How can I participate?

Invitations are based on results* from math tournaments around the state. Tournament organizers are encouraged to submit their tournament's Varsity results to the tournament secretary, David Hornbeck, so winning teams and individuals may be invited. Any high school Varsity-level tournament may be a suitable State Math Tournament qualifying tournament, as long as results are submitted and the tournament takes place on or before March 31 each academic year.

*From submitted tournament results, each school receives a Qualifying Index (QI). The QI is computed by dividing the total number of teams by your school's placement. For example, if your school places 3rd out of 24 schools, your QI is 8. On March 30th, all schools are ranked according to their single greatest QI, and the top 36 are invited. (Only Varsity level tournaments in the state of Georgia may be considered qualifying tournaments. All schools are ordered together regardless of GHSA or GISA classification. Multiple teams from one school and teams from out-of-state are removed from the count.)

What's the Format of the State Tournament?

The State Math Tournament consists of three rounds: a written test, individual ciphering, and, for the first time, a team round.

The individual written test contains 45 multiple-choice questions and 5 free-response questions with a 90-minute time limit. A student can expect questions from the following area of mathematics, with an indication of the number of problems in each area: Algebra (10-18), Geometry (8-12), Analytic Geometry (5-10), Trigonometry (4-8), Precalculus (4-8), Calculus (1-3), Discrete Math (10-15). The scoring for the written test is 5C+B, where C is the number correct and B is the number left blank. Incorrect answers earn zero points.

The individual ciphering consists of 10 problems, given one-at-a-time, each with a two-minute time limit. Students earn 11 points for answering correctly within the first minutes, and 5 points for the second minute.

The team round consists of 12 problems that the team of four students will solve together. Each correct answer is worth 25 points, and all answers must be submitted within 8 minutes. There are no extra points for submitting answers early.

The winning individuals are determined by the sum of the participant's written test score and ciphering score. The winning teams are determined by the sum of the four individual scores plus the team round. Trophies are awarded to the top 15 individuals and the top 5 teams. The top team in each GHSA classification and in GISA that is not already in the top 5 also earns a trophy. Also awarded is the Steve Sigur Award for most improved individual performance over the previous year.

Questions or concerns should be addressed to Bobby Stetcher at competitions@gctm.org.