Physics and Math Competition Calendar 2025-26: Complete Schedule & Registration Deadlines

Success in mathematics competitions begins with strategic planning. When you map out your complete competition year in advance, and allocate proper preparation time for each challenge you pursue. This comprehensive math competition calendar covers every major contest from September 2025 through summer 2026. We’ve compiled registration deadlines, test dates, and key eligibility requirements for MATHCOUNTS, AMC, AIME, USAMO, and additional competitions. Use this guide to build your personalized competition roadmap and achieve your highest potential throughout the year.

Fall Competitions (September – December 2025)

USAMTS Round 1

The USA Mathematical Talent Search opens the competition season each September, with solutions typically due in mid-October. This distinctive proof-based competition provides an entire month to solve challenging problems at your own pace, rewarding depth over speed. Math Competition Calendar highlights major fall contests students should plan for. USAMTS is completely free and open to all U.S. high school students. Unlike timed competitions, this format rewards rigorous mathematical thinking and meticulous proof-writing – skills essential for advanced mathematics. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop problem-solving abilities that will serve you throughout the competition year and beyond. More importantly, students can qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) through the USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) by achieving a high score (around 68/75 points or higher), offering an alternative pathway to the usual AMC 10/12 route, and high scorers can then advance to USA(J)MO from AIME  

MATHCOUNTS School Competition

Your MATHCOUNTS journey begins at the school level in November or December, making this stage a key part of the Math Competition Calendar. This foundational competition for 6th-8th graders features Sprint, Target, and Team rounds that assess computational accuracy, problem-solving strategies, and collaborative reasoning. School competitions typically occur in November or early December, depending on your chapter. Contact your mathematics teacher or school coordinator by early October to ensure your team registers successfully. Top performers advance to the Chapter Competition in February, as outlined in the Math Competition Calendar.  

AMC 10/12 A-Date

The AMC 10/12 A-Date typically falls in early-to-mid November. Registration deadlines occur approximately 2-3 weeks before the test administration, though early registration is strongly recommended. Both the AMC 10 and AMC 12 share identical administration dates – you can take one or the other depending on eligibility. These 75-minute competitions feature 25 multiple-choice questions and serve as the pathway to AIME qualification. Your AMC performance determines advancement to the next level, making thorough preparation essential. Strategic students often register for both A and B dates to maximize qualification opportunities. Tracking these exams carefully in your Math Competition Calendar helps avoid missed registration deadlines.  

AMC 10/12 B-Date

The B-Date administration occurs approximately one week after the A-Date, offering a second opportunity to qualify for AIME or improve your score. Taking both dates provides valuable experience and increases your chances of achieving a qualifying score. Registration processes mirror the A-Date requirements. Coordinate with your school coordinator to ensure registration for both dates if you’re pursuing this strategy. Remember that only your highest score counts for AIME qualification purposes when planning with a Math Competition Calendar.  

USAMTS Round 2

Round 2 releases in mid-November with solutions due in December, making it an important checkpoint in the Math Competition Calendar. Maintain momentum from Round 1 by continuing to develop your proof-writing precision. Consistent performance across all rounds strengthens your overall USAMTS standing and demonstrates sustained mathematical excellence.

Winter Competitions (January – February 2026)

AMC 8

The AMC 8 administration date falls in mid-to-late January. This math contest for students in grade 8 and below features 25 multiple-choice questions completed in 40 minutes, emphasizing problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. The Math Competition Calendar continues into winter with key exams for middle and high school students. Mark your calendar for late October to coordinate registration through your school or an approved competition center. The AMC 8 provides excellent preparation for future AMC 10/12 competitions while helping younger students develop contest-taking strategies and mathematical confidence.  

MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition

February brings the Chapter Competition, where school-level top performers compete for advancement to State. The format maintains consistency with Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown rounds. Only the highest scorers at Chapter advance, making this a critical milestone in your MATHCOUNTS schedule. Preparation intensity should increase significantly after winter break. The competition typically occurs in early-to-mid February, requiring focused refinement of skills and strategies identified during the School Competition.  

