The Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM)—10 Tips to Win It

In today's highly competitive academic environment, standing out requires more than just good grades and test scores. Participating in challenging competitions in middle school can spark your interest in new subjects and prepare you for more academic opportunities in high school. 

Our blog today will look at one such contest, the Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM). Not only do prestigious math contests allow you to apply your mathematical knowledge to real-world problems, but they also provide a platform to develop teamwork, creativity, and communication skills—all of which will help your high school career and, eventually, college applications. 

What is the MidMCM?

The Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MidMCM) is a unique math competition that challenges middle school students to work collaboratively on complex mathematical problems. Unlike traditional math contests that focus on individual problem-solving, MidMCM emphasizes teamwork and the application of mathematics to real-world issues. The contest is organized by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP), a non-profit organization that promotes math education and mathematical modeling.

Is the MidMCM prestigious?

Yes, the Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling is considered prestigious, particularly for students interested in math, science, and engineering. The contest is international, which means you will compete with students from across the world. In 2023, 75 teams from 7 countries participated in MidMCM. 

What is the structure of the contest? 

MidMCM is structured as a team-based competition where students, typically in teams of four, are given a complex modeling problem to solve over 14 days. The problems require teams to develop mathematical models to analyze, interpret, and solve real-world scenarios. These scenarios could range from environmental issues to engineering challenges, requiring a deep understanding of mathematics and its application.

Previous MidMCM contests have asked students to model how many flags and medals will be needed for the Paris Olympics, design a dog park, and create an ideal schedule for a day at an amusement park. You can see the full list of previous problems and solutions here. 

What are the important dates?

The MidMCM follows a structured timeline, starting with a registration deadline on November 6, 2024, followed by the contest window opening on the same day and closing on November 19, 2024. Results will be posted by February 1, 2025.

Participants can use any "inanimate" resources, such as books or websites, but cannot seek help from anyone outside their team. Solutions are submitted electronically by uploading a PDF document to COMAP’s contest website, and each team must include proper citations for any external information used. The solution should not exceed 25 pages and must be free of any identifying information except for the team control number.

How much does this contest cost? 

Participating in the MidMCM is relatively affordable, especially considering the value it provides in terms of experience and recognition. The registration fee for each team is $100. This fee covers all aspects of the contest, including access to the problem prompts, submission portals, and official guidelines provided by COMAP.

For many students, this cost is covered by their school's math or science department, making it accessible to students regardless of financial background. 

Who is eligible, and how can I register?

In 2024, the MidMCM is open to middle school students from around the world who were born after May 1, 2010. Students born before May 1, 2010 must compete in the High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling. You can check out our guide to the HiMCM here. 

There are no strict prerequisites in terms of mathematical background, making it accessible to students of varying skill levels, though a solid foundation in mathematics is recommended. Teams consist of up to four students from the same school.

A faculty or staff member from your school must act as your team advisor and register the team. They must visit the official COMAP website, complete the online registration form, and pay the registration fee. 

10 Tips to Win

1. You need to form a balanced team. 

A well-rounded team is essential for tackling the diverse challenges posed by the MidMCM. Ideally, your team should include members with strengths in different areas—mathematical theory, computational skills, research, and writing. This mix allows you to approach the problem from multiple perspectives and ensures that each aspect of the solution is thoroughly developed. 

2. You should understand the problem thoroughly.

Before jumping into the problem-solving phase, take the time to carefully analyze and discuss the problem statement with your team. Breaking the problem down into its components can help you avoid misinterpretations that might lead to wasted effort. 

3. You should study mathematical modeling techniques. 

Since MidMCM is centered around applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems, having a strong understanding of different modeling techniques is crucial. Familiarize yourself with various approaches, such as optimization, statistical analysis, and simulation methods. By studying these techniques in advance, your team will be better equipped to choose the most appropriate model for the problem at hand. 

4. You should use official resources provided by COMAP.

COMAP offers a variety of resources, including guidelines, sample problems, and past contests, all of which are designed to help teams succeed. These materials provide a clear understanding of what is expected in your submission and how to structure your report effectively. Familiarizing yourself with these resources can give your team a significant advantage, as they contain tips and strategies directly from the contest organizers.

5. You should divide and conquer the tasks. 

Once your team has a solid understanding of the problem, allocate specific tasks to each member based on their strengths. While collaboration is important, dividing the workload allows each team member to focus on their area of expertise, making the problem-solving process more efficient. Regularly regroup to ensure that all parts of the solution are aligned and cohesive. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that each aspect of the project receives the attention it needs.

6. You need to write clear and concise answers.

Your report is the primary means by which your solution will be judged, so clarity and organization are key. Make sure your report is well-structured, with a logical flow that makes it easy for judges to follow your reasoning. Avoid unnecessary jargon and explain your mathematical models in simple, accessible terms. 

7. You should model multiple scenarios. 

Given the open-ended nature of the problems, exploring multiple scenarios or approaches can strengthen your solution. This demonstrates your team’s ability to think critically and consider various possibilities. By comparing different models, you can identify the most effective solution and justify your choice. 

8. You must proofread and edit your report thoroughly. 

Before submitting your report, take the time to carefully proofread and edit it for any errors. Ensure that your mathematical calculations are accurate, your arguments are logically sound, and your writing is free of grammatical mistakes. A polished report reflects professionalism and attention to detail, both of which are crucial for making a positive impression on the judges. Don’t let small errors undermine the quality of your hard work.

9. You should practice effective time management.

The competition is time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to manage your time wisely. Break down the contest period into phases, such as brainstorming, modeling, writing, and revising, and stick to a schedule. This ensures that each aspect of the project is given adequate attention and that you don’t run out of time before completing your report. Good time management can reduce stress and help your team stay focused.

8. You need to stay calm and collaborative under pressure. 

Contests like the MidMCM can be stressful, especially as the deadline approaches, but it’s important to maintain a calm and collaborative atmosphere within your team. Open communication and mutual support are key to overcoming challenges and staying focused on the task at hand. Encourage each other and stay positive, even when things get tough. A team that works well together under pressure is more likely to produce a successful solution.

Our Thoughts

The Middle Mathematical Contest in Modeling is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to develop and showcase a wide range of skills that are highly valued in academic settings. By participating in MidMCM, you can demonstrate your ability to tackle real-world problems through mathematical modeling, preparing you for more advanced work in mathematics. With careful preparation, teamwork, and the right strategy, you can position your team to excel in this challenging and rewarding contest.

One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.