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    High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling

    by COMAP

    An international team contest where students build a mathematical model for a real-world problem and communicate their solution in a written report.

    Last verified: 31 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling

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    High School Modeling Contest at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Open now

    Eligibility

    School-affiliated teams with an advisor

    Age range / Year group

    Up to 18

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $100

    Prize highlight

    Certificates and award designations

    Entry format

    Team mathematical modeling report

    Next deadline

    4 November 2026

    Save deadline

    High School Modeling Contest summary

    Teams tackle one authentic problem by translating a complex situation into mathematics, testing a model and explaining their conclusions.

    The experience combines mathematical reasoning, research, teamwork and technical communication rather than relying on short-answer speed or memorized techniques.

    It suits students who want a sustained collaborative challenge and can organize an independent modeling project and polished report.

    What is High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling?

    The High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling is COMAP’s international team competition for applying mathematics to a real-world problem. Teams choose one of two HiMCM problems and turn an open-ended situation into a defensible model.

    Participants decide their assumptions, gather appropriate information, analyze their approach and present the work in a technical report. The practical experience is closer to a compact collaborative research project than a conventional timed mathematics paper.

    Why Succeed highlights High School Modeling Contest

    • The open-ended brief asks students to use mathematics on a recognizable real-world problem.

    • Teams practice modeling, problem solving, collaboration and technical writing in one substantial project.

    • A flexible contest window gives teams scope to research, test and refine their reasoning.

    • Published preparation resources, prior problems and judges’ commentary make serious practice possible.

    • Every successfully submitted solution earns a participation certificate, with stronger reports receiving tiered recognition.

    Who is High School Modeling Contest for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy open-ended mathematics, collaborative research and explaining a complex solution clearly in writing.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer individual, short-answer contests or cannot coordinate sustained team work without outside problem-solving help.

    Is High School Modeling Contest worth it?

    Yes, if you want evidence of mathematical curiosity that goes beyond classroom exercises. Building and defending a model can produce richer reflection than simply recording a contest score, especially when you can explain your assumptions, setbacks and revisions.

    The limitation is the coordination burden: success depends on a well-organized team, careful report writing and strict rule compliance. Recognition is tiered rather than monetary, so the strongest reason to enter is the learning and finished modeling report.

    How much preparation does High School Modeling Contest need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin team practice six to eight weeks before registration closes.

    Main challenge

    Turning an open-ended situation into a justified, clearly communicated model.

    Typical preparation

    • Practice on a previous HiMCM problem under a shorter trial schedule.

    • Agree roles for research, modeling, checking and report production while keeping decisions collaborative.

    • Build a reusable report workflow for assumptions, validation, limitations, citations and conclusions.

    • Reserve final time for anonymity, page-limit, filename and PDF checks.

    Useful if

    You want sustained mathematical project work rather than rapid-fire questions.

    What do students do on High School Modeling Contest?

    Your team chooses one HiMCM problem, develops a mathematical model and submits one self-contained PDF explaining the analysis and conclusions. Work may take place at any point within the contest window.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Form an eligible team and ask a faculty or staff member to act as advisor.

    2. 2

      Have the advisor register the team and retain its Team Control Number.

    3. 3

      Review Problems A and B when released, then select one problem.

    4. 4

      Clarify the problem, define variables and assumptions, and design a mathematical model.

    5. 5

      Research independently, analyze the model and test or discuss its performance.

    6. 6

      Write a concise report with results, limitations, citations and a clear conclusion.

    7. 7

      Prepare the anonymous PDF and submit it through COMAP’s online form.

    High School Modeling Contest dates and deadlines

    Registration opens

    September 2026

    Exact day not published

    Upcoming

    Registration deadline

    4 November 2026

    2:00 p.m. EST

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Contest window

    4-17 November 2026

    Teams may use any part of the window

    Upcoming

    Solution deadline

    17 November 2026

    9:00 p.m. EST

    Upcoming

    Contest results

    31 January 2027

    Posted on or before this date

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Current high school students or younger may enter HiMCM.

    • Teams may contain up to four students.

    • All members share one school, institution or approved program.

    • Each team must have a faculty advisor.

    • Cross-school teams require affiliation with the same approved program.

