For decades, COMAP’s High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM)® and, more recently, the Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM), were limited to teams from the same high school, middle school, and other middle-level programs. Starting in 2025, the rules are expanding to include a wider range of non-school educational programs, giving more students the opportunity to compete.

This change to the HiMCM/MidMCM contest rules means that thousands of students who really love mathematics but don’t have access to the contest through their school/institution can now participate in the contests through a program. 

What Counts as a Program?

With the new rules, a “Program” is defined as: A non-school educational program not founded for the exclusive purpose of participating in mathematics competitions.

Examples of other eligible programs include:

• Math Circles
• Dual or joint-enrollment programs
• Magnet programs
• Online high schools
• Academic/training programs that bring students together from multiple schools for enrichment or specialized coursework
• Community-based or nonprofit extracurricular programs

What Doesn’t Count?

Not every math-related program qualifies. Tutoring centers, test-prep companies, contest-prep groups, and for-profit STEM-learning centers whose primary mission is short-term instruction or competition preparation do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Why This Change?

The goal of this update is to open the door to more students and programs that foster curiosity and mathematical exploration. By expanding eligibility beyond traditional schools/institutions, HiMCM and MidMCM are now accessible to a broader community of learners who want to tackle real-world problems through math modeling.

5 Quick Steps if You’re Ready to Jump In

If you’re part of a non-school program and want to get involved in the contests this year, here’s how to get started:

1. Confirm your eligibility: Figure out if your program fits the definition above. If you’re a nonprofit math circle, community program, or academic enrichment initiative, you’re good to go.  If you are unsure, reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2. Choose an advisor: Every team needs an advisor. They will handle getting your team registered and ongoing team communication. This doesn’t have to be a classroom teacher--it can be a program leader, mentor, or another responsible adult.
3. Register your team: Head to the official HiMCM or MidMCM registration page and sign up under your program’s name. The registration process is the same whether you’re a school/institution or a program.
4. Get your team ready: Gather up to four students for each team, plan some practice sessions, and start to explore COMAP’s free resources to get familiar with modeling problems.
5. Put the dates on your calendar: This year’s contests run November 5-18, 2025. Try to plan ahead so your team has the time and space to give the problem their best shot.

And check out these links to other math contest resources:

• COMAP Math Contest Advisor Guide: Quick Tips for Advising a Team
• How to Encourage Student Participation in Math Competitions
• 12 Ways Math Modeling Contests Can Boost Your Career
• 10 More Reasons to Participate in a Math Modeling Contest
• Why You Should Participate in This Middle School Math Contest

So, if you’re part of a program that meets the new eligibility rules, whether a math circle, magnet program, or another enrichment program, this is the year you can officially bring your problem-solving skills to HiMCM/MidMCM. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!