Math Contest

Challenge Your Mind. Discover the Power of Mathematics.

The University of Northern Colorado’s Mathematics Contest is an annual competition for students in grades 7–12 across Colorado. Younger students with a strong interest in math are also welcome to participate.

The contest has two rounds:

• First Round – Held in late October or early November at schools across the state.

• Final Round – Held in February on the UNC campus in Greeley for top performers and petitioned participants.

Each round challenges students with creative, problem-solving questions in algebra, geometry, combinatorics, probability, logic, and number theory. All work is completed with paper and pencil—no calculators or electronic devices.

Who can participate?

All Colorado schools—public, private, home, and unschooling groups—are invited. Teachers, coaches, or parents can register students by emailing UNCmathcontest@unco.edu.

During the Final Round, accompanying teachers and parents are invited to a Solution Seminar, where contest writers discuss problems and solutions. The day concludes with an award ceremony recognizing top performances and honorable mentions.

History

The University of Northern Colorado State Math Contest started in 1992 by Richard Grassl. Since 2011, it has been led by Ricardo and Katie Diaz, with help from Dean Zeller, Rocke Verser, Richard Grassl, Oscar Levin, and Rich Morrow. The contest was inspired by the Polya Competitions at Stanford University, and it continues to follow the same spirit of creative problem-solving and high standards.

Many students who have taken part in the UNC Math Contest have gone on to achieve success in school and in their careers. They often say that the challenge and excitement of the contest helped them gain confidence to take on bigger goals in the future.