Math Prize for Girls: A Complete Guide

The Math Prize for Girls is the world’s largest mathematics competition for young women. It aims to promote gender equality in STEM and inspire academically talented girls to take on leadership roles in math and science. This prestigious event aims to promote gender equality in STEM fields, addressing the underrepresentation of women, who comprise only 29% of the STEM workforce. To qualify for the Math Prize for Girls, you generally need an AMC10 or 12 score that is slightly above the AIME cutoff score, which generally equates to 105 for the AMC10 and 90 for the AMC12.

Competing in this prestigious event can be a valuable addition to your college admissions profile. It highlights your mathematical abilities and showcases your dedication to excelling in STEM. Colleges and universities highly appreciate these qualities, making this competition a strong asset for your application.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the competition.

• What Is the Math Prize for Girls?
• The Math Prize for Girls Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for the Math Prize for Girls
• How to Get into the Math Prize for Girls
• How to Win the Math Prize for Girls
• The  Math Prize for Girls Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Math Prize for Girls?

The Math Prize for Girls, hosted annually by MIT in the fall, invites 300 high school girls from Canada and the United States to test their mathematical skills in a series of challenging competitions. Thanks to its challenging nature and the prestige of the host university, this event is one of the most respected and well-attended female-only math competitions in the country.

The Math Prize for Girls 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Since its start in 2009, the Math Prize for Girls has aimed to address the gender gap in STEM fields, where women are often underrepresented compared to their college attendance rates. This competition encourages young women to excel in mathematics and pursue further education and careers in STEM, promoting gender equity in these critical areas.

The name “Math Prize for Girls” comes with a life-changing financial incentive. This competition stands out by offering the largest math-related scholarship in the world for young women.

The Math Prize for Girls Awards and Prizes

Unlike other competitions that may provide scholarships or grants, the Math Prize for Girls Competition awards actual cash prizes to its qualified participants. This allows the students and their parents the flexibility to decide how to use the winnings.

Here’s the list of what’s up for grabs for the top 10 participants:

Here are other rewards and information that the Math Prize for Girls participants can expect:

• Youth prize. A $2,000 award goes to the highest-scoring participant in 9th grade or below. In cases of ties, the prize money will be divided equally among the winners, although trophies will be allocated based on tiebreakers.
• Honorable mentions and scholarships. The top 25 performers will receive trophies, and those earning an Honorable Mention or higher will qualify for a $500 merit scholarship toward the Canada/USA MathCamp summer program, provided they are accepted.
• Tokens of appreciation for all participants. Every participant will receive a one-year license for Wolfram|One and Wolfram|Alpha Pro, courtesy of Wolfram Research. These tools offer advanced capabilities for mathematical computations.

The top 35 performers, starting from those awarded Honorable Mentions, will be invited to compete in the Advantage Testing Foundation/Jane Street Math Prize Olympiad. This proof-based competition, held in November or December, takes place at each student’s school.

Take note: before distributing any cash prizes, organizers will verify each student’s eligibility and confirm the accuracy of their application details. No participant can receive more than $100,000 in total prize money from the Math Prize across multiple years.

These prizes and opportunities are meant to motivate and reward the hard work and talent of participants, helping them to further their education and career aspirations in mathematics.

How to Qualify for the Math Prize for Girls

Each year, 300 high school girls are chosen to compete in the Math Prize for Girls, making it one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind. While it is a competitive event, the atmosphere feels more like a standardized test, with each participant working independently. To qualify for the Math Prize for Girls, you generally need an AMC10 or 12 score that is slightly above the AIME cutoff score, which generally equates to 105 for the AMC10 and 90 for the AMC12.

The competition follows a straightforward format with no teams or group collaboration. Contestants have two and a half hours to solve 20 short-answer questions, requiring precise responses in a specific format.

Unlike some extracurricular competitions that include college-preparatory or college-level topics, the Math Prize for Girls focuses strictly on advanced pre-college mathematics. This ensures that the content remains challenging yet accessible, helping participants refine their problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking before entering higher education.

If you want to enter the contest, here’s what you need to do:

Eligibility

If you’re a high school girl interested in the Math Prize for Girls, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying. This will save you time and ensure you qualify for the competition.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be in 11th grade or below as of February 2025 and not plan to graduate or start full-time college before the competition
• Identify as female
• Be a resident of the United States or Canada (U.S. citizens or permanent residents living abroad must contact the organization to confirm required documentation)
• Have taken the AMC 10 or AMC 12 exam in November 2024 for the 2024-2025 competition cycle

Required documents

When filling out the application form, you must include at least one AMC 10 or AMC 12 score. If you have taken both the A and B versions, provide both scores.

If you took the AIME exam in 2025 or participated in the 2024 Math Prize for Girls contest, include those scores as well. After the application deadline in June, invitations will be based on separate cutoffs for the AMC 10/12 exams. Additional cutoffs for the 2025 AIME or 2024 Math Prize for Girls exams may also be considered, so submitting all your scores is recommended.

A low score in one AMC exam will not affect your application if another AMC score meets the cutoff. Since cutoffs are determined after all applications are submitted, it is best to include all relevant scores.

Contest fees

There is no fee to apply for or participate in the Math Prize for Girls competition. However, participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meal expenses during the event weekend.

Registration deadline

The application deadline is May 31, 2025. No late applications will be accepted. By July 1, applicants will be notified via email about their acceptance. Selection is based on official AMC and other exam scores, with only the top 300 applicants receiving an invitation.

How to Get into the Math Prize for Girls

How do you secure a spot in this prestigious event? Here’s a step-by-step guide to the registration and selection process of the Math Prize for Girls:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements.

