The Ultimate Guide to the Euclid Contest: Everything You Need to Know
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The Euclid Contest, organized annually by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo, is one of the most challenging and prestigious mathematics competitions for high school students. With over 25,000 participants worldwide, this contest is designed to push students beyond their standard school curriculum, encouraging them to develop creative problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and mathematical perseverance.
If you’re a student aiming for competitive university programs in mathematics, engineering, or computer science, excelling in the Euclid Contest can strengthen your application, as strong performance can be considered for Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics entrance scholarships.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Euclid Contest, including key dates, contest structure, and how to maximize your score.
Why Should You Write the Euclid Contest?
While the Euclid Contest is not required for admission to the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics, it plays a crucial role in setting you apart from other applicants. Here’s why:
- Strengthens University Applications – Competitive mathematics programs, including those at Waterloo, look for students with strong problem-solving abilities. A high Euclid score can demonstrate mathematical excellence and academic dedication.
- Opens Scholarship Opportunities – Waterloo considers strong Euclid scores for entrance scholarships. If you’re applying to their Faculty of Mathematics, writing the Euclid Contest is highly recommended.
- Develops Advanced Mathematical Thinking & Enhances Your Problem-Solving Skills – The contest goes beyond rote memorization, requiring critical thinking, multi-step reasoning, and rigorous justification of solutions.
- Prepares You for University-Level Math – Success in the Euclid Contest means you’re better prepared for the logical reasoning and problem-solving required in first-year university math courses.
Who can Participate in the Euclid Contest?
- Final-year secondary school students are the primary candidates.
- Motivated younger students can also participate for early exposure.
To be considered an official participant (eligible for honour rolls and awards), students must:
- Be born on or after January 1, 2006.
- Live in Canada (if writing in Canada).
- Properly complete their Student Information Form.
Students who do not meet these criteria can still participate but will be classified as unofficial participants. They will receive marked contests and certificates but will not be included in honour rolls.
Euclid Contest Key Dates & Eligibility
Euclid Contest Schedule
- North & South America Contest Date: April 2, 2025
- Outside North & South America Contest Date: April 3, 2025
Euclid Contest Deadline
- Registration Deadline: March 6, 2025
- Results Available: 4-6 weeks after the contest
Euclid Contest Fees
- $18 per participant + $5 (processing fee per order)
Euclid Contest Exam Structure and Questions Format
- Questions: 10 Questions
- A mix of short-answer and full-solution questions.
- Time Limit: 2.5 hours.
- Total Score: 100 marks
- Evaluation Criteria: Each solution is assessed for correctness, completeness, clarity, and logical presentation.
The contest is written in-school under supervision, and only certain calculators are permitted. Unlike multiple-choice exams, Euclid requires step-by-step reasoning, meaning a correct final answer without explanation may not earn full marks.
Past Cutoff Scores & Averages (2024)
- 2024 Average Score: 54.3
- Certificate of Distinction Cutoff: 69
- School Medal Champion Cutoff: 54
- Maximum Score: 100
For more details on past results: 2024 Euclid Contest Results
How to Prepare for the Euclid Contest
Excelling in the Euclid Contest requires a combination of concept mastery, strategic problem-solving, and efficient time management. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:
Effective Study Strategies and Resources
The Euclid Contest is designed to challenge students beyond standard school mathematics, requiring deep problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and efficient time management. To excel in this competition, students need to develop a strong conceptual foundation, practice with high-quality problems, and refine their exam-taking strategies.
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively using official Euclid resources and expert strategies.
1. Review & Solve Past Euclid Contests
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the Euclid Contest is by practicing with past contest problems. By working through previous years’ questions, students can:
- Familiarize themselves with the contest format
- Mix of short-answer and full-solution questions
- Identify recurring problem types and patterns commonly tested in Euclid.
- Develop time management skills to balance working through easier problems quickly while tackling more complex questions effectively.
Official Past Contests & Solutions: Access Euclid Past Contests Here
2. Study with Official Euclid Preparation Materials
The CEMC provides official study materials designed specifically for Euclid preparation. These materials include:
- Problem-solving techniques tailored to the contest.
- Step-by-step explanations of complex solutions.
- Guided modules covering essential mathematical concepts and advanced strategies.
Download the Euclid Preparation Materials: Euclid Prep Modules & Study Guides
3. Strengthen Core Concepts with Math Courseware
A solid grasp of high school mathematics fundamentals is essential for success in the Euclid Contest. CEMC offers free online math courseware, which covers:
- Algebra (polynomials, equations, inequalities).
- Geometry (trigonometry, coordinate geometry, proofs).
- Combinatorics & Probability (counting principles, probability).
- Number Theory (modular arithmetic, divisibility rules).)
Explore Free Online Courseware: Math Courseware for Euclid Preparation
4. Participate in Euclid Preparation Workshops
For students seeking structured guidance, CEMC offers Euclid Preparation Workshops, a four-session series of 90-minute workshops designed to:
- Provide strategies for approaching difficult problems.
- Offer live problem-solving demonstrations.
- Guide students through the eight essential Euclid problem-solving modules.)
Sign Up for Euclid Workshops: Euclid Workshop Registration
5. Attend CEMC’s School Visits & Problem-Solving Sessions
CEMC experts also visit schools to conduct problem-solving workshops for students and teachers, helping them develop strong mathematical reasoning skills. If your school participates in these programs, take advantage of the opportunity to:
- Engage in hands-on problem-solving with experienced instructors.
- Ask questions and receive personalized feedback.
- Learn advanced problem-solving techniques from math competition experts.
Learn More About CEMC School Visits: CEMC Visits Schools Program
6. Work with a Professional Tutor to Maximize Your Score
The Euclid Contest requires more than just mathematical knowledge—it demands logical reasoning, structured problem-solving, and strategic time management. Many students struggle with proof-based questions, multi-step problem-solving, and optimizing their exam strategy, which can lead to lost marks even if they understand the concepts. While self-study can be effective, working with an experienced tutor can significantly accelerate progress.
Unlike standard test prep courses, My Learning Space Tutoring takes a personalized approach by assessing each student's unique strengths and weaknesses to create a customized study plan that maximizes their score potential. Our expert tutors—including former Euclid high scorers, Waterloo alumni, and competitive math specialists—bring firsthand experience and deep subject knowledge to one-on-one live coaching sessions. Through targeted instruction, we help students refine their logical reasoning, problem-solving techniques, and test-taking strategies, ensuring they approach the contest with confidence.
Beyond mastering content, Myls Tutoring train students in effective test-taking strategies. Myls Tutoring platform simulates real exam conditions and tracks student performance, providing real-time solution hints and personalized practice recommendations to help students learn from mistakes efficiently and maximize every scoring opportunity.
For students aiming for top university admissions and Waterloo scholarships, a strong Euclid score can set them apart. Myls Tutoring ensures that students not only solve problems correctly but also communicate their reasoning clearly and effectively, a skill that will benefit them far beyond the contest.
Book a Free Myls Tutoring Trial Lesson Today & Maximize Your Euclid Score!