F=ma Exam

The F=ma exam typically occurs in late January and is an important part of a complete Math Competition Calendar for science-focused students. This physics competition serves as the qualifying round for the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO). The 75-minute exam features 25 questions testing conceptual understanding, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving ability in mechanics. AwesomeMath Olympiad Physics courses provide structured preparation for this challenging contest . Registration for this contest opens several months in advance through the American Association of Physics Teachers website.  

USAMTS Round 3

Round 3 releases in January with solutions due in February. This final round completes your USAMTS participation for the year. Strong cumulative performance across all three rounds can earn recognition And qualification to AIME

Spring Competitions (March – April 2026)

MATHCOUNTS State Competition

State competitions typically occur in early March, assembling the top chapter-level performers from across each state. The stakes increase substantially – only the top four individuals plus the winning team advance to the National Competition in May. State competitions typically occur in early March and represent a major milestone in the Math Competition Calendar. Preparation should reach peak intensity throughout February and early March according to your Math Competition Calendar. The competition format includes the prestigious Countdown Round, where top individuals compete head-to-head in an exciting elimination format that tests both mathematical skill and composure under pressure.  

AIME I and AIME II

The American Invitational Mathematics Examination offers two date options, typically in late February or early March. AIME I and AIME II feature different problems but are identical in difficulty and format – 15 questions, 3 hours, with integer answers ranging from 0 to 999. Only students who qualify through AMC 10/12 performance receive invitations to this prestigious competition.. Your AIME score combines with your AMC score to calculate your USA(J)MO index, determining potential advancement to the highest national competition level. Registration happens automatically if you qualify – your AMC registration information carries forward. Confirm your date preference and testing location with your competition coordinator well in advance using your Math Competition Calendar.  

USAMO/USAJMO

The USA Mathematical Olympiad and USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad typically span two days at the end of March. Each day features three proof-based problems with 4.5 hours to complete them. These represent the most challenging mathematics competitions for American high school students. Only students with top USAMO/USAJMO indices calculated from combined AMC and AIME scores receive invitations. Success requires extensive preparation in proof-writing, Olympiad problem-solving techniques, and advanced mathematical concepts well beyond typical coursework. Advanced competitors rely on a detailed Math Competition Calendar to prepare for these elite Olympiad-level events.  

Purple Comet! Math Meet

This free online international team competition runs for approximately one week in mid-April. Teams of up to six students (middle or high school) collaborate to solve challenging problems. The flexible timing window allows teams to choose when during the competition period they’ll work together on the problem set. Purple Comet! offers valuable team-building experience without registration fees or travel requirements. Learn more about Purple Comet and coordinate with your teammates to select your optimal competition window.  

USAPhO

The USA Physics Olympiad typically occurs in late March or early April for students who qualified through the F=ma exam. This rigorous free-response competition spans multiple hours and tests deep physics understanding through challenging problems, making it a key event in a Math Competition Calendar. Top performers earn invitations to the physics team training program and potential selection to the U.S.A. International Physics Olympiad team.

Late Spring/Summer (May – June 2026)

MATHCOUNTS National Competition

Approximately 224 students – four per state plus DC and U.S. territories – converge on the host city each May for the National Competition. This prestigious event represents the pinnacle of middle school mathematics competition in the United States. Nationals features all standard competition rounds plus special mathematical events and activities. The experience transcends competition – students forge lasting connections with peers who share their passion for mathematical excellence.  

MOP (Mathematical Olympiad Program)

The Mathematical Olympiad Program runs for 3-4 weeks each June at a university campus. This intensive training camp brings together the top USAMO and USAJMO performers for advanced instruction, collaborative problem-solving, and IMO team selection activities. MOP represents the apex of American mathematical competition achievement. The International Mathematical Olympiad team is selected from MOP participants based on additional testing and cumulative performance evaluations.  

IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)

The six-person U.S. IMO team competes each July at a rotating international host location. This week-long event brings together the world’s top high school mathematicians for a two-day, six-problem competition. IMO medals represent the highest honors achievable in high school mathematics.

