About Math Olympics

The Concept Schools Math Olympics

The Concept Schools Math Olympics is an invitation-only, high-level mathematics competition held annually as part of STEMCON (formerly known as CONSEF). Unlike MathCON, which is open to thousands of students nationwide, the Math Olympics is an exclusive event designed for the top-performing students within the Concept Schools network and its partner schools.

Event Overview & Purpose

The Math Olympics serves as the “Champions’ Round” for Concept Schools. While standard math tests assess a student’s ability to apply formulas they have memorized, the Math Olympics is designed to test mathematical thinking, logic, and precision.

• The Goal: To push students to solve non-routine problems that require creative thinking and “outside-the-box” strategies rather than just calculation.

• The Vibe: It is described as a “battle of the minds,” taking place in a high-energy environment surrounded by other STEM events like robotics competitions and science fairs.

Eligibility & Selection Process

This is one of the most selective aspects of the event. You cannot simply register for the Math Olympics; you must qualify.

• Qualifier: Students must first participate in the MathCON Online Round at their respective schools.

• The “Top 2” Rule: Only the top two performing students from each participating school’s MathCON qualifiers are invited to represent their school at the Math Olympics.

• Divisions: Students compete in grade-level categories (typically ranging from middle school through high school), ensuring they are matched against peers of similar academic standing.

Competition Format

Unlike the MathCON Finals, which are a large-scale sit-down exam, the Math Olympics is a more concentrated event.

• The Test: Students enter a designated “Testing Room” during the morning session of STEMCON.

• Content: The questions are distinct from standardized tests. They often involve:

  • Logic Puzzles: Problems that require deductive reasoning rather than just arithmetic.

  • Combinatorics: Counting problems that require organized thinking.

  • Geometry & Spatial Reasoning: Problems involving shapes and visualization without simple formula plug-ins.

• Duration: The testing session lasts 50 minutes.

• Scoring: Speed and accuracy are paramount. Since the questions are difficult, a single correct answer can often make the difference between a medal and a participation certificate.