Contests and Competitions

Contests are fun and a great way to sharpen your math skills and improve softer but essential skills in teamwork and communication. There are two contests that consistently draw student interest. Distinguishing oneself in either of these contests is a very strong endorsement for graduate school applications and job applications.

is one of the most prestigious university-level applied mathematics contests and is administered during the first or second week of February. Students work in teams of three on an open problem, and can use any inanimate source of information. Over the last ten years, UD teams have distinguished themselves in the contest. In each of the 2008 and 2009 contests, one of the UD MCM teams earned the top rating (Outstanding) internationally. Students interested in MCM should contact Prof. Fok (pakwing@udel.edu)​.

is one of the most prestigious university mathematics contests and is administered on the first Saturday of December. Students compete both individually and as a UD team. Winning students and teams can earn cash prizes and even a tuition waiver at Harvard! In past years, UD has placed students in the top 5-10% among all competitors. Students interested in the Putnam Competition should contact Prof. Guillot (dguillot@udel.edu)​.