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    MathCON Competition

    by MathCON

    MathCON challenges students across algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory through progressively selective mathematical problem-solving.

    Last verified: 31 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    MathCON Competition

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    MathCON Student Competition at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Open now

    Eligibility

    Grades 4-12 in the US and Canada

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 9-18

    Location / Region

    Online; Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Cost

    $75

    Prize highlight

    Top 628 qualify for the Chicago final

    Entry format

    Individual online multiple-choice test

    Next deadline

    17 March 2027

    Save deadline

    MathCON Student Competition summary

    MathCON is a two-round mathematics competition covering algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory.

    Round 1 is a timed, 32-question multiple-choice test. Students can prepare with weekly practice tests designed to mirror the main assessment.

    The strongest Round 1 performers may progress to a longer in-person final featuring another test, games, entertainment and an awards ceremony.

    What is MathCON Competition?

    MathCON is a nonprofit mathematics competition founded in Chicago in 2008. Its questions span algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory, with different point values reflecting their difficulty.

    Students first complete a timed multiple-choice test using individual portal credentials. The highest-ranked participants may then be invited to a longer final combining competitive testing with games, entertainment and an awards ceremony.

    Why Succeed highlights MathCON Student Competition

    • The four clearly defined topic areas reward broad mathematical problem-solving rather than strength in only one branch.

    • Sixteen weekly practice tests give students a structured way to become familiar with the question style.

    • School registration can cover up to 1,000 students, making large-scale participation practical.

    • The selective second round gives strong performers experience of a longer in-person contest.

    • Published tiebreak rules explain how scores, correct answers and completion time affect ranking.

    Who is MathCON Student Competition for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy timed problem-solving across several mathematics topics and want a route from online participation to a selective final.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer extended proofs, collaborative team problems or an untimed project-based competition.

    Is MathCON Student Competition worth it?

    MathCON can be worthwhile for students who want a structured test of mathematical breadth. Its practice materials and consistent question distribution make preparation more focused than for a competition with an undefined syllabus.

    The value depends on fit: the multiple-choice format tests speed and accuracy more than extended mathematical writing. Reaching the final is selective, and qualifiers must also consider the additional fee and travel involved in attending Chicago.

    How much preparation does MathCON Student Competition need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin with the weekly practice releases, or at least six weeks before Round 1 ends.

    Main challenge

    Balancing accuracy with speed across increasingly difficult questions.

    Typical preparation

    • Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your weakest topic.

    • Review errors by topic rather than only checking the final score.

    • Complete timed sets until 32 questions in 50 minutes feels manageable.

    • Use your calculator efficiently without relying on it for mathematical reasoning.

    Useful if

    You already study algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory.

    What do students do on MathCON Student Competition?

    You register through a school coordinator or parent, prepare in the portal and complete an individual online mathematics test. Top-ranked students may be invited to the in-person final.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Choose school or individual registration and create a portal account.

    2. 2

      Add each participating student and obtain their username and password.

    3. 3

      Work through weekly practice tests covering the four assessed topics.

    4. 4

      Complete one 50-minute, 32-question Round 1 test under supervision.

    5. 5

      If invited, register for the 100-minute final in Chicago.

    6. 6

      Attend the final test and accompanying event activities.

    MathCON Student Competition dates and deadlines

    Registration opens

    19 August 2026

    First-round registration begins at 11:00 a.m. CT.

    Past

    Practice tests begin

    7 September 2026

    New tests are released weekly.

    Upcoming

    Online test window

    13 January-17 March 2027

    Available throughout the published testing window.

    Upcoming

    Round 1 deadline

    17 March 2027

    Student registration and online testing end at 11:59 p.m. CT.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Online results

    19 March 2027

    Results release at 11:00 a.m. CT.

    Upcoming

    Finals registration

    16 April 2027

    Registration deadline for invited finalists.

    Upcoming

    MathCON Finals

    29 May 2027

    Final test and awards event in Chicago.

