Mathematical modeling competitions provide high school students with a unique chance to practice applying classroom mathematics to real problems, improve collaboration and communication skills, and experience research and technical writing. Below are some of the top ten leading competitions in mathematical modeling for high school students who like math, data analysis, and applied problem solving.
1. High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM)
Location: Online
Competition Dates: November 5–18, 2025
Cost: $100 per team
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) world-wide
Application Deadline: November 5, 2025
This international mathematical modeling competition will be great for any high school student interested in finding solutions to real world problems collaboratively. In teams of up to four students create and deploy a mathematical model and report fully about the model and problem of your choice over a 14-day window. This program is organized by COMAP and provides students with exciting problems that range from urban planning to security logistics. Students will obtain first-hand experience working as a team, technical writing, and using mathematical models to solve problems outside the classroom.
2. Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Annually, February
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students
Application Deadline: Check contest website
The MCM International contest allows teams of students to solve open-ended real-world problems using mathematical modeling. Students clarify, analyze and propose solutions to the problems, writing a report to be judged. The contest is known to develop analytical and communication skills.
3. Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Annually
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students
Application Deadline: Check contest website
ICM extends the MCM format to interdisciplinary problems, requiring teams to integrate mathematics with other fields such as science, engineering, and social sciences. The contest emphasizes both problem-solving and written communication skills.
4. International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM^2C)
Location: Virtual, with national and international rounds
Program Dates: February–May 2025
Cost: Varies by country
Eligibility: High school students (team of up to 4, with one advisor)
Application Deadline: National deadlines vary
IM^2C is a prestigious global team competition where students have five consecutive days to solve a complex modeling problem using any inanimate resources. The challenge promotes deep engagement with real-world mathematics and teamwork, culminating in international recognition for top papers.
5. Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Registration opens in Fall; competition runs through Spring
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students (U.S.-based)
Application Deadline: Fall
MTFC is a real-world research competition combining math modeling, data analysis, and risk management. Students conduct independent research, analyze real-world data, and present recommendations to organizations. The competition offers $60,000 in scholarships and emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills.
6. MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: March
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (U.S., England, Wales)
Application Deadline: Late February
Organized by SIAM, the M3 Challenge tasks teams with solving a real-world scenario using mathematical modeling in a single weekend. The contest awards $100,000 in scholarships and focuses on the practical application of math to societal issues.
7. SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Late October–Mid-November
Cost: Varies
Eligible Participants: High school students (teams of 3)
Application Deadline: Late October
SCUDEM encourages teams to apply their knowledge of differential equations and MATLAB to model problems in science, engineering, or social sciences. Each team will have one week to create a model and video presentation, to be judged by a group, to put into practice their technical skills as well as their communication skills.
8. Pi Math Contest – Gauss (PiMC)
Location: Online and in person
Program Dates: Early to mid-March
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Mid-February for in-person one; Mid-March for online one
PiMC Gauss contest has three topics - algebra, geometry, and number theory - with a multiple- choice format in 75 minutes. It is not solely focused on modelling, but helps to promote problem-solving skills applicable in modelling competitions.
9. COMAP’s MidMCM (Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Annually
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 14½ or younger
Application Deadline: Check contest website
MidMCM is the middle school counterpart to HiMCM, designed for younger students to experience team-based mathematical modeling and technical writing, preparing them for future high school-level contests.
10. Purple Comet! Math Meet
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: April
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Application Deadline: April
This international team competition has some difficult math problems, some of which have modeling components. Teams work together and collaboratively work to solve each problem in a timed situation, requiring both speed and accuracy in mathematical reasoning.
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