Physics Camp

1. Research Science Institute

• Eligibility: 11th graders

• Cost: Free

• When: June-August

• Location: Campus at Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, cost-free summer program held at MIT for 100 of the world’s top high school students. It combines intensive STEM coursework with a five-week research internship under expert mentorship. Participants engage in the full research process—from studying current literature to creating and presenting their own original research through written and oral reports. The program offers a unique opportunity to experience real scientific research at a college level.

2. Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science

• Eligibility: 11th graders

• Cost: Free

• When: June-August

• Location: Campus at Carnegie Mellon University

The Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a fully funded, six-week residential program at Carnegie Mellon University for rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least 16 years old. Running from June 21 to August 2, 2025, SAMS offers a rigorous curriculum with seminars in math and science, hands-on STEM research projects, and a college preparation course called “Student to Scholar.” Participants receive mentoring, attend workshops, and present their research at a final symposium. The program focuses on building a diverse, supportive community and preparing students for STEM careers. 

3. COSMOS(UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz)

• Eligibility: 8th-12th graders

• Cost: $5300

• When: July-August

• Location: Campus at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz

The California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) at the UCs residential program designed for high school students entering grades 8 through 12. Held annually in July, the program immerses students in advanced STEM topics through specialized "clusters" such as data science in health sciences, computational physics, and tumor biology. Each cluster is led by UCI faculty and includes lectures, hands-on labs, and a final research project culminating in a poster presentation. Students live on campus in the Middle Earth residence halls, engaging in both academic and recreational activities like sports, talent shows, and social events. While COSMOS does not offer academic credit, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and gain valuable experience for college applications. 

4. FSU Young Scholars

• Eligibility: Incoming 12th graders

• Cost: Free

• When: June-July

• Location: Campus at Florida State University

The FSU Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a fully funded, six-week residential summer experience at Florida State University in Tallahassee for 40 exceptional Florida high school juniors (and very rarely some sophomores) who have completed pre-calculus, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and scored in the 90th percentile or higher in math or science standardized tests. Participants take three specially designed STEM courses, work two days per week on independent research projects with FSU faculty across fields like robotics, molecular biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and zoology, and culminate the program by presenting their findings at an academic conference. Room, board, tuition, and meals are all covered, with additional travel or book stipends available for those with financial need. 

5. Math League Summer Challenge Math Prize for Girls

• Eligibility: Incoming ~11th graders

• Cost: Free

• When: October

• Location: Campus at Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

The Math Prize for Girls is a prestigious, annual math competition held at MIT for high school girls (grades 9–12) in the U.S. and Canada. Hosted by the Advantage Testing Foundation and sponsored by Jane Street, it invites up to 300 top female students with high AMC 10/12 scores to compete in a 2.5-hour exam featuring challenging algebra, geometry, and advanced math problems. The top scorers are invited to the Math Prize Olympiad, a proof-based contest. It offers the largest cash prizes for a girls-only math contest in North America, with top awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. The application and participation are free, but students must cover their own travel and lodging. The program aims to encourage young women with strong math talent and build a supportive community of future STEM leaders.