    • Contest-preparation centers are not eligible affiliations.

    • International grade levels must align with secondary-level definitions.

    How much does High School Modeling Contest cost?

    Team registration

    $100 — Covers one registered team

    How to enter High School Modeling Contest

    1. 1

      Form a team of up to four eligible students from one permitted affiliation.

    2. 2

      Choose a faculty or staff advisor from that school, institution or program.

    3. 3

      The advisor registers and pays for each team through the official website.

    4. 4

      Record the Team Control Number issued after successful registration.

    5. 5

      Add or confirm team members before the contest begins.

    6. 6

      Complete parental or guardian authorization within the registration process.

    Save this competition in Succeed, keep the deadline visible, and track your progress before you submit.

    Start your entry checklist

    Submission requirements

    Submit one anonymous English-language solution report for Problem A or Problem B through the official online submission form.

    • One Adobe PDF file only

    • Maximum 25 pages including Summary Sheet

    • Summary Sheet on page one

    • Readable font of at least 12 points

    • Control number and page number on every page

    • No student, advisor or institution names

    • References and appendices within page limit

    • File smaller than 20MB

    • Control number used as PDF filename

    • Outside sources fully cited

    • AI use disclosed and documented

    • Separate AI-use report appended when applicable

    • No software, databases or additional files

    Prizes and recognition

    Participation certificate

    Every team that successfully submits receives a PDF certificate.

    Judging designations

    Reports may earn Successful Participant through Outstanding recognition.

    IM2C invitation

    Eligible USA teams rated Meritorious or above are invited.

    NCTM Award

    Two HiMCM Outstanding teams receive this additional award.

    Publication recognition

    Select solution excerpts may appear in COMAP publications.

    What this may help with

    Demonstrating sustained mathematical modeling, teamwork and technical communication.

    What it does not guarantee

    Admission outcomes, a top designation or monetary reward.

    Judging criteria

    • Clear response to every problem requirement
    • Sound mathematical modeling and problem-solving processes
    • Well-supported analysis and conclusions
    • Logical, complete and organized presentation
    • Clear communication of assumptions, methods and results
    • Discussion of model testing, strengths and weaknesses
    • Correct documentation of outside sources

    COMAP describes the qualities judges seek but does not publish percentage weightings.

    How to stand out

    1. State assumptions precisely and explain how each one shapes the model.
    2. Choose a model that fits the problem rather than adding complexity for appearance.
    3. Test sensitivity, validate outputs and discuss where the approach may fail.
    4. Use figures and tables to clarify reasoning instead of decorating the report.
    5. Connect every conclusion directly to the model’s analysis and the original question.
    6. Edit for a logical narrative that a judge can follow without reconstructing missing steps.

    High School Modeling Contest FAQs

    It is COMAP’s international team contest in which students apply mathematics to a real-world problem and communicate their model and conclusions in a written report.

    A team may have up to four current high school students or younger students. Team members must share the same eligible school, institution or approved program affiliation.

    Only when every member is affiliated with the same approved educational program. Otherwise, students must compete through the same school or institution.

    HiMCM teams choose either Problem A or Problem B and submit one solution to their selected problem. Problem C is reserved for MidMCM.

    No. Once the contest window opens, substantive analysis and ideas must come only from the registered team members; the advisor handles administrative responsibilities.

    Teams may use independently found inanimate resources such as books, websites, articles, data and software. Every outside source must be properly documented and referenced.

    Teams must clearly disclose any use of large language models or other AI tools, identify the model and purpose, cite the use and append the required AI-use report.

    Every team that successfully submits a solution paper receives a PDF participation certificate. Judged reports may also receive a tiered designation from Successful Participant through Outstanding.

    Alternatives to High School Modeling Contest

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • COMAP: Mathematics Instructional Resources for Innovative Educators
    • COMAP: Mathematics Instructional Resources for Innovative Educators
    • COMAP: Mathematics Instructional Resources for Innovative Educators
    • The High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM)® and The Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM) - COMAP

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 31 Aug 2026)

    • Official organizer checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Team rules verified

    • Registration fee checked

    • Contest dates compared

    • Submission rules reviewed

    • Recognition details checked

    • AI policy reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

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