Why Math Competitions Matter

Builds Deep Reasoning Skills
Students learn to approach problems from multiple angles and develop logical thinking.

Boosts Academic Confidence
Success in contests builds motivation and self-belief in math and beyond.

Sharpens Focus & Perseverance
Timed problem-solving strengthens mental stamina and grit.

Improves Verbal Explanation
Contests require students to explain their thought processes clearly and efficiently.

Strengthens Applications
Participation enhances applications to gifted programs, magnet schools, and academic competitions.

Math Kangaroo

Grades: 1–12

  • Timing: Held annually in March

  • Format:

    • 24 or 30 multiple-choice questions

    • Duration: 75 minutes

    • Levels grouped by grade (e.g., 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, etc.)

  • Focus: Logical reasoning and creative problem-solving

  • Participation: Individual students, either through schools or independently

  • Awards: National and state-level rankings, medals, certificates, and prizes

  • Extras: Practice materials available upon registration

  • More Info: mathkangaroo.org

MathCounts

Grades: 6–8

  • Timing: Chapter rounds in February, States in March, Nationals in May

  • Format: Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown Rounds

  • Focus: Critical thinking, team collaboration, timed accuracy

  • More Info: mathcounts.org

AMC 8

Grades: 6–8

  • Timing: Held in January

  • Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes

  • Focus: Problem-solving in algebra, geometry, and logical reasoning

  • Purpose: Prepares students for advanced middle school and early high school math

  • More Info: maa.org

AMC 10

Grades: 9–10

  • Timing: Held in November

  • Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes

  • Focus: High school math up to 10th grade (no trig or calc)

  • Purpose: Builds foundational skills for advanced math competitions

  • More Info: maa.org

MOEMS

Grades: 4–8

  • Timing: Monthly contests from November to March

  • Format: 5 problems in 30 minutes

  • Focus: Non-routine problem-solving and mathematical creativity

  • More Info: moems.org

Noetic Learning Math Contest

Grades: 2–8

  • Timing: Held twice annually (Fall & Spring)

  • Format: 20 questions in 45 minutes

  • Purpose: Nurtures creative thinking and math enrichment

  • Awards: National Honor Roll medals, Team Winner medals

  • More Info: noetic-learning.com

Mathleague.org Contests

Elementary School (Grades 3–6)

  • Timing: Regional contests throughout the year

  • Format: Short-answer individual rounds + team rounds

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

  • Timing: Qualifying rounds held regionally year-round

  • Format: Sprint, Target, Team, and Relay rounds

High School (Grades 9–12)

  • Timing: Meets throughout fall/winter; State/National Championships in spring

  • Format: Multiple rounds including algebra, geometry, number theory

  • More Info: mathleague.org

Disclaimer

AlphaRoot Academy is an independent educational organization. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the following organizations or competitions:

  • Math Kangaroo USA

  • MATHCOUNTS Foundation

  • Mathematical Association of America (MAA), including the AMC 8

  • Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS®)

  • Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC)

  • Mathleague.org

All names, logos, and materials related to these competitions are the property of their respective organizations. References to these programs are for informational and educational purposes only, intended to describe the types of competitions for which our preparation programs provide support.