# Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search

Free year-long proof-writing contest from UW-Madison: five problem sets of five problems each, submitted from anywhere. Top scorers are invited to Madison for Honors Day and the Van Vleck Scholarship exam.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Mathematics |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://talent.math.wisc.edu/how-to-participate/ |

## About this program

# Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search

Run by the UW-Madison Department of Mathematics, the Talent Search is a take-home problem-solving competition that has been challenging students for decades. Each school year the organizers "create five sets of five problems each and distribute them to high school and middle school students in the state of Wisconsin and throughout the world." Unlike timed multiple-choice contests, every answer must be argued: "Solutions require a proof or justification."

## What You'll Do

- Work five problem sets across the school year, each with its own posted deadline
- Write up full proofs rather than bare answers, and submit as many of the five problems as you can
- Submit by email, postal mail, or the site's online upload form - there is no registration fee and no exam site
- Start at any point in the year: "You may start participating on any problem set"
- Compete for Outstanding Performer recognition and, for top scorers, an invitation to Madison for Honors Day and the Van Vleck Scholarship exam

## Who Should Apply

Middle and high school students anywhere - Wisconsin residency is not required, though the scholarship track is aimed at Wisconsin students. You need curiosity and persistence rather than a specific course background; the problems are chosen so a motivated student can make progress without advanced coursework.

## Outcomes

Participants develop genuine mathematical writing skill - the ability to construct and defend an argument - which is the main gap between contest math and university mathematics. Strong performers earn named recognition from a research mathematics department and are eligible for the Van Vleck Scholarship at UW-Madison.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search cost?

Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search?

Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search online or in person?

Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Wisconsin Mathematics, Engineering and Science Talent Search?

Apply directly through University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Mathematics's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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