Imagine sitting down at a contest desk for the first time. The room buzzes, pencils tapping, and the proctor says, “You may begin.” You flip to the first problem and your mind goes blank. For a moment, you wonder whether you belong there. Then you notice something: everyone around you looks just as nervous—and curious—as you are.
That first step into mathematics competitions can feel intimidating, especially with stories of students who started young or who have shelves full of medals. But every experienced competitor, from MATHCOUNTS winners to high scorers on the AMC, began just where you are: as a beginner with questions and doubts. This guide explores how to get started in math competitions in a realistic and motivating way tailored to your path.
Before worrying about which contest to choose or how many problems to practice each week, it helps to understand why math competitions are worth your time. Knowing your “why” keeps you going when a problem set feels impossible or when a test doesn’t go as hoped.
Consider Maya, a seventh grader who joined MATHCOUNTS because her friend mentioned it. She didn’t place in her first competition and felt embarrassed. However, her coach helped her analyze the problems, revealing exactly which ideas she needed to improve. Instead of seeing her wrong answers as failures, she viewed them as information about her learning path. That shift—from “I’m bad at this” to “I don’t know this yet”—is a powerful benefit of competing.
Competitions like AMC 8, AMC 10, Math Kangaroo, and Science Olympiad math events develop skills beyond the contest day. You learn to manage time, stay calm under pressure, and break down unfamiliar problems. Consider solving a typical AMC problem: reading carefully and connecting it with prior knowledge. These skills are vital for scientists, engineers, and artists alike, making math contests training grounds for creative thinking.
Math competitions help you find your community. In a math club or MATHCOUNTS practice, you'll meet others who enjoy discussing puzzles and logical arguments. One student shared that at their first AMC 10 club meeting, everyone struggled with the same geometry problem but was excited about it. This shared curiosity makes your math journey enjoyable.
The world of math competitions can feel confusing. There are various formats, age levels, and scoring systems, from multiple-choice tests like AMC 8 to proof-based contests like the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). You don’t need to understand everything immediately; a rough map helps.
Most students start with local competitions for beginners, often through MATHCOUNTS or school leagues. Younger students might try Math Kangaroo, which features accessible, puzzle-like problems. As you gain experience, you might move to contests like AMC 8, AMC 10, or specialized competitions such as Science Olympiad math events. This progression isn’t rigid, but knowing that there are contests for all levels, including complete beginners, can guide you.
If you’re unsure where to start, our article “Choosing Your First Mathematics Competition” helps match contests to your grade and experience.
Understanding contest formats helps you choose one that fits your personality. Individual written contests, like the AMC series or Math Kangaroo, focus on personal problem-solving skills. In contrast, team competitions emphasize collaboration and communication, such as many MATHCOUNTS rounds. There are also mixed formats, like MATHCOUNTS, which includes individual, team, and fast-paced rounds. The goal remains the same: to challenge and develop your mathematical thinking.
Picture a sixth grader named Leo who enjoys puzzles but has never competed. His teacher invites him to a MATHCOUNTS practice. There, he struggles with the “Sprint Round” problems but learns collaboratively during discussions. By the end, he thinks, “I didn’t do great, but I learned new ideas.” This healthy first experience is about challenge and growth.
You don't need advanced math to start; a solid foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number sense suffices. Think of it as learning music: master the basics before deviating.
Most beginner competitions focus on four core areas: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number sense. Goals might include fluency in fractions and percentages, comfort with equations, and familiarity with shapes and angles. For example, an AMC 8 problem might blend percent increase with basic geometry, requiring you to understand the underlying concepts.
Our article “Essential Skills Every Mathematics Competitor Needs” discusses these basics in detail.
The difference in competitions often isn't the difficulty but how problems are presented. In class, you might compute percentages directly, while in a contest, a question might ask whether a Price-Percentage situation is true or false. The challenge lies in flexible thinking about familiar concepts.
Practicing on platforms like ScholarComp provides curated problem sets organized by difficulty and topic to help extend learning beyond standard homework.
It’s tempting to leap into difficult problems. However, confidence builds through small victories. For example, Arjun scored low on his first AMC 10. Instead of quitting, he practiced easier Math Kangaroo and AMC 8 problems, then returned to the AMC 10 with increased confidence and an improved score. That shift from “I can’t” to “I can improve” is essential.
After deciding to compete, the next step is figuring out what to do each week. Consistency is crucial—a little focused practice over time is more effective than sporadic bursts.
Imagine you’re a middle school student with homework and sports. You don’t need a complex plan. A simple routine might include:
The aim is to deepen your understanding, not to rush. As you gain proficiency, you can adjust the intensity accordingly, as discussed in “Building Your Mathematics Competition Study Plan.”
A mistake many new competitors make is immediately checking answers after getting stuck. Instead, treat each solution as a mini-lesson. If you notice a clever strategy in a solution, ask yourself why that approach works. This mindset helps you recognize patterns and prepares you for similar problems in the future.
While starting on your own is possible with books and online resources, support can accelerate your progress. Ask your math teacher about joining a math club or forming a study group. For example, Sarah, whose school lacked a math team, started one with a few friends, eventually leading to significant participation and progress. Math circles, local programs, and online communities provide additional support opportunities for sharing ideas and solutions.
Motivation can fade when progress feels slow or if results fall short. Knowing what to expect from your early competition experiences can prevent frustration and maintain commitment.
Most students do not win competitions their first time. Early scores often reflect a learning process. For instance, Daniel feels defeated after a challenging AMC 8, while Lina, despite disappointment, sees her score as an opportunity to learn and improves the following year. The difference lies not in innate ability but in how they choose to respond to challenges.
Competitions should be viewed as opportunities for growth, not measures of self-worth. Regularly challenge yourself with slightly difficult questions. After practice, reflect on your effort and progress, focusing on your experience rather than just outcomes.
To stay motivated, balance math competitions with other life aspects. Maintain hobbies, friendships, and rest to remain healthy and creative. If practice feels overwhelming, consider adjusting your goals or schedule with support.
Now that you've seen what math competitions offer and what the journey might look like, here are concrete steps to begin your path:
Before diving into practice, clarify why you want to compete. Write your reason down where you can see it, and return to it on tough days. A clear purpose guides your contest choices and time management.
Choose one competition to focus your efforts on, like MATHCOUNTS or AMC 8 for middle schoolers, or AMC 10 for high schoolers. Select something slightly challenging, stretching your current abilities.
Decide on your practice times and prepare materials beforehand. During sessions, focus on a few problems, revisiting solutions thoroughly to deepen understanding.
Reach out to someone—a teacher, friend, or coach—for support. Joining or forming problem-solving groups makes the journey more enjoyable and less isolating.
Every few weeks, reflect on your enjoyment and learning. Use your insights to adjust your plan, whether by trying new competitions or revisiting problem types.
Getting started in mathematics competitions isn’t about being the “smartest” or winning. It’s about choosing to engage with challenging ideas, thinking creatively and persistently, and discovering a community that enjoys this challenge.
Every experienced competitor began as a beginner who didn’t always know what to do. The difference is they kept going—one problem, contest, and small improvement at a time. You can do the same. Explore competition guides and resources, talk about your interest, set a plan, and register for your first contest. The moment you decide to try, you’re already a mathematics competitor in the making.
Helpful?