University of Mary Math Competition
Challenging Minds. Encouraging Excellence.
Hosted on our beautiful campus in Bismarck, ND, the University of Mary's 10th Annual Math Competition brings together high school students and math enthusiasts from across the region for a day of competition, fellowship, and fun.
Event Details
Who: High school students (grades 9-12)
When: Tuesday, December 2, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: Lumen Vitae University Center, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
Cost: Free, but registration is required in advance
What Should We Expect?
- Three rounds of competition:
- Lightning Round (eight minutes of mental math)
- Individual Round (15 math and logic puzzles solved individually)
- Team Round (more math and logic puzzles solved as a team)
- A presentation on a topic of mathematical interest
- Lunch for all registered participants
- Campus tours, social time, and more!
Interested in Competing?
If you would like to bring a team – or multiple teams – to the University of Mary Math competition, email Trish Smith. We look forward to hearing from you!
Event Details
The 10th Annual University of Mary Math Competition will be Tuesday, December 2, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, at the Lumen Vitae University Center on the campus of the University of Mary. Our address is:
7500 University Drive
Bismarck, ND 58504
The competition consists of three rounds:
- Lighting Round: How many mental math problems can students do individually in eight minutes? Some are easier than others!
- Individual Round: Competitors solve problems covering a variety of areas, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability. This round is divided into two tests: Test φ for 9th- and 10th-grade and Test π for 11th- and 12th-grade competitors. Test π also includes precalculus questions.
- Team Round: Up to four teammates work together to solve a variety of problems in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and precalculus. No more than two upper-level competitors (11th- and 12th-grade students) are allowed on each team.
Teams will compete against other teams from schools of similar size.
The day also includes a presentation on a mathematical topic, lunch, and time for tours, photos, and socializing.
The event concludes with an awards ceremony recognizing:
- The top performers from each school
- The top overall performers on Test φ and Test π
- The winning teams from both large and small schools
In addition, all participants will receive a Math Competition shirt and parting gift.
When does the Math Competition start and end? We ask that all participants be in Founders Hall in the Lumen Vitae University Center by 9:00 AM, so we can begin promptly at 9:15 AM. The event ends after the awards ceremony, between 2:30 and 2:45 PM.
What is the cost to participate? The competition is free for competitors, teachers, and schools—but advance registration is required!
How are teams formed? You will organize your own teams:
- Before the competition, each school submits a roster with its competitors divided into teams of one to four students.
- No more than two 11th- and 12th-grade students are allowed on a team.
- Small schools may bring up to three teams (up to 12 students total), while large schools may bring up to four teams (up to 16 students total).
- Don’t forget team names—be creative!
What determines if my school is classified as large or small? Large schools are those with a basketball team competing in Class A, while small schools are those with a basketball team in Class B or no basketball team.
Should students bring calculators? No – calculators and other electronic devices are neither allowed nor necessary on any of the tests. The ability to quickly and accurately compute on your own is an important skill in mathematics!
What if my answer is incorrect? Contestants are not penalized for incorrect answers on any of the tests. Even if you are unsure, it is better to record an answer than to leave the question blank.
What if there is a tie? The scores on the Lighting Round are used as tiebreakers for the Individual and Team Rounds if necessary.
Can an 8th-grade student participate? Yes! On the Individual Round, 8th-grade students will take Test φ.
Can a 10th-grade take Test π? Yes – but the test is harder, and the competition is stiffer.
Can participants bring their own lunches? Students and teachers who wish to bring their own lunch may do so, but they might not be allowed to bring outside food into the dining area.