Understanding the major math competitions available through MEK, what each one requires, and how to choose a starting point for a student new to competitive math.
Many parents ask the same question once a child shows an aptitude for math beyond the regular classroom curriculum: where should this energy go next. Math competitions offer a structured answer. They give students a concrete way to measure progress, a reason to sharpen problem-solving skills beyond what school covers, and in many cases a path toward recognition that strengthens a future academic profile. MEK Review offers access to four major math competitions, along with a popular in-house competition of its own, each suited to a different grade range and level of commitment.
MEK Fall Math Competition: A Starting Point for Grades 5 Through 8.
Students new to competition math often benefit from a low-stakes introduction before committing to a national exam. The MEK Fall Math Competition was built for exactly this purpose. Problems are written by MEK’s own MAPC (Mr. Ahn’s Perfect Circle) program students, giving participants a preview of the reasoning style and difficulty level found in competitions such as AMC 8, Math Kangaroo, and MathCON.
The competition runs across three Saturday sessions at MEK’s Englewood Cliffs campus:
- Saturday, September 12 at 2:00 PM
- Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 PM
- Saturday, September 26 at 2:00 PM
Each session lasts 45 minutes. Three winners are named in each grade, fifth through eighth, and winners receive free entry to the official AMC 8, Math Kangaroo, and MathCON exams. Every participant, regardless of placement, receives 10% off MEK’s MAPC Jr. or Rookie program. Winners are announced through MEK’s email newsletter and Instagram account on September 30.
This format allows a student to test interest and readiness before enrolling in a full competition season, which makes it a reasonable entry point for families still deciding whether the competition track is the right fit.
American Mathematics Competition (AMC): The Benchmark for Middle and High School Math.
The AMC is among the most recognized math competitions in the country, and MEK’s Closter campus serves as an official AMC testing center for all three levels: AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12. Students who perform well on the AMC 10 or AMC 12 may qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) or, at the highest levels, the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO).
MEK’s MAPC competition math classes are designed around the exact problem types found on the AMC, with an emphasis on building the composure needed to work through unfamiliar problems under time pressure. Middle school students interested in the AMC have a natural entry point through MAPC, which offers preparation across all levels.
The AMC schedule for this cycle:
- AMC 10A and AMC 12A: November 5, 2026
- AMC 10B and AMC 12B: November 13, 2026
- AMC 8: January 21, 2027 (testing window runs January 21 through January 27, 2027; MEK encourages students to test on January 21)
Math Kangaroo: An Accessible Option for a Wide Age Range.
Math Kangaroo has become a favorite among MEK students since its addition to the competition roster, largely due to its accessibility across grade levels. The exam is open to students in grades 1 through 12, with two formats based on age. Students in grades 5 through 12 take a 75-minute, 30-question multiple choice exam. Students in grades 1 through 4 take a shorter, 24-question version within the same time window. Certain grade bands, specifically 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8, sit for the same test together.
Prizes range from ribbons and medals to, for seniors who have participated consistently and ranked highly across multiple years, college grants.
Continental Math League (CML): A Long-Standing Monthly Format.
The Continental Math League holds a particular place in MEK’s competition history, having been offered since the organization’s earliest years. CML operates through monthly meets rather than a single exam date, with each meet consisting of a six-question quiz completed in 30 minutes. Both Rookie and Junior-level classes are available.
As part of an MEK math team, the organization receives five certificates and two medals to distribute among its highest-performing students each cycle, with the possibility of Regional or National recognition if the team performs well collectively. Students may participate in up to five meets across the season:
- Meet 1: November 5, 2026
- Meet 2: December 3, 2026
- Meet 3: January 7, 2027
- Meet 4: February 4, 2027
- Meet 5: March 4, 2027
Each meet runs 45 minutes within a broader 3:00 to 5:00 PM or 6:00 to 8:00 PM window, and students may take the test at any point during the month following the listed start date. Students who complete all five meets become eligible for CML State and National Awards.
MathCON: A Two-Round Format With a National Final.
MathCON is one of the more recent additions to MEK’s competition offerings, open to students from fourth through twelfth grade. The competition consists of a 50-minute, grade-appropriate online exam covering algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Students registered through MEK receive 16 weekly practice tests through the MathCON portal leading up to the competition date.
MEK is tentatively offering three test sessions this cycle: January 14, February 18, and March 11. Top-performing students in each grade band qualify for the MathCON Finals, held annually in Chicago. Two MEK students reached the Chicago finals this past May, and MEK expects more students to qualify next year.
Choosing a Starting Point.
Math competitions offer real value for any student who enjoys a challenge beyond the standard classroom curriculum, regardless of grade level or prior experience. Families interested in getting started are encouraged to sign up for any of the competitions above, and to consider MEK’s MAPC classes as a way to build the skills and confidence that make competition math enjoyable rather than intimidating.
Families interested in learning which competition track fits their child’s current level can speak with MEK’s academic counseling team directly.
Questions? Email us at mek@mekreview.com Call / Text 551-296-1806
