Overview of MathILy-Er: Intensive Summer Mathematics Program
by
Indigo Research Team
Published:
April 3, 2025
Last Updated:
April 4, 2025
People often see mathematics as a discipline of structured rules and formulas, yet it’s a world of discovery, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. Some of the most rewarding mathematical experiences stem from profound reasoning. Students who love to tackle challenges thrive in environments that nurture this kind of thinking. Fortunately, MathILy-Er provides such an environment.
In this program, intensive summer program students learn advanced mathematical concepts that enable them to discover mathematics beyond the limits of their classroom environment. The program also connects students with peers who share their passion for expanding intellectual boundaries. Read on to find out more about this program.
MathILy-Er (serious Mathematics Infused with Levity - earlier) is a residential summer experience for secondary students who show exceptional mathematical talent and desire to advance their studies in maths or pursue a career in the field. Throughout five weeks, students participate in hands-on learning sessions where teachers offer guidance and students develop and demonstrate their mathematical ideas. The curriculum covers advanced topics including research-level mathematics. It also helps to develop students' ability to solve problems using mathematical principles.
The Mathematical Staircase, Inc. runs MathILy-Er and MathILy (serious Mathematics Infused with Levity). Both programs promote deep mathematical studies but serve students at different stages in their mathematics education. MathILy serves students who have advanced mathematics knowledge while MathILy-Er is focused on students who are slightly less advanced.
Even though MathILy-Er targets students who are earlier in their mathematical education, it maintains a demanding curriculum that includes current research-level mathematics.
MathILy-Er provides an engaging educational experience with a structured, yet flexible timetable. Students attend classes six days per week for seven hours daily with sessions divided into morning and evening times. A Ph.D. mathematician leads every class while one or two graduate or undergraduate instructors provide support. Students spend their afternoons relaxing and collaborating with fun activities before they return to math and discussions with occasional rest during evening sessions.
The program follows a unique 2-1-2 format. The course starts with two weeks of Root Class before moving into one Week of Chaos and concluding with two weeks of Branch Class.
MathILy summer program provides an educational experience that goes beyond mathematics. The program offers life seminars to support personal growth and academic progress among students. The seminars address multiple aspects including practical skills like writing emails and psychological challenges such as impostor syndrome. The seminars provide guidance on choosing career paths whether in or outside of mathematical sciences.
The program offers regular screenings of short animated videos and films about mathematics to enhance educational experiences. Students collaborate with participants from MathILy-EST (Early Scholarly Training) who conduct mathematical research. They share living and working spaces together. They also get the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia during which they will engage in cultural and educational activities.
By the end of the summer, instructors deliver personalized assessments to students. These reports outline their academic performance, progress, and areas of improvement. With such detailed feedback, you may not even need to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. Your instructor’s evaluation will clearly express your strengths and progress.
MathILy-Er is one of the elite summer math programs for high school students. MathILy-Er shares a similar intensity level with Mathcamp, SUMaC, HCSSiM, PROMYS, and the Ross Program.
The program maintains its competitiveness by enrolling only about 30 students annually from a large pool of strong applicants. In 2024, MathILy-Er processed 675 completed applications from prospective students but only accepted 39 applicants which meant MathILY's acceptance rate was below 6 percent. This highly selective process shows that the sponsor is committed to preserving an exclusive learning atmosphere with exceptionally talented students.
The MathILy-Er program caters to high school students who want to explore mathematics creatively. If you love discovering patterns, tackling mathematical challenges, or competing in contests like Kangaroo Math or the M3 Challenge, MathILy-Er offers an immersive experience to push your skills even further.
Students who dream of being computer scientists and engineers, or those who find traditional math classes boring will find this program transformative. The program gives first consideration to high school students but also accepts younger or older students who show exceptional motivation.
Here are 3 instructors at MathILy-Er who will challenge you to think deeply and discover mathematics in new ways:
Dr. Corrine Yap brings value to MathILy-Er with her mathematical skills and imaginative storytelling. She earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University followed by a postdoctoral role at Georgia Tech where she investigates combinatorics and statistical physics. Besides her mathematical pursuits, she creates and presents Uniform Convergence. It's a solo theatrical performance which explores the relationship between math and personal identity. Corrine's numerous positions within the MathILy-Er organization position her as a key figure in the program's evolution.
Dr. Alice Mark holds a senior lecturer position at Vanderbilt University where she focuses her research efforts on group theory and reflection groups. Since 2015, Dr. Alice Mark has taught in various inquiry-based learning programs including MathILy-Er. Her dual role as lead instructor and director has given her extensive experience in teaching students advanced mathematical concepts.
Auburn University faculty member Dr. Brian Freidin received his Ph.D. from Brown University where his research concentrated on differential geometry. During his undergraduate studies, he engaged in mathematical research which focused on geometry and complex systems. Brian has shared his geometric expertise at advanced math programs such as MathILy and MathILy-Er.
MathILy-Er 2025 will run from June 22 to July 26, 2025.
The application deadline is April 29, 2025.
If accepted, students must pay half of the fee to reserve their spot. The full payment (minus any financial aid awarded) is due by May 26, 2025.
MathILY application is a detailed procedure that evaluates your mathematical skills and preparedness for the program. You apply simultaneously to both MathILy and MathILy-Er through a shared application system. Your placement will depend on your academic suitability.
The application process includes three essential parts.
1. Short Form: The first stage of this application process requires applicants to submit basic personal information.
2. Exam Assessing Readiness (EAR): The Exam Assessing Readiness features challenging mathematical problems that assess an applicant's ability to solve problems and their readiness for the program's demanding curriculum.
3. Not-as-Short Form: The Not-as-Short Form application requires personal statements from applicants, recommendation letters from their math teachers, and further details about their mathematical background and interests.
The total program fee for participating in MathILy is $5,300 which breaks down to $1,060 each week across five weeks.
Students who need financial assistance can benefit from MathILy's need-based financial aid offerings. The program can offer assistance thanks to generous donations from organizations like Jane Street, the AMS Epsilon Fund, and individual contributors. Applicants with profound financial needs who gain admission to the program will have their full fee waived.
MathILy makes financial aid forms accessible exclusively to students who have been admitted. The reason for this is to maintain a fair admissions process free from financial considerations.
Take Your Math Skills Further with IRIS
MathILy-Er is a great way for math enthusiasts to dive deep into advanced concepts, sharpen problem-solving skills, and connect with like-minded peers. But if you’re excited to apply math beyond theory, the Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Program is a great next step.
IRIS offers both Engineering and Computer Science courses that blend math with real-world problem-solving. Whether you're designing innovative solutions or exploring algorithms and coding, you'll get hands-on experience and build a portfolio piece to showcase your work. Learn more about IRIS today!
If you are interested in math and are designing innovative solutions or exploring algorithms and coding, why not try research in math? Our IRIS Program offers both Engineering and Computer Science courses that blend math with real-world problem-solving.
If you are interested in math and are designing innovative solutions or exploring algorithms and coding, why not try research in math? Our IRIS Program offers both Engineering and Computer Science courses that blend math with real-world problem-solving.
