Stanford Math Tournament (SMT) 2026 vs PROMYS - Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Stanford Math Tournament (SMT) 2026 is a competition while PROMYS - Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists is a summer program.
| Stanford Math Tournament (SMT) 2026 | PROMYS - Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive |
| Type | Competition | Summer Program |
| Organization | Stanford University | PROMYS |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 10-13% based on ~800 participants selected from ~6,000-8,000 estimated applicants (extrapolated from tournament size and typical math competition application rates). School teams have higher acceptance rates than individuals. | Not publicly available; estimated to be highly competitive (likely 10-25% based on prestige tier and selective nature) |
| Applicants | Estimated 6,000-8,000 students apply nationally (exact figures not published) | Not publicly specified; estimated 150-300+ applicants annually |
| Deadline | Rolling | Rolling |
| Cost to Apply | $0 | $0 |
| US Only | Yes | No / International |
| Grades | High school students only (grades 9-12) | High school students (exact grade range not publicly specified on main site, but typically grades 9-12) |
| College Impact | Math competitions like SMT carry MODERATE TO STRONG college admissions weight, particularly for STEM-focused students. Impact includes: (1) DEMONSTRATES MATHEMATICAL PASSION: Shows genuine interest be... | PROMYS is highly respected by college admissions officers, particularly at selective universities. Participation demonstrates: exceptional mathematical talent and motivation; ability to thrive in rigo... |