Goal: The goal of the W. Varick Nevins III High School Mathematics Competition is to inspire and promote excellence in mathematics.

Date/Place: The Division of Mathematics hosts the competition on the first Friday in November on the Alfred University campus.

Schedule: Participants should plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m. for sign-in. While participants take the exam from 10:00 to 11:25 a.m., accompanying adults attend a social gathering with the mathematics faculty. Lunch is provided to all guests at 11:30 a.m., and the awards ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. Departure could be expected by 1:00 p.m.

Eligibility: The competition is open to all high school students. The total number of participants is typically restricted to between 300 and 350. Pre-registration is highly recommended.

Format: All participants take a 75-minute exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions which are based on the first three years of the high school mathematics curriculum. The exam stresses original thinking and creative problem solving. Calculators are not allowed.

Awards: Exam scores are separated into two groups based on class standing. The Senior Competition includes 11th grade and 12th grade students, while the Sophomore Competition includes students from the 10th grade and below. The top three scorers from each competition are awarded prizes. The high school whose top three individual scores sum to the highest total is the winner of the Team Competition.

Prizes: In addition to the prizes below, a student who places in the Senior or Sophomore Competition receives a waiver of the application fee should he/she decide to apply for admission to Alfred University. Cash awards may vary.

Junior/Senior Competition - Place Prize
1st $10,000 AU scholarship divided over four years, and $100 cash and/or prize.
2nd $8,000 AU scholarship divided over four years, and $50 cash and/or prize.
3rd $6,000 AU scholarship divided over four years, and $25 cash and/or prize.

Sophomore Competition- Place Prize
1st $100 cash and/or prize.
2nd $50 cash and/or prize.
3rd $25 cash and/or prize.

Team Competition - Place Prize
1st Engraved plaque.