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Institute for Creative Problem Solving

About ICPS

Student sitting in class

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

The mission of ICPS is to enhance the problem-solving skills of tremendously talented students using advanced mathematics and creative thinking. The Institute strengthens our nation's development of young leaders and role models in mathematics, science and technology to allow them to contribute greatly to society. The Institute is tuition-free, providing equal access to all qualified students from Long Island and promoting underrepresented populations in the STEM fields.

ICPS is among the country's most competitive programs. Each year, roughly 600 outstanding students apply for around 90 available spots. Selection signifies that a student is in the top 0.1% of all math students on Long Island in their grade.

Acceptance is determined by applicant scores on a rigorous entrance exam. The Institute also limits the number of participants from each school district so that ICPS classes represent as many districts as possible.

Each student is expected to spend 60 hours in class and on related projects. The curriculum spans algebra, geometry, number theory, and less commonly taught areas such as probability-based problem solving, theory of finite differences, and mass point geometry. Applications of math in science and engineering are also explored.

Participants develop their ability to use a variety of problem-solving skills and strategies, strengthen their mathematical intuition and enthusiasm, and experience the excitement of discovery through creative problem solving. Over the years, many ICPS graduates have earned prestigious awards and excelled in national and international math, science and engineering competitions. More than 10% of alumni receive academic and research honors every year, including recognition from Regeneron (formerly Intel and Siemens) in math, science or technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications and Enrollment

No — at this time, students may only participate in ICPS for 1 year. But past participants are welcome to enroll in our robotics, research or AMC preparation programs.

No, the robotics and research classes are only open to past ICPS participants who have received a Certificate of Completion — as is the BNL program. While outside applicants may be considered for the American Math Competitions Prep Program, past participation in ICPS is still highly recommended.

An individual's score on the entrance exam is the main metric used to determine acceptance into ICPS. However, the Institute will also take school district and gender into consideration to maximize the number of districts represented and maintain an appropriate ratio of boys to girls.

Yes — home-schooled students are welcome to apply. Many of our past participants have been home-schoolers.

There is no limit to the number of times you can take our entrance exam. Most students accepted into the classes have taken the exam more than once.

The Institute for Creative Problem Solving offers week-long residential and commuter programs for rising high-school juniors and seniors in collaboration with Stony Brook's Pre-College Summer Program (PCS).

Entrance Exam

Grades 5-6
Applicants should work on problems similar to the elementary ones produced by Math Olympiads or Math Counts.

Grades 7-8
Applicants should work on problems similar to the middle school ones produced by Math Olympiads, Math Counts, or the Art of Problem-Solving.

Grades 9-10
The ninth and tenth grade exam is a proof-based set of problems. As soon as applicants complete the registration process, ICPS will send over a set of sample questions.

Exam results are typically sent out by the first week of June. Acceptance and rejection emails are coordinated so that all applicants hear back around the same time.

No, ICPS does not provide information regarding exam scores.

Attendance Policy

ICPS does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. We understand that circumstances arise where a participant must miss class, which is why we allow 3 absences without penalty.

The full attendance policy can be found on the Calendar Page.

No. Participants who miss more than 3 sessions may continue to attend class even after exceeding the maximum number of absences. The penalty for missing more than 3 classes is the loss of eligibility for a Certificate of Completion, which is a necessary prerequisite for the robotics class, research class and BNL program.

We do not allow gap years. In this case, the student would have to apply again the following year.

 

Partners and Friends of ICPS

We are grateful to be supported by:

  • Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association
  • Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
  • Nassau County Interscholastic Mathematics League
  • Nassau County Association of Mathematics Supervisors
  • Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools
  • Math For America
  • Jane Street

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