MATHCOUNTS
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MATHCOUNTS is the premier middle school competition in the United States. More than 500,000 students participate annually at some level of the competition, making it one of the most extensive math programs in existence. Problems selected for Mathcounts competitions cover a wide range of material and are designed to challenge middle school students of all levels.

MATHCOUNTS has three different levels of official competition: chapter, state, and national. Schools send as many as eight students (4 team members and 4 individuals) to the chapter meet, after which the competitors must qualify for the next level of competition by being either on the winning team or a top scorer. Each competition is held at a designated location and time for all schools involved.

MATHCOUNTS is suitable for students in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry I. A basic understanding of number theory, logic, counting methods, and probability are helpful in solving MATHCOUNTS problems. Students with more experience in problem solving may distinguish themselves with exceptional scores, but all interested middle school math students should find the competitions to be approachable and enjoyable.

Each competition consists of three separate tests. The Sprint Round is a 40 minute individual test containing 30 questions. These questions stress accuracy and time management. The Target Round contains four sets of two questions. Six minutes is allotted to each pair of questions, which are intended to be more difficult and time-consuming than the Sprint Round. During the Team Round, groups of four students work on a set of 10 questions. Collaboration is encouraged on this 20 minute test.

Additionally, a Countdown Round may be held. Top individuals from the Sprint and Target Rounds are selected to compete for a final individual place. Problems are presented orally to pairs of students, who must then answer the question correctly before their opponent does. Speed and accuracy are stressed in this fast-paced contest. Calculators are forbidden on the Countdown and Sprint Rounds, but their use is expected during the Target and Team Rounds.

Nationwide, MATHCOUNTS depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers who have helped make the program a success for decades. Teachers, parents, adults, and former mathletes can get involved by joining the MATHCOUNTS Volunteer Network!

Resources for MATHCOUNTS Students:

The Art of Problem Solving Volume 1 is a textbook designed to help students who enjoy the MATHCOUNTS curriculum and want to excel in their understanding of the concepts and problem solving strategies. Scores of students have read it and gone on to compete at the national competition.

The Introductory series from the Art of Problem Solving is ideal for students preparing for MATHCOUNTS. We currently offer Introduction to Counting & Probability, Introduction to Number Theory, and Introduction to Geometry. All Art of Problem Solving texts are prepared by instructors who themselves won various prominent math contests, and who have instructed numerous very successful students. Click here for information on all Art of Problem Solving textbooks.

AoPS also now sells The All-Time Greatest MATHCOUNTS Problems as well as the 2005-2006 MATHCOUNTS School Handbook at our Online Bookstore.

Art of Problem Solving also offers a number of courses that help students gain a foothold on the curriculum and techniques tested MATHCOUNTS and improve their test scores. We recommend our Introductory level courses for MATHCOUNTS students who are ready for a challenge, but we suggest taking the PreTests and PostTests to be sure these classes are for you. We also offer a MATHCOUNTS Problem Series designed to help students who are already adept at solving many MATHCOUNTS problems and want to work harder problems across the entire spectrum of MATHCOUNTS curriculum. One of the authors of this class was a national test and team champion. Interested students, parents, and teachers can view enrollment information to these courses here. AoPS also offers free classes called Math Jams sporadically throughout the year. Many of the Math Jams are specifically geared toward MATHCOUNTS students and are a good way to introduce an interested student to our online classroom.

AoPS also hosts a highly active MATHCOUNTS Forum. Registration in our forums is free!

At least half of the top 12 students from the National MATHCOUNTS competitions of 2004, 2005, and 2006 have enrolled in classes with AoPS. If you have any questions about our programs, email us at classes@artofproblemsolving.com.