Before you can compete in the Math Prize for Girls, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. This competition is open to female students who are enrolled in high school and have excelled in mathematics.

Typically, participants must have scored highly on the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) exams, such as the AMC 10 or AMC 12. Checking the official Math Prize for Girls website for the most up-to-date eligibility details is crucial, as requirements may change slightly each year.

2. Register for the competition.

Once you confirm your eligibility, the next step is to register for the competition. Registration usually opens in the spring, and you’ll need to submit your application through the official Math Prize for Girls portal. The application will require information about your academic background, previous math competition scores, and school details. 

3. Prepare for the qualifying test.

If you’re serious about getting into the Math Prize for Girls, preparation is key. The competition is designed to challenge even the best math students, so brushing up on problem-solving skills is essential.

Many participants prepare by practicing past AMC exams, solving Olympiad-style problems, and reviewing topics like algebra, number theory, and combinatorics. Joining a math club or working with a coach can also be beneficial for refining your strategies.

4. Take the qualifying test.

The Math Prize for Girls has a qualifying test that determines which students advance to the final competition. This test is typically administered online or in designated testing centers, depending on the year.

You’ll need to complete a series of challenging math problems within a set time limit. Since this test plays a crucial role in selection, it’s important to practice time management and stay calm under pressure.

5. Wait for your results.

After taking the qualifying test, you’ll need to wait for your results. The organizers review all submissions and select the top scorers to compete in the Math Prize for Girls Finals. If you qualify, you’ll receive an official invitation with further instructions on the next steps.

If you don’t make it this year, don’t be discouraged as many students try again the following year with even better results.

6. Compete in the Math Prize for Girls Finals.

If you’re among the top scorers, congratulations! The final stage of the competition is where all your hard work pays off. The Math Prize for Girls Finals consists of a challenging test that pushes students to think critically and apply advanced problem-solving skills.

Participants not only compete for cash prizes and scholarships but also get to connect with other talented female mathematicians. Even if you don’t win, the experience itself can be incredibly rewarding and a great addition to your academic achievements.

How to Win the Math Prize for Girls

Getting ready for the Math Prize for Girls can be both exciting and challenging. Here are five practical tips to help you prepare:

1. Strengthen your math fundamentals.

Focus on mastering core concepts such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. These areas form the foundation of most competition problems.

2. Practice with past papers.

Work through previous Math Prize for Girls exams to get familiar with the format and types of questions. The competition’s website offers past problems and solutions, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

3. Practice problem-solving.

Regularly solve problems from resources like the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Math Olympiad worksheets, and other competitive math forums. This will enhance your analytical thinking and expose you to different problem-solving approaches.

4. Join a math circle or club.

Participating in a math circle or school math club allows you to collaborate with peers, exchange ideas, and learn valuable competition strategies.

5. Seek guidance from teachers or mentors.

Experienced mentors or teachers can provide personalized feedback, effective study techniques, and motivation to keep you on track.

Math Prize for Girls Previous Winners

Past winners of the Math Prize for Girls have gone on to study at top universities like MIT and Harvard. Many have also competed in prestigious math contests like the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Winning this competition is a strong indicator of mathematical excellence and dedication.

Notable winners of the Math Prize for Girls include Danielle Wang, who secured first place in both 2010 and 2013, demonstrating remarkable consistency. In 2014, Celine Liang, then an 11th grader, claimed the top prize. 

The 2018 competition saw a tie between Yuxuan Zheng, an 11th grader from New Jersey, and Catherine Wu, a 12th grader from California, for first place. Jessica Wan achieved first place in 2019, 2022, and 2023, becoming the competition’s most successful participant. In 2024, a historic six-way tie occurred, with winners including Angela Ho, Hannah Fox, and Selena Ge. 

Reviewing past winners can help you set goals and refine your strategy. Many champions prepared by solving Olympiad-style problems and competing in other math contests. Studying past problems and techniques can give you an edge. If you aim to follow in their footsteps, dedication and practice are key.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Math Prize for Girls hosted?

The Math Prize for Girls is typically hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

2. When is the Math Prize for Girls 2025?

The 2025 Math Prize for Girls contest is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, with several activities planned for the preceding day. A detailed schedule will be provided closer to the event date. Please check their official website for the announcement.

3. Is there a cost involved?

Although there is no fee to apply or participate, you will need to cover your own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the weekend.

4. Are the prizes taxable?

Yes, cash prizes are typically considered taxable income. It’s advisable to consult with a tax advisor for more details.

5. How is the Math Prize for Girls formatted?

The Math Prize for Girls competition features 20 problems to be solved in 2.5 hours, testing mathematical creativity and insight. All questions require numerical answers, eliminating written proofs. The contest follows high school math standards without calculus, ensuring accessibility while maintaining rigor.

Takeaways

• The Math Prize for Girls is the world’s largest math competition for young women, offering top participants cash prizes and scholarship opportunities. Winning or participating can significantly boost your college application.
• To qualify, you must meet eligibility requirements, including strong AMC 10 or AMC 12 scores. Only the top 300 applicants are invited each year.
• Preparing with past problems, joining math clubs, and working with mentors can improve your chances of winning. Time management and problem-solving strategies are crucial.
• Many past winners have gone on to attend top universities like MIT and Harvard, proving the competition’s prestige. Success in this contest can open doors to other elite STEM opportunities.
• If you’re aiming for Ivy League admissions, working with a private admissions consultant can help you craft a competitive application that highlights your achievements, including participation in math competitions.