PROMYS vs Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. PROMYS is a summer program while Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is a competition.
| PROMYS | Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Summer Program | Competition |
| Organization | Boston University | Lemelson-MIT Program at MIT |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 15-20% (estimated based on ~80 admitted from several hundred applicants; exact figures not publicly disclosed) | Approximately 8-10% (based on 8 teams selected annually; suggests 80-100+ applications per year, though exact applicant count not publicly available) |
| Applicants | Several hundred annually (exact number not publicly available) | Estimated 80-100+ schools apply annually (extrapolated from 8 selections) |
| Deadline | — | Rolling |
| Award | — | $7,000 |
| Cost to Apply | $0 | Free |
| US Only | No / International | Yes |
| Grades | High school students entering grades 9-12 | High school students (9-12) |
| College Impact | PROMYS attendance is viewed very favorably by college admissions officers, particularly at selective institutions. It demonstrates: genuine passion for mathematics, intellectual rigor, ability to succ... | Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is viewed very favorably in college admissions, particularly for STEM programs. Selection as an InvenTeam demonstrates: (1) exceptional innovation and problem-solving ability; ... |