Lettering Requirements

We expect lettering students to earn 2/3 of the points available in each competition. However, we are aware that occasionally some situation even more important than VMT might cause a student to miss some competitions, so that is why we offer students the opportunity to earn 'bonus' points not included in the 2/3 count. For the 2008-2009 season, lettering students must obtain at least 245 points from contests and practice plus at least 20 service hours (capped at 40) for a total of 265 points. Note that VAML scores are scaled by 1/2 because they are held at lunch. Note that after-school practices do not count for lettering.

Individual Contests

We participate or encourage participation in a wide variety of contests throughout the year. These include:

• The Mandelbrot Competition
  

  Number of competitions: 5
  Number of questions: 7, weighted for {1,1,2,2,2,3,3} points
  Time limit: 40 minutes
  Difficulty: High
  Calculators? No
  

• Virginia Math League (VAML)

  Number of competitions: 6
  Number of questions: 6
  Time limit: 30 minutes
  Difficulty: Low
  Calculators? Yes
  

• The Fairfax County Math League (FCML)

  Number of competitions: 9
  Number of questions: 6
  Time limit: 36 minutes
  Difficulty: Low
  Calculators? No
  

• New York City Interscholastic Math League (NYCIML)

  Number of competitions: 5 fall, 5 spring
  Number of questions: 6 divided into 3 pairs
  Time limit: 10 minutes per pair
  Difficulty: Medium
  Calculators? No
  

  
  
• American Mathematics Competitions (AMC-10, AMC-12, AIME, USAMO)

  AMC 10 / AMC 12
  

  Number of questions: 25
  Number of choices per question: 5
  Number of points: 150
  Time limit: 75 minutes
  Difficulty: Medium
  Calculators? No (*NEW* starting 2008)
  

  AIME
  

  Number of questions: 15
  Number of choices per question: 1000
  Number of points: 15
  Time limit: 3 hours
  Difficulty: High
  Calculators? No
  

  USAMO
  

  Number of days: 2
  Number of questions per day: 3
  Question type: Proof-based
  Number of points per question: 7
  Time limit per day: 270 minutes
  Difficulty: Extremely high
  Calculators? No
  

• American Regions Math League (ARML)
• USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS)

Team Contests

Team contests are done in small groups, usually separate from the individual contests.

• FCML Team

  Number of competitions: 9
  Number of questions: 5
  Members per team: 5
  Time limit: 15 minutes
  Calculators? No
  

• Mandelbrot Team

  Number of competitions: 4
  Number of questions: 5
  Time limit: 50 minutes
  Calculators? No
  

• ARML Power Contest

  Number of competitions: 2
  Number of questions: varies
  Time limit: 45 minutes
  Calculators? Yes
  

Service Opportunities

There is more to being a superb mathlete than simply applying the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality to an obscure problem. We feel that a letterer owes the team service in addition to their mathematical contributions. In order to encourage this, we require 20 service points for a letter. Generally, one hour of work will earn you one service point. However, our objectives are primarily mathematical, so no more than 40 service points can be counted toward lettering (not that we don't want you to contribute more).

• The Intermediate Math Open (IMO)

  TJ hosts an annual math competition for middle schools in our area. During September and October, possible service oppotunities includes coaching, problem writing, setup, and cleanup. However, the easiest way to earn service is to submit your own problems! We will give you one hour for each accepted problem you write. You can use this form to send your submissions, or simply contact any VMT officer in person.

  
  
• MathCounts

  This is a national math competition for middle school students. TJ is generally asked to assist the Northern Virginia regional competition. The contest will be sometime in the spring.

  
  
• Fundraising

  Various fundraising opportunities will be announced during the year. Stay tuned during 8th period meetings for specific announcements.