Top Mathematics Contests Worldwide and How to Qualify

ElevatEd
Math
August 27, 2024

Mathematics contests offer students an excellent opportunity to challenge themselves and showcase their talents at the world forum. These competitions span from local to international and often form stepping stones for aspiring young mathematicians.

Learn some of the most distinguished mathematics contests worldwide and guidelines on how to qualify for them with this blog.

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Different types of International math contests

International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

IMO is the most prestigious competition in mathematics for high school students. It has been conducted annually since 1959, and more than 100 countries have participated.

How to Qualify:

Participate in National Olympiads.
Participants of that country must perform well in these national competitions to find a slot for themselves on the IMO team.

Training Camps:

Students selected by their own country's math societies or education departments often undergo rigorous training camps.

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)

The AMC is a series of competitions designed to develop problem-solving skills and prepare students for future contests like the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and the IMO.

How to Qualify:

AMC 10: The AMC 10 is available to all students in the 10th grade and below
AMC 12 to all students in the 12th grade and below.
Top scorers move on to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

AIME and USAMO:

Better AIME performances are used as a criterion for a candidate to enter the USAMO, this selects the US team for the IMO.

European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO)

EGMO is an international competition, just like IMO but intended for female students, to make sure there is more gender diversity in math.

How to Qualify:

Each country is usually free to run its own selection process, normally through performance in the national Olympiads or via some dedicated qualification examinations.

Training Programs:

The selected students can be enrolled in training sessions to prepare for the competition.

Math Kangaroo Competition

The Kangaroo Math Competition is one of the largest math competitions in the world, with over 6 million participants from around 80 countries. The contest originated in France.

How to Qualify:

Many schools register their students for the competition.
Students sit for a multiple-choice test appropriate for their age.
Participants who perform well are awarded certificates and medals, and some are even awarded scholarships.

Putnam Competition

The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is regarded as the most prestigious university-level mathematics competition in the United States and Canada.

How to Qualify:

University Nomination: Students at any university are chosen to take the exam by that university itself.
Normally, internal contests or class performance in Mathematics act as a selection criterion.
Individual and team performances are evaluated with the competition; wherein top scorers get rewarded and mentioned.

These contests provide an excellent opportunity for the students to push themselves, win recognition, and develop a love for the subject. In such exciting challenges for aspiring mathematicians, vast knowledge of qualification processes and adequate preparation yield the best.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1: What are the benefits of participating in mathematics contests?

Ans: These contests reward problem-solving abilities with scholarships and the keys to prestigious academic institutions.

Q.2: How can one prepare for these contests?

Ans: Students can prepare for these contests by enrolling in preparatory classes by 98thPercentile. It is required to consistently practice, study old contest problems, and participate in math clubs or training camps.

Q.3: Are there contests specifically aimed at younger students?

Ans: Yes, with many contests aimed at younger students, for example, Math Kangaroo, Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools, MOEMS, and AMC 8.

Q.4: Are some sort of qualifications necessary for these contests?

Ans: Most are open to all students in a particular age range. Some are designed for those qualifying from preliminary rounds while others are selected through national contests.

Q.5: Will math contests matter in college admissions?

Ans: Yes, success in math contests can make a huge difference in a college application.

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