CMIMC 2026 - Carnegie Mellon Informatics and Mathematics Competition

Grades

All high school students and grades below (middle school eligible)

Age

No specific age requirement stated

Citizenship

Open to high school students around the world

Prerequisites

None specified; competition welcomes all skill levels

Steps

1. 1. Go to the CMIMC registration website and create a coach account
2. 2. Coaches create a team through the dashboard
3. 3. Coaches invite team members to create accounts or manually input details
4. 4. All contestants and coaches must fill out waivers (release forms for minors and adults)
5. 5. Submit waivers via registration confirmation form
6. 6. Confirm registration and payment

Materials Needed

• Valid contact information
• Team name and composition (up to 6 members)
• Signed waiver forms (release forms for minors under 18 and adults 18+)
• Parent/guardian consent for minors
• Payment information for registration fees

Timeline

Registration is open now for March 28, 2026 competition. Hotel booking deadlines range from February 27 to March 6, 2026. Competition day is Saturday, March 28, 2026, with optional Friday night mini-events on March 27, 2026.

Cost

Specific registration fee not listed on primary sources, but accommodations available at partner hotels ($139-$169 per night)

What Judges Look For

• Mathematical problem-solving ability across multiple domains (algebra, number theory, combinatorics, computer science, geometry)
• Speed and accuracy in timed exam conditions
• Ability to collaborate effectively in team rounds (TCS and Team Round)
• Understanding of theoretical computer science concepts
• Clear and simplified mathematical reasoning
• Correct final answers with proper mathematical notation

Scoring

Individual scores calculated by summing scores across 3 individual rounds (50 minutes each, 10 problems per round). Harder/less-solved questions worth more points. Team score weighted combination of TCS round (60 min, 2-3 problems), Team Round (40 min, 10 problems), and individual scores. Tiebreakers used only for ties, not points. Overall rankings calculated from combined individual and team performance.

Common Mistakes

• Communicating during individual rounds (strictly prohibited; results in disqualification)
• Using computational aids beyond writing utensils
• Submitting unsimplified answers on team round
• Not numbering pages or clearly stating bounds in TCS solutions
• Assuming the competition is easier than it actually is (features problem sets designed to challenge top math students)
• Poor time management across three 50-minute individual rounds

Acceptance Rate

Unknown - this is an open competition with no stated acceptance rate; all teams that register can compete

Applicants

Not publicly disclosed; specific 2026 numbers unavailable

Winners / Selected

Not specified as a typical award competition; instead ranks teams and individuals by performance

• Form a balanced team with strengths across algebra, combinatorics, computer science, and geometry
• Practice problems from previous math competitions (AMC, AIME, USAMO style problems)
• Develop speed: you have 50 minutes per individual round for 10 problems plus tiebreaker
• Learn theoretical computer science basics: TCS round requires written proofs and bound-proving
• Practice problem simplification and clear mathematical communication
• Attend Friday night mini-events for networking and to meet CMU professors (builds culture and mentorship)
• Prepare team dynamics: practice collaborative problem-solving and how to divide problems efficiently
• Review the detailed scoring guide provided by CMIMC to understand point allocation
• Answer tiebreakers even if unsure: submitting an answer beats no submission for tiebreaker wins
• Travel early: plan arrival for Friday evening to participate in mini-events and professor panel
• Study across all three individual round topics equally: you must compete in all three

How to Prepare

• Start 2-3 months before competition (early January for March 28 competition)
• Review fundamentals in algebra, number theory, combinatorics, geometry, and basic computer science
• Practice AMC 10/12 and AIME problems (similar difficulty and style)
• Work on timed practice tests: do individual rounds under 50-minute time constraints
• Study theoretical computer science: big-O notation, algorithms, proof techniques, bounds
• Practice writing clear mathematical solutions and proofs
• Form your team early and hold regular practice sessions
• Do mock team rounds and TCS rounds with your team to build collaboration skills
• Watch livestreams or videos from previous CMIMC competitions if available
• Attend the Friday night mini-events and professor panel for insights into CMU's academic approach
• Review the official CMIMC scoring guide and rules carefully

Resources

• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) website and books (https://artofproblemsolving.com)
• AMC and AIME past papers (freely available through Mathematical Association of America)
• USAMO and IMO problems (for advanced preparation)
• Official CMIMC website and previous years' problem sets (https://cmimc.math.cmu.edu/)
• Carnegie Mellon University math department resources
• Khan Academy for foundational review
• Project Euler for computer science problem-solving practice
• Your school's math team or math club for group practice
• Online judge platforms like Codeforces for competitive programming basics

Time Needed

2-3 months of regular preparation (approximately 5-10 hours per week for a competitive team). Individual competitive mathematicians should prepare at least 3-4 months in advance. Teams should hold weekly practice sessions starting 2 months before competition.

Specific past winner profiles not publicly available in detail. However, successful teams likely include: (1) Students with AMC/AIME/USAMO competition experience, (2) High performers in advanced math courses (AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, honors geometry), (3) Teams with complementary strengths rather than all-rounders, (4) Students from competitive high school math programs or those who practice regularly with online problem banks, (5) Participants who have attended other college-level math competitions. The presence of Po-Shen Loh (internationally recognized math educator) as a judge suggests the competition values creative problem-solving and mathematical sophistication.

CMIMC is viewed favorably in college admissions as a prestigious, university-hosted mathematics competition. Participation demonstrates: (1) Serious commitment to mathematics and STEM, (2) Ability to perform under pressure in academic settings, (3) Willingness to travel and engage with university-level academics, (4) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong performance (high placement) at CMIMC can be highlighted in college essays and applications, particularly for Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Caltech, and other top STEM schools. The presence of renowned CMU professors and the academic rigor add prestige. However, this is less well-known than AMC/AIME/USAMO, so admissions officers may need context. Particularly valuable for students interested in mathematics, computer science, or theoretical fields. Participation is more impressive than winning many local competitions.

• Congressional App Challenge — Tier 3, competition
• ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) — Tier 3, competition
• AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) — Tier 3, competition
• National Science Bowl — Tier 3, competition
• Science Olympiad — Tier 3, competition