US Math Competitions - which ones should I participate in?

Hey everyone! I'm really passionate about math, and I'd like to participate in some US-based math competitions to both challenge myself and maybe boost my college application a bit. Which ones would you all recommend for a high school student? Are there any that stand out in particular? Thanks for your suggestions!

Hi there! It's great to see you're passionate about math and looking to participate in competitions. There are quite a few math competitions available for high school students in the US, and I'll list some popular ones separated into individual and team-based competitions.

Individual competitions:

1. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) - These include the AMC 10 and AMC 12, which are the initial tests that lead to qualifying for more prestigious contests, like the AIME and USAMO. They're great starting points for math competition involvement.

2. American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) - You can qualify for this by earning a high score on the AMC 10 or 12. It tests problem-solving skills and could lead to qualification for the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) if you perform well.

3. USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) - As one of the most prestigious math competitions in the US, USAMO is accessible only through qualification via the AMC and AIME series. Excelling in USAMO helps demonstrate exceptional mathematical ability on college applications.

Team-based competitions:

1. MathCounts - Although mostly aimed at middle school students, some high schoolers coach or volunteer at MathCounts events, enabling them to stay engaged in math competitions.

2. ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) - This is a large team competition that usually takes place in various locations across the US. High schools can form teams or join together with other schools in their area to compete.

3. Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) - This competitive tournament is organized by students from Harvard and MIT, requiring both individual and team problem-solving.

4. Moody's Mega Math Challenge (M3 Challenge) - Teams of 3-5 members work together to solve real-world problems using mathematical modeling. This competition can help you showcase your ability to apply math to practical situations.

Some other notable competitions include the Math Prize for Girls, the Mandelbrot Competition, and the Math Kangaroo. Aim to choose competitions that fit your skill level, interests, and schedule. Participating in multiple contests can build your math competition experience, while excelling in any of the more prestigious competitions like USAMO can provide a significant boost to your college application. Best of luck!