How to enroll
The school's MATHCOUNTS coach signs students up. Students don't register themselves.
- Ask your math teacher or the front office who the MATHCOUNTS coach is
- Tell the coach you want to compete, before Nov 3 if possible
- The coach adds you to the school's registration
By Nov 3 for the early-bird price, Dec 15 regular
Coach registration page ↗No team at school? A parent can register you as a non-school competitor starting Nov 5.
Non-school competitor info ↗In plain words
Middle schoolers compete individually and as a team, starting at a local chapter competition in February. Top scorers move on to state and the national competition in May.
Great for
Middle schoolers who like math and enjoy a team
Less ideal if
The school has no coach and no parent can step in
What it takes
Cost
$42 per student early bird, $48 regular. No extra fee if they advance.
Format
In person · 4 rounds, about 3 hours
Who
Team of 4 plus individuals · needs a coach
Time
School practice from fall through January
Step by step
- 1Ask the school whether it has a MATHCOUNTS coach
- 2The coach registers the school (cheaper before the early-bird deadline)
- 3Practice with the free school handbook problems
- 4Compete at the local chapter competition in February
Where it leads
- School competitionNov–Jan
The coach picks who represents the school
- ChapterFebruary
- StateMarch
- NationalMay 9–10, Washington, DC
Key dates
Dates marked TEXAS or MINNESOTA are that state’s chapter dates. Other states set their own: check the official site.
- 10 DAYSEarly-bird registration (postmarked)Tue, November 3, 2026
- 52 DAYSRegular registration (postmarked)Tue, December 15, 2026
- 102 DAYSSouth Capitol chapter competition (Twin Cities south/east metro), Inver Grove HeightsMINNESOTAWed, February 3, 2027
Free prep
Add these dates to my calendar
Dates update on their own when an organizer changes them. Nothing about your child is stored.
Checked against MATHCOUNTS Competition Rules & FAQ, 2026–27 on October 11, 2026. Suggestions, not guarantees: always confirm with the organizer.