Expert Overview

In-person math competition at Princeton University, run by the Princeton University Math Club, for teams of eight and individual high school students admitted on merit. Participants take proof-based and short-answer rounds, including a Power Round released a week early, and the top ten individuals in each subject advance to a proof-based Finals.

Format

Individual, Team

Judging Format

Scoring based

Recognition

Grade Eligibility

Rising Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Geographic Eligibility

US, International

Discipline

Math

Entries

650

Percent Awarded

10-15%

Important Dates

Registration Opens

Early September 2026

Registration Deadline

Early October 2026

Acceptance Notifications Released

Mid-October 2026

Competition date

November 21, 2026

Passed

Open

Approaching: < 1 mo.

Priority: < 2 weeks

Urgent: < 1 week

Registration Cost

Main Competition

$12.50 per student

Main Competition

$100 per team

Power Round Only Competition

$5 per student

Power Round Only Competition

$40 per team

About

Teams come from a high school or a well-defined region, and individuals may apply if their school has no team application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and entry costs $15 per student or $120 per team. Teams enter Division A for experienced teams or Division B, which has easier individual tests. Each participant sits two of four 60-minute, 8-problem tests in algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory; teams also take a collaborative Team Test and the take-home Power Round. Awards go to the top ten teams and individuals in each category, and the top ten per test per division advance to the three-problem Finals.

Admission is the first filter, since applicants are admitted on merit and teams are encouraged to cite their record in similar contests, so acceptance already signals strength. The organizer publishes no applicant or participant totals in the current pages. Teams not accepted to the Main Competition may enter the Power Competition.

A top-ten finish shows a student can solve and write proofs among carefully selected peers.