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Mathematics Contests

The Mathematics Department at OSU sponsors the following undergraduate mathematics competitions for math majors and non-majors:

See below for details on each contest, including test dates, deadlines for registering, and sample problems. In all cases, the participation will occur here at OSU.

Contact Nathan Gibson for more information.


VTR Math Contest

The 29th Annual Virginia Tech Regional Mathematics Contest will be held on October 27, Saturday, 9:00AM to 11:30AM (local time).

This contest will serve as a preliminary contest to the annual Putnam Competition held later in December. As such, it is roughly half as long (approximately 6-8 problems) with half as much time (2.5 hrs) and are at a more accessible level to beginning undergraduates. An addition to being good practice, a student's score on the VTRMC will determine placement on the Putnam Team, although VTRMC participation is not required for Putnam participation.

Contact Nathan Gibson for more information.


Putnam Exam

The 67th Annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007. The morning session will run 8:00AM - 11:00AM followed by the afternoon session 1:00PM - 4:00PM (local time).

  • Winning individuals earn between $250 and $2500 in cash prizes; winning teams earn between $5000 and $25000
  • Last year 3640 undergraduates and high school students participated at more than 500 schools throughout the USA and Canada
  • Most participants scored zero out of 120 on 12 problems, to score a single point is an accomplishment!
  • More information is online at:
    http://www.maa.org/awards/putnam.html or Google putnam exam.

Contact Nathan Gibson for more information.

See previous year's top scorers listed on the Math Dept Awards page.


COMAP MCM

The 9th Annual COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling will be held February 14--18, 2008.

  • Teams of three students work on their choice of two interdisciplinary projects over four days
  • Last year over 1000 undergraduates participated at more than 500 schools throughout the WORLD
  • More information is online at:
    http://www.comap.com/undergraduate/contests/mcm/.

This is an international, team based, undergraduate, mathematical modeling competition. Each team has three students, from any major. Two open-ended, real-world problems will be offered. Teams will choose one problem and write up a thorough solution approach within 4 days. Teams may use any inanimate source of data or materials. Submissions will be judged on the basis of scientific merits as well as clarity and organization of the written report.

Email Nathan Gibson immediately to sign up.

See previous year's winning teams listed on the Math Dept Awards page.