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Coding & Software Development · 🏫 University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania's Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking (PACT)

This five-week intensive course is one of very few summer programs for high school students with a theoretical and proof-based emphasis in computer science.

🔥 High School 🕒 5-week Pre-College Program Hybrid (in-person + online) 💰 $2,050–$10,695 total
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About this camp

The University of Pennsylvania's Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking (PACT) is a five-week intensive summer program designed for high school students interested in theoretical computer science. Students delve into the mathematical foundations of computer science, covering topics such as combinatorics, probability, proofs, and graph theory. The curriculum is modeled after college courses, providing a rigorous academic experience. Participants engage in hands-on sessions, lectures, and classes, with homework assigned most weekdays to be worked on in small groups. The program aims to expose students to advanced computer science topics at a young age and foster a desire to learn more about mathematics and computer science.

What a typical day looks like

Students spend their days in hands-on sessions, lectures, and classes, working diligently on problem sets and collaborating in small groups to solve math problems.

Best suited for

The ideal student is a high schooler who has completed algebra, is willing to work hard, be challenged, and possesses a strong desire to learn about theoretical computer science and mathematics.

What you'll learn

Combinatorics Probability Proofs Graph Theory Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science Algorithm Design

Location

University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia, PA

Sponsored by Research Ignited

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