured learning and problem sessions, returning students may work with mentors on original projects, reflecting the program’s layered approach to engagement.

Admission to HSMC uses a rolling process with reviews beginning February 15, 2026, and continuing until the program reaches capacity. Applications require a one-page personal essay, an unofficial transcript, and one teacher recommendation (preferably from a math teacher). For 2026, the all-inclusive program cost is $6,600, with full refunds available for withdrawals before May 1. Although there is no rigid prerequisite list, applicants should demonstrate a strong mastery of Algebra to support the intensive Number Theory curriculum. Enrollment is limited, and early submission is strongly encouraged as the camp typically fills by early spring. The program’s full-time structure means participants must focus exclusively on math camp activities and cannot enroll in concurrent programs.

Instruction at HSMC blends lectures, guided problem sessions, proof writing, and collaborative explorations of advanced topics such as number theory, combinatorics, and analysis. Guest lectures, discussion groups, and mentorship from experienced counselors—many of whom are HSMC alumni—enrich the academic schedule. Residential life includes communal activities, fostering both intellectual and social bonds among campers.

HSMC is institutionally rooted in Texas State’s Mathworks initiative, founded in 1990 by Dr. Max Warshauer to create a continuum of mathematical learning for students of all backgrounds. HSMC represents the apex of Mathworks’ laddered camps, reinforcing Texas State’s commitment to nurturing problem-solvers and critical thinkers within an inclusive academic community. Participants finish with sharpened logical reasoning, proof techniques, and collaborative problem-solving skills; the camp does not offer academic credit but functions as a transformative immersion in mathematical thinking.