Most students need math homework help. They consider mathematics to be an abstract subject with no practical implementation. Talented mathematicians know better. They realize the truth behind the fact that without mathematics, science is not possible. We cannot discover the principles that drive our nature, and we cannot develop new technology.
There is no need to go around asking for help with math homework when you can find great joy in solving your own math problems. If you practiced enough and you brought your skills to a high level, maybe it’s time to consider entering competitions.
You can enter several math contests per year. All of them are motivating, but you should limit yourself to the ones that suit your style and capacity. In the continuation, you’ll find a list of top math competitions for 2016. Examine the rules and start getting ready!
1. International Mathematical Olympiad
This is the ultimate competition for talented mathematicians (it’s limited to pre-collegiate students). It’s the counterpart of the real Olympic Games: the best performers from all countries gather in one spot to measure their strengths in different disciplines. In 2016, the International Mathematical Olympiad will be held in Hong Kong.
The registration is open only for the leaders of national teams, so people are not free to join. However, you can always achieve your potential if you shine on regional and national competitions and manage to get into the team of your country. The countries send teams of up to six students accompanied with a team leader, a deputy team leader, and observers.
2. Huntington University High School and Middle School Mathematics Competition
Huntington University makes real efforts to increase the popularity of mathematics among students of all ages. Thus, the institution organizes annual math competitions for high school and middle school students. The competition for students from high schools will be held on in the fall of 2016, and middle school students will showcase their talent during the spring of 2016.
The mathematics program at this university is based on individual attention that’s characteristic for small liberal arts colleges. If you get noticed through an advanced placement program at high school level, you’ll boost your chances to get into Huntington’s math program.
3. MathCon
This is an online competition for talented students in grades 5-12. You shouldn’t underestimate the prestige of online contests; they still offer you a valuable chance for progress. Although there is more flexibility and convenience to the process of entrance, supervision of teachers is still required for MathCon. You can suggest your teacher to register a team of an unlimited number of students from your school.
The deadline for registration is January 15, 2016. The online competition is being held at participating schools from January 25 to March 4, 2016; and the finals will be held on April 23 in Chicago.
4. American Mathematics Competitions
Remember the Olympics? Well, this is the series of competitions that will get you in the American national team. Over 350,000 high school students participate in the competitions on a yearly basis. The program has been developed with the purpose to identify, recognize, and reward excellence in math through a series of contests on national level.
The online registration for 2016 is currently open, so you should remind your teacher to register a team as soon as possible. For a perfect score on the AMC 8 test, you’ll earn a book prize or a plaque. If you get a high score on the AMC 10 and AMC 12 tests, your name will be listed in a special publication. If you score the best result in your school, you’ll get a special pin or a medal. Even if you don’t get to the Olympics, the pin is a good reason to participate.
5. International Mathematics Competition for University Students
This is a yearly residential competition that takes place in different countries. In 2015, it was held in Bulgaria and the winning team came from St Petersburg State University. The details for next year’s competition are still not published, but you can monitor the website to get timely information.
The assigned problems are from the fields of algebra, geometry, real and complex analysis, and combinatorics.
How to Enter Math Competitions
Are you good in math? Do you get perfect or nearly perfect scores on all tests? Are you thinking ‘if I can do my homework every day, I’m ready to start achieving something more’? Then you’re a perfect match for entering a math competition. The only problem is: you can’t enter these contests as an individual. You need to go through minor and major selections that will get you through to the prestigious national and international competitions.
Start by checking out the website of your school. You will most likely find information about the contest program, and you’ll know which professor or office you need to contact. If you manage to make an impression and prove that you’re good at math, you’ll most likely enter a training program aimed at preparing students for contests.
Your talent is not enough. Competing implies a tough psychological pressure you have to deal with. You’ll get disappointed when you realize that some students are better, but you’ll need to do your best to achieve and surpass their level. If you show success during these programs, you’ll increase your chances of getting into some of the best universities in the country.
Of course you’ll need to commit to a daily math practice if you want to be a successful competitor. You should develop a system that will enable you to make constant progress and comprehend the logical connection between all math concepts. Mathematics requires you to develop different functions of your brain, and you’ll have to work on enhancing your attention span.
You’ll commit to a tough practicing schedule and you’ll have to invest tons of efforts, but the results will be satisfying in any case. Remember: you don’t have to win the Olympics to be proud of yourself; every single complex problem you solve is already a major accomplishment.