Extracurricular achievements are necessary factors when it comes to getting accepted into a top US college. To stand out in your profile, college admissions officers will look for a student’s academic achievements and how those activities and achievements relate to that student’s profile.
For STEM students interested in mathematics, part of building a solid college profile will be attending mathematics competitions. There are many across the country to choose from. So, we at InGenius Prep have compiled a list of some of the top mathematics competitions high school students can participate in to strengthen their profile, make a strong impression on college admissions officers, and stand out among their peers.
Types of Mathematics
These competitions explore various math problems—from virtual examples to applied mathematics. However, for those who wish to prepare and study effectively, popular subjects for these events include algebra, geometry, number theory, probability & statistics, and calculus. Preparation is vital, and each competition is unique, so students should research the subjects of each event to properly study and give themselves the best chances of success. For more on preparation and building your profile to become the ideal application, InGenius Prep’s admissions experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Top 10 Math Competitions
1. American Mathematics Competition
The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) is an array of challenges organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) to bring STEM to students and professionals all across the world. The AMC is one of the most well-known and prestigious competitions students can participate in, and performing well opens the door to other opportunities, such as the USA Math Olympiad.
The AMC hosts several mathematics competitions, including AMC 10 A, AMC 12 A, and AMC 10 B. Each of these divisions has specific requirements for students to qualify for. The list is extensive, and many options are available for high school students interested in mathematics/ STEM.
2. Harvard/MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT)
One of the largest mathematics competitions in the world, the Harvard/MIT Mathematics Tournament draws hundreds of top-scoring students from around the world. The competition is organized entirely by students at Harvard, MIT, and surrounding schools, including HMMT alumni.
As another one of the most prestigious and well-known mathematics competitions, HMMT is a strong mark for a high school student to have on their resume when applying to the top US colleges, especially if those schools are in the Ivy League, like Harvard. This type of extracurricular is what admissions officers look for, and it will leave an impression for any student focused on STEM.
3. American Regions Mathematics League
The American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) is a national mathematics competition held at four locations in the US: the University of Iowa, Penn State, the University of Nevada, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The competition hosts a mix of team and individual rounds where students can express their skills in a teamwork or independent setting.
The ARML is supported by companies such as The D. E. Shaw Group, the American Mathematical Society, and the Penguin Group. On top of distinguishing oneself in their college application, the ARML also offers opportunities for internships and fellowships for students who display exceptional skills.
4. Math Kangaroo
The Math Kangaroo USA is an international mathematics competition that has been running for 26 years, offering awards, special recognitions, and networking opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students.
It is an annual competition that is held on the third Thursday of March, and it has a unique focus on three-dimensional geometry with explorations into other mathematical concepts like discrete mathematics.
Math Kangaroo is a great opportunity, especially for younger students who wish to excel in their extracurriculars or get introduced to competitions earlier in their academic careers. Math Kangaroo also offers resources and lesson plans to give students the support they need to do well in their studies.
5. Math League
The mathleague.org is one of the largest networks of mathematics competitions on the state and local level, organizing competitions for elementary, middle, and high school. Their organization reaches over 30,000 students globally each year and runs over 400 contests.
The Math League also offers classes and workshops for students who want to develop their mathematical skills further and help train for these competitions, including math contest preparation, tutoring for standardized testing, and math camps in cities around the world.
6. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is considered one of the world’s most prestigious mathematics competitions. The IMO is a subset of the International Science Olympiads, which include competitions for other sciences, such as the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), and the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).
The International Mathematical Olympiad is held in a different country each year, with over 100 countries on their current roster. The competition has been running since 1959 and features complex problems for students to solve in areas like algebra, calculus, complex geometry, and more. Some of the issues on display in these competitions may not be covered in high school or even some college courses, so students who perform well in this challenging competition will make a strong impression on college admissions officers when applying for the top schools.
Participating in the International Science Olympiads is also a strong mark for students who plan to study any STEM field.
7. Math Prize for Girls
The Jane Street Math Prize for Girls is the world’s largest mathematics competition for girls. The competition’s goal is gender equality and promoting young women in STEM professions. The Math Prize for Girls is a unique opportunity for girls interested in mathematics and STEM fields with opportunities to excel, travel, and win prizes that can significantly impact their career prospects and college application.
The 2024 Math Prize for girls will take place at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 in cash prizes.
8. MATHCOUNTS
An organization focused on middle school students, MATHCOUNTS is a non-profit with the mission to engage and reach students across the US and help them build their skills early in their academic careers.
A unique program for middle school students, MATHCOUNTS has a focus on accessibility and support for younger students. Entering the program is free, and MATHCOUNTS offers a variety of resources to help students excel, including competitions, coaches, clubs, handbooks, and alumni. Their competition series and math clubs are also solid pathways for fostering success and achievement in their students.
9. Caribou Math Contests
The Caribou Mathematics Competition is an exam-type online competition held worldwide for students in elementary, middle, and high school.
As one of the largest online math competitions, it is held six times throughout the school year. Its accessibility makes it one of the more straightforward contests to participate in, providing a good foundation for students who already or are planning to compete in other math competitions.
10. MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge
The MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge is an internet-based competition that invites high school juniors and seniors across the US. The M3 Challenge has a distinct focus on applied mathematics, with a unique, real-world problem posed to its participants during its annual competition.
M3 Challenge is notable for its relevance to real-world issues and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that provide an excellent foundation for students interested in entering mathematics. It is also free to register and offers scholarship prizes awarded to competition winners, totaling $100,000.
Math Competitions for College Applications
College admissions officers at the top US schools will look for more than just a student’s academic scores when considering them for admission. They employ a holistic review where they consider everything on a student’s profile when making their decisions.
Achievements and extracurriculars are a significant advantage for students in their college applications. Having accolades from prestigious competitions and organizations is a great way to stand out amongst the sea of applicants vying for a spot at one of the top schools.
For more guidance on the college admissions process, InGenius Prep’s team of Former Admissions Officers from top Ivy Leavy institutions know precisely what the top schools are looking for from their applications. We’ll coach your students on the best course to increase their chances of acceptance and jumpstart their college careers.
Schedule a free strategy meeting with one of our advisors today to learn more!