# Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship The **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship** is an exciting, game show-style national math competition organized by the **American Mathematical Society (AMS)**. This prestigious program gives high school students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to showcase their mathematical skills in a fun, engaging, and competitive environment. With over $5,000 in prizes up for grabs, participants have the chance to earn recognition as top young mathematicians while enjoying the thrill of a live competition. The program is completely free to enter, making it an accessible and rewarding opportunity for math enthusiasts across the United States. ## Program Structure The **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship** follows a **hybrid format**, allowing students from across the country to participate. The competition begins with an online qualifying round, where students take a math test to determine their eligibility for the next stages. The top-scoring individuals advance to the national championship, which typically takes place in person at a designated location in the U.S. This event is structured like a game show, featuring fast-paced, problem-solving rounds where contestants answer challenging math questions in real time. The final rounds are often live-streamed, adding to the excitement and allowing friends, family, and math fans to cheer participants on. While the exact timeline may vary, the process generally spans several months, from the initial qualifying rounds to the championship event. ## What Students Experience Students who participate in the **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship** engage in a highly interactive and stimulating competition. They solve challenging math problems that test their knowledge in areas such as algebra, geometry, probability, and number theory. The program is designed not only to reward speed and accuracy but also to encourage critical thinking and perseverance. In addition to the competition itself, students benefit from being part of a vibrant community of like-minded peers who share a passion for STEM. The event offers the unique experience of competing in a game show format, which fosters confidence in public problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. For finalists, the national championship includes opportunities to interact with professional mathematicians from the **AMS**, gain valuable insights about math-related careers, and learn about advanced concepts in mathematics. ## Why It Matters for College Applications Participating in the **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship** is a standout achievement for any college application, especially for students interested in pursuing STEM fields. Competitive math programs like this demonstrate a strong aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking, qualities highly valued by admissions officers. Advancing to the national championship level showcases dedication, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to excel under pressure. Furthermore, winning or placing in the competition is a prestigious accomplishment that highlights a student’s exceptional talent and commitment to mathematics. ## Eligibility The competition is open to high school students in grades **9 through 12** who reside in the United States. There are no fees to participate, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. While no specific prerequisites are required, a strong foundation in high school mathematics is recommended to succeed in the qualifying rounds and beyond. ## How to Participate To take part in the **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship**, students must register for the online qualifying round through the AMS website. The registration process typically involves providing basic information and completing a short math assessment. Deadlines for registration and qualifying tests vary each year, so students are encouraged to check the **AMS website** regularly for updates and specific dates. For more information and to begin the application process, visit the official **Who Wants to Be a Mathematician Championship** page on the **American Mathematical Society (AMS)** website.