In today’s competitive academic landscape, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in distinguishing a student’s college application. Among the myriad contests available, the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) stands out as a unique opportunity for students to showcase their mathematical prowess and problem-solving skills. 

The HiMCM allows you to develop your abilities in modeling, a math skill that will serve you well throughout high school and perhaps even in college. Participating in such contests not only strengthens a student’s profile but also hones critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—skills highly valued by top universities.

What is the HiMCM?

The HiMCM is an international competition organized by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP). It challenges teams of high school students to apply mathematics to model and solve real-world problems. The contest requires participants to work in teams of up to four students to develop a solution to a complex, open-ended challenge over two weeks. This competition tests your mathematical skills as well as your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.

Is HiMCM prestigious?

Absolutely. The HiMCM is highly regarded in both academic and professional circles for its rigorous challenges and focus on real-world problem-solving. The contest is funded by organizations such as the National Security Agency and the Mathematical Association of America, signaling its prestige. 

The contest attracts thousands of high school students from around the world each year. With participation from over 900 teams from 18 countries in 2023, the contest is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of teams receive top honors such as the “Outstanding” designation. Winning or even placing well in the HiMCM is a significant achievement that can greatly enhance a student's academic profile and is regarded well by colleges and universities. 

What is the structure of HiMCM?

The HiMCM is typically held in November. The 2024 contest will run from November 6 – November 19. 

You have to make a team of up to four students from the same school. Each team needs a faculty advisor from their school. The deadline to register teams is November 6, 2024. 

Teams are given a choice of two problems (referred to as Problem A and Problem B) and must choose one to work on. The problems are designed to be broad and open-ended, encouraging students to explore various mathematical concepts and approaches. Teams have 14 days to develop their solutions and submit a comprehensive report.

Past problems include creating a ranking system for rollercoasters, finding the most secure way to structure an art exhibition, and designing a traffic plan for a triathlon. You can see a list of past challenges here. 

What is the cost of HiMCM?

The registration fee for the HiMCM is $100 per team. This fee covers the cost of administering the contest and provides access to all necessary materials, including the official contest problems and submission guidelines. Some schools cover the registration fee for their students, so it’s worth finding out if your math department can do that. 

Who is eligible to participate in HiMCM?

The contest is open to high school students from around the world. Teams must consist of up to four students, and all members must be enrolled in high school at the time of the contest. Schools can register multiple teams, allowing more students to participate.

For 2024, you must be born before May 1, 2010 to participate in HiMCM. If you were born after May 1, 2010, you can participate in the Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling, the contest’s middle school edition. 

How do I register?

To participate in the HiMCM, teams must register through the official COMAP website. The registration process typically opens a few months before the contest date and closes the day the contest begins. It is important to get a faculty advisor on board because only they can register your team. Once registered, teams will receive access to the problems on the start date and any additional resources provided by COMAP.

10 Tips to Win HiMCM

1. You should form a diverse team.

A well-rounded team is crucial to success in the HiMCM. While it's important to have members with strong mathematical skills, you should also include individuals who excel in other areas like writing, research, or creative problem-solving. This diversity ensures that your team can tackle the contest’s multifaceted challenges from different angles. Working together, you'll be able to combine your strengths and produce a more comprehensive and well-rounded solution.

2. You should familiarize yourself with past problems.

Reviewing previous contest problems gives you a sense of what to expect and how to approach complex challenges. Analyze the problems and study the winning solutions to understand what made them successful. This will not only help you identify common themes but also prepare you to think creatively when faced with similar challenges.

3. You should understand the judging criteria.

Knowing what the judges are looking for will help you tailor your solution to meet their expectations. The judges evaluate your submission based on clarity, structure, mathematical soundness, and communication. Make sure your report addresses all aspects of the problem and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the mathematical concepts involved. By aligning your approach with the judging criteria, you'll increase your chances of earning a top score.

4. You should practice time management.

With only 14 days to complete the contest, effective time management is essential. Create a schedule that allocates sufficient time for brainstorming, research, modeling, writing, and revision. Breaking down the work into manageable tasks will help prevent last-minute stress and ensure a polished final product. Stick to your schedule to stay on track and make the most of the time you have.

5. You should use official resources wisely.

COMAP provides valuable resources that can guide you through the contest, including problem-solving tips and sample problems. These resources are designed to help you understand the contest’s expectations and improve your performance. Make the most of them by integrating their advice into your preparation and problem-solving process. 

6. You should brainstorm and research thoroughly.

Before committing to a solution, take the time to explore multiple approaches and gather relevant research. Brainstorming allows you to consider various possibilities and select the best method for solving the problem. Conducting thorough research will provide you with the data and insights needed to support your model. A well-researched and thoughtfully chosen approach is key to developing a strong, innovative solution.

7. You should focus on clarity and communication.

Even the best mathematical model can fall short if it’s not communicated effectively. Your report should be well-organized, clearly written, and easy to follow, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Clear communication ensures that the judges fully understand and appreciate the quality of your solution.

8. You should test your model.

Before finalizing your solution, it’s crucial to test your mathematical model with different data sets to ensure its accuracy and robustness. Testing helps you identify any flaws or weaknesses in your model and provides an opportunity to refine it. Be prepared to iterate and make adjustments if your model doesn’t perform as expected. 

9. You must proofread and edit your report thoroughly. 

Don’t forget to leave enough time to check your work and proofread your report. Stray technical or grammatical errors can distract from the quality of your work, so set some time aside for this crucial step. 

10. You should stay calm and positive.

The HiMCM is a challenging competition, but maintaining a calm and positive attitude will help you navigate the process more effectively. Stress and frustration can cloud your judgment and hinder teamwork, so it's important to stay focused and support one another. Remember that the experience is about learning and growing, regardless of the outcome. A positive mindset will keep your team motivated and enable you to perform at your best.

Our Thoughts

Overall, the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling provides students with a good opportunity to apply mathematical skills to real-world problems in a team-based setting. Participation allows you to practice critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, skills that are important for both academic and professional development. As a global competition, HiMCM offers a structured challenge that encourages you to explore complex mathematical concepts outside the classroom. It is a valuable experience for students interested in developing their modeling and analytical abilities, and placing in this contest can significantly enhance your college admissions profile.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

 

Image source - Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP) Logo