Five programs built for ambitious freshmen and sophomores

Most of the well-known summer programs seem aimed at juniors and seniors, which can make it feel like there's nothing worth applying to earlier. That's not true. Here are five strong options for a ninth or tenth grader.

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) is a world-renowned six-week program focused on deep mathematical exploration and original research in number theory.

The Ross Mathematics Program is one of the oldest and most respected summer math intensives in the country. It pushes students to build logical proofs from first principles, shifting them from standard school math toward genuinely abstract thinking.

Research Experience for High School Students, run through Vanderbilt University, is a structured summer research internship that pairs students directly with faculty labs to work on active STEM research.

The Iowa Young Writers' Studio, hosted by the home of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, is a two-week program that lets talented young writers study creative writing under published authors.

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) brings together students from more than 150 countries for an academic enrichment program spanning tracks from science and technology to philosophy and culture.

Applying early doesn't cost you anything if you don't get in, and several of these accept repeat applicants. Starting as a freshman or sophomore just means more chances before senior year ever arrives.