Department of Mathematics
Math Competitions
The Fresno Math Circle program and the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State host several national and local mathematics competitions and offer preparation sessions for these (check calendar for a schedule). Below is a short description of each of these competitions along with some useful links.
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)
MAA's American Mathematics Competitions is the oldest and most prestigious mathematics competition for middle and high school students. The AMC is a series of examinations that build problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge.
AMC 8
The AMC 8 (open to students in grade 8 or below) is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom learned skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment. More information can be found at http://maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8.
Register to take the AMC 8 at Fresno State (Open until capacity is reached. The competition will be held on 1/18/24.)
Sign up for Practice Sessions (No deadline, sessions held from 11/30/23 to 1/11/24)
AMC 10/12
The AMC 10 (open to students in grade 10 or below) and AMC 12 (open to students in grade 12 or below) are both 25-question, 75-minute, multiple choice examinations in high school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. The AMC 10/12 provides an opportunity for high school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad (see Invitational Competitions). More information can be found at http://maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012.
Register to take the AMC 10/12 at Fresno State. (Open until capacity is reached. The competition will be held on 11/6/24.)
Sign up for Practice Sessions (No deadline, sessions held from 9/11/24 to 10/23/24)
Problem Solving Competition (PSC) for High School Students
The Problem Solving Competition is a local competition organized by the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State every fall. It consists of a few challenging problems. This contest is not multiple choice. Participants are expected to provide full solutions to those problems that they are able to solve. The contest is open to all high school students. Interested 8th grade students may attend for the sake of experience but are not eligible to compete.
Register to Participate in the PSC (Deadline: 10/27/25 or when capacity is reached)
Math Kangaroo
Math Kangaroo is an international competition open to students in grades 1-12. It will be held on March 20, 2025. The competition questions are chosen by the International Math Kangaroo Committee, and are interesting and challenging. More information and registration can be found at http://www.mathkangaroo.org. To register to take the Math Kangaroo at Fresno State, choose the "California State University, Fresno" center (deadline: December 31 or when center capacity is reached).
Math Field Day
The Math Field Day is a local competition organized by the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State every spring. The purpose of this event is to provide capable middle and high school students with the opportunity to meet and compete with students from other local schools. This event has both team and individual contests. More information can be found at http://fresnostate.edu/csm/math/activities-and-events/news-and-events/field-day/index.html.
Information about how to register for the Math Field Day can be found at http://fresnostate.edu/csm/math/activities-and-events/news-and-events/field-day/field-day-reg.html.