In today's highly data-driven world, mathematical modeling skills are more important than ever.
For high school and college students, participating in mathematical modeling competitions is not only an opportunity to strengthen logical thinking and analytical skills, but also a valuable way to develop the ability to solve real-world problems.
Through mathematical modeling, students learn how to apply abstract mathematical theories to practical challenges in real life.
Recommended Competitions Related to HiMCM
1. IMMC International Mathematical Modeling Challenge
The International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC) was founded in 2014. It is a team-based mathematical modeling competition for secondary school students around the world.
IMMC is jointly organized by COMAP and NeoUnion ESC Organization in Hong Kong.
The purpose of IMMC is to promote mathematical modeling education, strengthen students' core mathematical literacy, and improve their ability to explore problems, solve problems, and innovate through science and technology.
Eligible Students
Students in Grades 7–12
Team Requirements
Teams must be formed within the same school.
Each team consists of 2 to 4 students.
Advisor Requirement
Each team must have at least one teacher from the same school as the advisor.
There is no limit to the number of teams a school may register.
Problem Format
Teams are required to use mathematical models to solve the given problem in a collaborative environment.
The problems are released on the first day of the competition. Each team may choose one of two problems to complete.
Award Structure (China Round and International Round)
- Outstanding
- Finalist
- Meritorious
- Honorable Mention
- Successful Participant
2. MidMCM Middle School Mathematical Contest in Modeling
The Middle School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM) is an international mathematical modeling competition launched by COMAP in 2021.
It is designed especially for middle school students who are interested in mathematics and mathematical modeling.
Eligible Students
Middle school students aged 14 or under
Team Requirements
Teams must be formed within the same school.
Each team consists of 2 to 4 students.
Advisor Requirement
Each team must have at least one teacher from the same school as the advisor.
There is no limit to the number of teams a school may register.
Contest Format
MidMCM is a team-based competition that encourages innovative thinking and independent exploration. Through online discussions and in-person collaboration, team members work together to complete the modeling task.
Award Structure
MidMCM offers multiple award levels to recognize outstanding teams and individuals — from Successful Participant to Outstanding Winner, each honor reflects the participants' effort and talent. Outstanding Winners may also attract attention from top universities for further academic opportunities.
- National Outstanding — Top 1%
- National Finalist — Top 7%
- Meritorious — Top 13%
- Honorable Mention — Top 33%
- Successful Participant
3. MCM/ICM Mathematical Contest in Modeling and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling
The Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM) are the longest-running mathematical modeling competitions in the world, originating in the 1980s and organized by COMAP.
MCM/ICM provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work as team members to develop and enhance their skills in mathematical modeling, problem solving, and academic writing. Teams apply mathematics to model and develop solutions to real-world problems, and communicate their results effectively.
Eligible Students
High school students and undergraduate students
Team Requirements
A team may consist of up to three students currently enrolled at the same institution. Students may come from any school or major. Each team must have one advisor.
Contest Format
Teams of three (open to both undergraduate and graduate students) are given four days to complete the full process — from building a model, solving the problem, validating results, to writing a research paper — demonstrating both analytical ability and teamwork.
Problem Categories
The competition is divided into two tracks, MCM and ICM. Both follow the same evaluation standards. After the problems are released, participating teams select one through the official website. There are six problem types in total.
MCM Problem Types (A, B, C)
- Problem A: Continuous
- Problem B: Discrete
- Problem C: Big Data
ICM Problem Types (D, E, F)
- Problem D: Operations Research / Network Science
- Problem E: Environmental Science
- Problem F: Policy
Award Structure
- Outstanding Winner
- Finalist
- Meritorious
- Honorable Mention
- Successful Participant
- Unsuccessful Participant
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