High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM)

# High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) The High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM), organized by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP), is a prestigious virtual competition that challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to apply mathematical modeling to solve complex, real-world problems. Teams of up to four students collaborate to analyze, model, and propose solutions to open-ended scenarios, fostering creativity and critical thinking in mathematics. This competition emphasizes not only technical skills but also the ability to communicate ideas effectively through clear and comprehensive written reports. ## Program Structure HiMCM is a virtual competition that takes place annually, usually over a designated weekend in the fall. Teams are provided with two open-ended problems and must select one to solve. The competition spans 36 consecutive hours, during which teams work together to develop a mathematical model, analyze their findings, and present their solution in the form of a detailed, written report. Participants can compete from any location, as the entire program is conducted online. Teams submit their completed reports electronically to COMAP for evaluation. Submissions are judged by a panel of mathematical experts, and awards are given based on creativity, depth of analysis, clarity of explanation, and overall quality of the solution. ## What Students Experience HiMCM provides students with the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges using mathematical tools and techniques. The problems are designed to be interdisciplinary, often integrating concepts from science, technology, and engineering, making this competition a true STEM experience. Students will: - Collaborate with peers to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions. - Apply advanced mathematical concepts to solve open-ended, real-world problems. - Improve critical skills in research, data analysis, and computational thinking. - Develop and refine technical writing abilities through the creation of professional-quality reports. - Gain experience in time management and teamwork under a structured yet flexible competition framework. HiMCM also encourages self-directed learning and creativity, as there is no single "correct" solution to the problems presented. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participating in HiMCM demonstrates to colleges and universities a student's ability to excel in mathematics and problem-solving within a team environment. The competition highlights key skills valued in higher education and STEM careers, such as collaboration, innovation, and clear communication. Additionally, the production of a polished, professional report showcases a student's technical writing abilities, an increasingly important skill across disciplines. Earning recognition in this competition—whether at the Honorable Mention, Meritorious, or Outstanding level—can significantly enhance a student's academic profile. ## Eligibility HiMCM is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 from the United States. Teams can consist of up to four students, and participants should have a strong interest in mathematics and problem-solving. There are no formal prerequisites, but familiarity with mathematical modeling and experience with collaborative projects are beneficial. ## How to Participate To participate in HiMCM, teams must register through the COMAP website. The registration fee is $100 per team. Teams should form well in advance of the competition to allow time for preparation and practice. Registration deadlines and competition dates are announced annually on the COMAP website. To learn more about the competition, access past problems, and register your team, visit the [HiMCM page on the COMAP website](https://www.comap.com).