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Residential Camp Information

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The Residential JSMC is an immersive summer program for middle school students who are excited about doing mathematics.  The goal of the program is to develop young students into creative and critical thinkers.  We nurture students' interests and abilities to pursue higher-level math courses and degrees and careers in math, science, engineering, and many other fields.

Campers arrive at Texas State University on a Sunday afternoon, where they get to know their study group, counselors, and fellow campers. The next two weeks include daily mathematics classes taught by university professors, study group sessions, recreation time, and various camp outings. 

The Residential Junior Summer Math Camp is a full-time, in-person experience.  We structure this program so that you will have time to bond with other campers, develop as a problem solver and researcher, and become an integral part of the Mathworks community.  It is important not to take on any additional obligations that might interfere with your participation in camp activities.  Therefore, we do not allow campers in JSMCR to take online courses or participate in other programs, in person or online, during camp.

Eligibility

  • To be eligible you must:
    • Currently be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade 
    • Submit an Application, Teacher Recommendation, and Transcript/Report Card
  • Students are encouraged to apply early as enrollment is limited to 60 openings.
  • Our average acceptance rate for applicants has been less than 20%.
RoundSubmit a complete application by Decision by (Accept/Decline/Defer*)
Round 1February 15February 28
Round 2March 15 March 30
Round 3 (Final Round)April 16April 20

Deferred Applicants

*If you are deferred to the next round you must wait until next round decisions are announced to find out if your status has changed. 

Expenses and Financial Aid

Program cost  for camp 2024 is $2,000.  Need-based scholarships are available.   

  • No payment is required until your student has been accepted by the selection committee. 
  • Upon selection, your student's spot in the summer math program is ensured only when you have paid in full.
  • Includes room and board, supplies, workbook, daily snack, and a math camp t-shirt.
  • Students may receive need-based scholarships depending on family income and circumstances.  Scholarships are provided by the Mathworks endowment and the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals. 

Refund schedule: There is a non refundable $25 fee for application processing.(This fee is already included in your tuition and is not paid separately)

  • Full refund: if you withdraw your student before May 1st
  • Half refund: if you withdraw your student before May 15th
  • No refunds: if withdrawing on or after May 15th

Sample Daily Schedule - Regular schedule when face-to-face

 7:15-8:00am Breakfast
 8:00-Noon Class (with breaks)*
 Noon-12:45pm Lunch
 1:00-2:00pm Problem Session
 2:00-5:00pm Recreation and Free Time
 5:00-6:00pm Dinner
 6:00-9:00pm Study Group
 10:30pm Lights Out

*Topics in the morning classes in the past have included:

  • Counting Techniques
  • Number Theory
  • Combinatorics
  • Advanced Geometry (similarities, mass-point geometry, etc.)
  • Probability
  • Advanced Algebraic Problem-Solving