Mathematical Modeling
HiMCM
High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling
About the Contest
The High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM), established by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP) in 1999, is an international modelling contest for secondary-school students. Teams use mathematics, computation and writing to develop an evidence-based solution to an open-ended real-world problem.
The contest usually begins in November. Each team comprises 2–4 students and a faculty advisor, chooses either Problem A or Problem B, and completes the full research process: analysing the problem, stating assumptions, building and solving a model, validating results and writing the paper. The current format provides a submission window of approximately 14 days, closer to the rhythm of an authentic research project.
Judges assess the complete modelling process rather than a single correct answer. Important dimensions include depth of problem understanding, appropriateness of the model, validation and sensitivity analysis, and the clarity and conventions of the paper. For students interested in mathematics, computer science, engineering, data science and other quantitative fields, HiMCM offers an opportunity to demonstrate research ability and teamwork together.
Key Facts
- Established by COMAP in 1999 for students in Grades 9–12 worldwide
- Teams of 2–4 students with a faculty advisor choose Problem A or B
- An approximately 14-day window covering the full process from problem analysis to an English paper
- Emphasis on model appropriateness, validation, sensitivity analysis and academic communication
- Combines mathematical application, computational practice, writing and collaboration
Contest Timeline
- September–October: the faculty advisor registers the team and completes payment through COMAP
- Early November: Problems A and B are released online in US Eastern Time, and the team selects one
- Approximately 14 days after the start: the completed paper is submitted electronically; no in-person defence is required
- January–February: COMAP publishes the results for each problem
- From the following spring: selected Outstanding papers may be revised and published in The UMAP Journal
Award Structure
- Outstanding Winner: approximately the top 1%–2% for each problem — the contest's highest designation
- Finalist: approximately the top 7%, typically several dozen teams per problem
- Meritorious Winner: approximately the top 20%, recognising complete modelling and rigorous reasoning
- Honorable Mention: approximately the top 40%, recognising work that meets a sound research standard
- Successful Participant: other teams making a valid submission; percentages are approximate historical references and the current COMAP announcement prevails
Preparation Priorities
- Open-ended problems require careful reading: translate 'what should we solve?' into 'what can we calculate and validate?'
- Do not mistake the 14-day window for unlimited time: allow roughly 3 days for the approach, 7 for modelling and computation, and 4 for refining the paper
- The summary is the first section judges read; revisit it after completing the paper to state the problem, methods, results and conclusions clearly
- Before the contest, study past Outstanding papers to learn problem decomposition, model design, presentation of results and academic writing
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Students in Grades 9–12 worldwide; teams of 2–4 students with a faculty advisor
- Contest Time
- Usually begins in November, with a submission window of approximately 14 days
- Format
- Choose Problem A or B and submit a complete mathematical modelling paper in English
LighTon Coaching Programmes
HiMCM Customised Coaching
1-on-1 Full-Cycle Mentoring
For individual entrants or students wanting close guidance
- One-on-one guidance from topic selection, modelling and coding through the English paper
- Flexible scheduling around the student's pace, with intensive pre-contact sessions
- Online or in person, with cross-time-zone sessions available
Team-Based Customised Coaching
For teams of 2-4 students entering together
- A coaching plan and division of labour built around the whole team
- Hands-on team guidance: model building, data validation, paper division and final editing
- Focused workshops at key milestones plus a full mock contest
Tutors
HiMCM courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- Our students regularly win awards in major contests — results updated continuously
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is HiMCM suitable for?
Students in Grades 9–12 worldwide; teams of 2–4 students with a faculty advisor
When is the HiMCM held?
Usually begins in November, with a submission window of approximately 14 days
What is the format of the HiMCM?
Choose Problem A or B and submit a complete mathematical modelling paper in English
What HiMCM coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers customised 1-on-1 courses and team-based coaching for the HiMCM, covering topic selection, modelling, coding and English paper writing, online and in person. Contact us for a free preparation plan and a trial lesson.
Preparing for HiMCM?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.