    Upcoming

    Practice tests end

    31 May 2027

    Portal access ends at 11:59 p.m. CT.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students in Grades 4-12

    • Participants in the United States and Canada

    • School, learning-center or individual registration

    • One individual test attempt per student

    • Finals attendance by invitation only

    How much does MathCON Student Competition cost?

    Round 1 registration

    $75 individual; schools from $345 — School plans cover up to 1,000 students.

    Potential funding / awards

    • Full-practice school plan: $590 — Includes all 16 weekly practice tests.
    • Finals registration: $115 — Charged only to invited finalists who register.

    What's included

    Individual registration includes all 16 weekly practice tests., The $345 school plan includes eight weekly practice tests., The $590 school plan includes all 16 weekly practice tests., Finals registration includes 10 practice tests with solutions.

    How to enter MathCON Student Competition

    1. 1

      Open the MathCON portal and select Sign Up.

    2. 2

      Choose individual or school/organization registration.

    3. 3

      Enter the coordinator’s contact, school and billing information.

    4. 4

      Complete payment by credit card, check or purchase order.

    5. 5

      Add participating students and distribute their login credentials.

    6. 6

      Supervise each student’s single Round 1 test attempt.

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

    Start your entry checklist

    Submission requirements

    Round 1 is completed through the MathCON portal using credentials assigned to each registered student.

    • One test attempt per student

    • Individual participation only

    • 32 multiple-choice questions

    • 50-minute time limit

    • Internet-connected device

    • Coordinator or adult supervision

    • Assigned username and password

    Prizes and recognition

    Finalist qualification

    The top 628 Round 1 students are invited to the Chicago final.

    Final awards

    The finals event includes an awards ceremony.

    What this may help with

    Demonstrating sustained mathematical problem-solving and performance under time pressure.

    What it does not guarantee

    University admission or selection for other mathematics competitions.

    Judging criteria

    • Online ranking considers the total weighted score.
    • Online ties are decided by faster completion time.
    • Final ties first favor more correct answers.
    • Remaining final ties use the online test score.
    • A further tie favors faster online completion.

    No separate qualitative judging criteria or weighting rubric is published.

    How to stand out

    1. Prepare evenly across algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory.
    2. Practice the published mix of easier and higher-value questions.
    3. Rehearse full 50-minute tests instead of completing only untimed exercises.
    4. Analyze every practice error and repeat the underlying question type.
    5. Develop a plan for skipping and returning to time-consuming problems.
    6. Avoid duplicate attempts, which can lead to disqualification.

    MathCON Student Competition FAQs

    Both rounds cover algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory. Each topic contributes eight questions to the 32-question test.

    Students take the test individually, including those entered through a school. Team submissions are not part of the published format.

    The test has eight 3-point questions, sixteen 5-point questions and eight 7-point questions. Students therefore need to manage both increasing difficulty and a 50-minute limit.

    Calculators are allowed. Students can use an internet-connected device such as a Chromebook or iPad, with no software installation required.

    No. Duplicate student tests may lead to disqualification, so each participant should complete only one official attempt.

    MathCON releases 16 weekly practice tests modeled on the online test. Access depends on the chosen registration plan.

    MathCON invites 628 top-scoring students through a selective process that considers scores and completion time. Invitation decisions are made by the organizing committee.

    Invited students take a 100-minute final test. The event also includes games, entertainment and an awards ceremony.

    Alternatives to MathCON Student Competition

    Compare these mathematics competitions if you want a different location, format or problem-solving style.

    Alternatives to MathCON Student Competition

    Purple Comet! Math Meet
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    Online mathematics competition with a multi-day window

    Mathematics
    15 Apr 2027
    Free
    11-19

    Best for

    Students seeking an online mathematics contest

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Register
    • FAQ - FAQ - MathCON
    • Registration & Important Info - Registration & Important Info - MathCON

    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 pages checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Fees compared

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Test format verified

    • Finals process reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

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