COMAP’s Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) and Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM) are international contests open to undergraduate students of all disciplines. The MCM/ICM contest problems are designed to provide students with the opportunity to work as team members to engage in and improve their modeling, problem-solving, and writing skills. Teams from your school apply mathematics to model and develop a solution to a real-world problem.
For more information or to register your team(s) click the link below.
Problems in continuous and discrete mathematics, data science, sustainability, operations research, network science, and policy.
Let the contests be part of your in-person, hybrid, or virtual classroom!
More Contest Details
Each team can have up to three students from the same school. There is no limit on the number of teams a school can register for the contest. Team members may work virtually. Teams work together on the contest problem over the extended weekend February 16-20, 2023. Teams compete for national and international recognition and awards, and could win $10,000!
The MCM/ICM Contest in Modeling is sponsored by COMAP with support from INFORMS, MAA, AMS, ASA, and SIAM. The contest attracts diverse students and faculty advisors from over 1,000 institutions around the world.
How It Works: Form a modeling team of up to three students. Choose one of six contest problems. Work over five days from February 16-20, 2023 to model and solve your problem. Submit your electronic solution paper to COMAP. The problems you can choose from:
- MCM Problem A (continuous)
- MCM Problem B (discrete)
- MCM Problem C (data insights)
- ICM Problem D (operations research/network science)
- ICM Problem E (sustainability)
- ICM Problem F (policy)
For contest and scholarship details, previous years’ contest problems, FAQs, resources, and registration, go to: www.mcmcontest.com
Why Should Students Compete?
The MCM/ICM offers something for everyone. Some of the biggest benefits for students include:
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Discover new ways to work in a team environment
- Apply knowledge outside the classroom
- Learn how to use mathematics as a tool to solve interesting problems
- Learn more about a topic or issue facing our world today
- Communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to effectively use data
- Get a resume and interview booster
Click here for more reasons students compete in our math contests.
Benefits for Advisors
In addition to the benefits to students, advisors also have a lot to gain by participating in the MCM/ICM. Some of the benefits to advisors include:
- Showcase the value of modeling
- Develop students as professionals
- Engage students outside the classroom
- Mentor students
- Provide extra-curricular opportunities that match your research interests
- Create interdisciplinary partnerships with colleagues
- Experience joy by hearing students’ positive experiences of solving a complex problem