Math Competition Calendar: Planning Your Competition Strategy

For Middle School Students

Focus on AMC 8, MATHCOUNTS, and Purple Comet! as your core competitions. This combination develops computational accuracy (AMC 8, MATHCOUNTS Sprint), collaborative problem-solving (MATHCOUNTS Team, Purple Comet!), and deeper mathematical reasoning (MATHCOUNTS Target). Using a structured Math Competition Calendar helps students balance preparation and performance. Begin MATHCOUNTS preparation by early October to ensure readiness for school competitions. AMC 8 preparation should intensify during winter break, though year-round mathematical enrichment provides the strongest foundation for competition success.  

For High School Students

Freshmen and sophomores face the strategic decision between AMC 10 and AMC 12.. Many students take AMC 10 in 9th grade and transition to AMC 12 in 10th grade. Balancing multiple competitions requires careful planning – avoid overcommitting to contests that diminish preparation time from your primary goals.  

Registration Tips

Set calendar reminders 2-3 weeks before each registration deadline and align them with your Math Competition Calendar. Many competitions require school coordination, so early communication with your mathematics teacher or competition coordinator prevents last-minute complications. Early registration often provides benefits including lower fees, guaranteed materials, and preferred testing locations. Never delay until deadline day – technical issues or missing information can derail late registration attempts and cost you competition opportunities.  

AwesomeMath Preparation Timeline

Elite competition performance requires year-round preparation, and following a well-structured Math Competition Calendar prevents last-minute cramming. The most successful competitors engage in consistent mathematical enrichment through comprehensive programs that have rigorous curriculum to build problem-solving skills systematically and progressively. AwesomeMath Academy provides structured year-round training aligned with competition progressions and mathematical development. While competitions occur at specific times throughout the year, the mathematical maturity and problem-solving techniques they assess develop through sustained effort over months and years. Summer intensive programs offer concentrated skill development during break periods, while academic-year courses maintain momentum and introduce sophisticated concepts progressively. Success at AIME, USA(J)MO, and beyond stems from foundational work that begins years before those competitions occur, guided by a well-planned Math Competition Calendar.  

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the AMC 2026 dates?

The AMC 10/12 A-Date typically occurs in early-to-mid November, with the B-Date following approximately one week later. Exact dates are announced by the Mathematical Association of America in late summer. The AMC 8 administration occurs in mid-to-late January with early November registration deadlines.  

Can I participate in multiple math competitions in the same year?

Absolutely! Most serious mathematics students participate in several competitions annually. Strategic participation across different competition formats helps you develop diverse mathematical skills and maximize advancement opportunities.  

What is the MATHCOUNTS schedule for 2025-26?

MATHCOUNTS follows a three-tier progression: School competitions in November-December, Chapter competitions in February, State competitions in early March, and the National Competition in May for qualified students.  

When should I start preparing for each competition?

Intensive preparation should begin at least 6 months before each major competition. However, the strongest foundation comes from year-round mathematical enrichment and systematic skill development rather than competition-specific cramming.  

Can I take both AMC 10 and AMC 12?

Yes, students eligible for AMC 10 (grade 10 and below) can take both AMC 10 and AMC 12 on different administration dates. You can also register for both A and B dates, potentially taking up two total AMC tests in one competition cycle.  

Your Math Contest Roadmap

Your complete Math Competition Calendar for Fall 2025-Summer 2026 roadmap is now at your fingertips. From September’s USAMTS through summer’s IMO, this comprehensive math competition calendar provides every critical date, deadline, and detail needed for strategic planning and preparation success. Remember that strategic participation matters more than sheer quantity. When using a Math Competition Calendar. Choose competitions aligned with your current skill level and long-term goals, then prepare thoroughly for each challenge you undertake. Quality preparation for carefully selected competitions typically yields superior results compared to scattered efforts across too many contests. Explore AwesomeMath competitions resources to access comprehensive preparation materials and keep these dates accessible throughout the competition year. Set your registration reminders today, coordinate with your school, and begin your preparation journey with purpose and direction. Ready to transform competition participation into exceptional results? Explore AwesomeMath online courses designed specifically to build the advanced problem-solving skills that power breakthrough performances at every competition level. Your most successful competition year begins with rigorous, systematic preparation under the guidance of international renowned instructors- start building your mathematical foundation today!