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Texas State Honors Summer Math CampHSMC

HSMC, run by Mathworks at Texas State University, is a six-week residential math camp for grades 9 to 11. The application needs only an essay, a transcript and a teacher recommendation, with no qualifying problems. Returning students do original research with mentors, and the 2027 cost is $6,600.

Open to international students
Tuition · aid available

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Size and selectivityRate not published

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Eligibility: Open to international students
Cost: Tuition · aid available
Latest deadline: TBA

HSMC at a Glance

Host: Mathworks at Texas State University, in San Marcos, Texas
Field: Mathematics: a multi-summer program that builds problem-solving and research skills; second- and third-year students work on original research projects with research mentors
Grades and age: High school students in grades 9 to 11
Citizenship and residency: Open to all nationalities. Participants come from across the US, along with a few international students from countries including China, South Korea, Mexico and Hungary.
Cost: $6,600 for 2027, covering room, board, books and supplies. Mathworks offers need-based scholarships through the financial-need section of the application, and payment is not due until a student is accepted.
Dates and format: Six weeks in residence, fully in person. The 2027 session runs June 20 to July 31. Campers may not take online courses or join other programs, in person or online, during camp.
Application dates: Applications open December 1 each year, with rolling admission until the camp is full and acceptances starting February 15. Fewer places remain after that date and the camp usually fills early, so applying early is encouraged.
Application materials: No qualifying problems. A complete application has a one-page essay written by the applicant (how you heard about HSMC, math background, other activities and why you want to attend), a transcript (unofficial is fine) and a teacher recommendation, preferably from a math teacher or coach.
Size and selectivity: The admission rate, number of applicants and number of campers are not published; Mathworks says only that enrollment is limited and the camp usually fills early.

Verified against official pages on 2026-10-06 · txst.edu/mathworks/mathworks-camps/hsmc.html

About HSMC

The Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) is a six-week residential math camp for students in grades 9 to 11, run by Mathworks at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. It is a multi-summer program: second- and third-year students work on original research projects with research mentors. The 2027 session runs June 20 to July 31, and campers may not take online courses or join other programs during camp.

HSMC has no qualifying problems; applicants submit a one-page essay, a transcript and a teacher recommendation. The admission rate and number of campers are not published, and Mathworks says only that enrollment is limited and the camp usually fills early. The 2027 cost is $6,600, including room, board, books and supplies, and need-based scholarships are available. Campers come from across the US, with a few international students.

Applications open December 1 each year on a rolling basis, and acceptances start on February 15, earlier than decisions at most elite math camps. Students who want to settle their summer plans early can place HSMC at the front of their application season.

How to Apply to HSMC

HSMC begins rolling admission on December 1 and sends acceptances from February 15, after which places shrink. Submit a complete application in December.
With no problem set, the essay is the main way to show interest in math. Use the one page to be specific about your math background, activities and reasons for applying.
Students are responsible for asking their teacher for a recommendation; Mathworks does not contact teachers. Send the link to your math teacher early and allow plenty of time.

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Listed by MIT AdmissionsSummer Programs Recommended by MIT AdmissionsThis program is one of the 23 selective summer programs listed by MIT Admissions. See the full list with eligibility, cost and selectivity for each.

HSMC: Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Irvine student have to solve qualifying problems for HSMC?

No. Unlike most elite math camps, HSMC has no qualifying problems; the application needs only a one-page essay, a transcript and a teacher recommendation. An Irvine student can treat the essay as the main way to show interest in math.

Does HSMC accept international students?

Yes. Mathworks says campers come from across the US, along with a few students from countries such as China, South Korea and Mexico. Mathworks offers need-based scholarships through the financial-need section of the application.

Can a 9th grader in Irvine apply to HSMC?

Yes. HSMC takes students in grades 9 to 11 and runs over several summers, with second- and third-year students doing original research with mentors. An Irvine student who starts early has the chance to return and reach the research stage.

What are HSMC's 2027 cost and dates?

The 2027 session runs June 20 to July 31, six weeks in all, and costs $6,600, including room, board, books and supplies. Payment is due only after acceptance, and campers may not take online courses or join other programs during camp.

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Sources3 sources · checked 2026-10-06

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