What is UKMT? An Introduction to the UKMT Competitions

1. What is UKMT? 😲

The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT), established in 1996, is a UK-based organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest in mathematics through various competitions. Its mission is to enhance mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Every year, UKMT attracts tens of thousands of students, playing a vital role in promoting the development of math education.

2. Benefits of Participating in UKMT Competitions 💡

Enhance your math skills and ignite a passion for mathematics 🔥
Expand academic opportunities and participate in international competitions 🌎
A strong advantage for Oxford and Cambridge applications, helping you prepare early and confidently 👣

3. UKMT Competition Categories

UKMT competitions are divided into several levels and types, each designed with different challenges and target participants. Below is an overview of each competition:

Mathematical Challenge Series

- Junior Mathematical Challenge (JMC)
  Target participants: Students in Year 8 or below
  Format: 60-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions, increasing in difficulty
  Scoring: First 15 questions worth 5 points each; last 10 questions worth 6 points each; no points for incorrect or unanswered questions
- Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)
  Target participants: Students in Year 11 or below
  Format: 60-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions, increasing in difficulty
  Scoring: First 15 questions worth 5 points each; last 10 questions worth 6 points each
  Penalty: Questions 16-20 deduct 1 point for wrong answers; questions 21-25 deduct 2 points; no points for unanswered questions
- Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC)
  Target participants: Students in Year 13 or below
  Format: 90-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions, more challenging and testing mathematical understanding and creative thinking
  Scoring: All participants start with 25 points; correct answers add 4 points; wrong answers deduct 1 point; unanswered questions receive 0 points

2. Kangaroo Math Challenge Series
(Currently only available to students in the UK)

Junior Kangaroo
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Junior Mathematical Challenge (JMC)
Format: 60-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions
Scoring: First 15 questions worth 5 points each; last 10 questions worth 6 points each; no penalty for wrong answers; unanswered questions score 0 points
Grey and Pink Kangaroos
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)
Format: 60-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions
Scoring: First 15 questions worth 5 points each; last 10 questions worth 6 points each; no penalty for wrong answers; unanswered questions score 0 points
Andrew Jobbings Kangaroo
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC)
Format: 60-minute test with 25 multiple-choice questions
Scoring: Each question worth 5 points; no penalty for wrong answers; unanswered questions score 0 points.

3. Olympiad Series

Junior Mathematical Olympiad (JMO)
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Junior Mathematical Challenge (JMC)
Format: 120 minutes, 16 questions including short-answer and proof-based questions
Scoring: Section A (short answer) 1 point per question; Section B (proof-based) up to 10 points each based on completeness and accuracy, requiring detailed solution steps and reasoning
Cayley, Hamilton and Maclaurin Mathematical Olympiads
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)
Format: 120 minutes, 6 proof-based questions
Scoring: Up to 10 points per question depending on completeness and accuracy, requiring detailed reasoning and solution steps
British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1)
Target participants: Outstanding performers from the Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC) or other eligible students
Format: 3.5 hours, 6 proof-based questions
Scoring: Up to 10 points per question based on solution completeness and accuracy, requiring detailed reasoning
British Mathematical Olympiad Round 2 (BMO2)
Target participants: Top scorers from BMO1 or other eligible students
Format: 3.5 hours, 4 proof-based questions
Scoring: Up to 10 points per question based on solution completeness and accuracy, requiring detailed reasoning

Each year, UKMT selects the top 20 scorers from the BMO to attend a training camp at Trinity College, Cambridge, where 6 students are chosen to represent the UK at the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Mathematical Olympiad for Girls
Target participants: By invitation only (UK students)
Format: 2.5 hours, 5 proof-based questions
Scoring: Up to 10 points per question based on completeness and accuracy, requiring detailed reasoning and solutions

(Source from UK Maths Trust website)

4. UKMT Competition Schedule ⏰

Below are the competition dates for SMC, IMC, and JMC. The registration deadlines are usually about two weeks before the competition dates.

Competition Categories	Competition Dates
Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC)	Tuesday 1st October 2024
Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)	Wednesday 29th January 2025
Junior Mathematical Challenge (JMC)	Thursday 1st May 2025

5. Q&A

A: For students preparing for the SMC, it’s important to improve problem-solving speed and aim to answer each question within 3 minutes during the limited exam time. Avoid spending too long on a single question to ensure you have time to attempt all questions. For the BMO, practicing past papers available on the official UKMT website is recommended to understand the question patterns.

Q: Are these competitions highly regarded?A: Yes, UKMT competitions are included in Cambridge University’s recommended study list. Participating in these contests can increase your chances of admission to Cambridge and other top universities. It’s highly recommended that students prepare well to secure their place at prestigious schools.

Participating in UKMT is not only a challenge to your mathematical skills but also an important opportunity to showcase your logical thinking, problem-solving, and proactive learning abilities to universities. World-renowned institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial College highly value students’ achievements and potential demonstrated through academic competitions outside the classroom. Excelling in UKMT can add a significant highlight to your application, especially when applying for majors such as Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, and Computer Science.

If your goal is to enter top-ranked UK universities, actively engaging in these prestigious competitions will greatly increase your chances of admission. Don’t be afraid to take on the challenge each participation is a solid step toward your dream school.