Many students enjoy competitions because they allow students to experience more challenging mathematics than is available in the standard middle school curriculum. We highly recommend that middle school students participate in MATHCOUNTS and in the AMC 8 produced by the American Mathematics Competitions. Students just beginning in contests who have not mastered algebra should participate in MOEMS.

Highly advanced middle schoolers should also try the USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS). Participation in the USAMTS is free.

Members of our Forum also occasionally create free contests for other members to try.