Fall 2025 - Motor City Math Challenge
On Sunday, October 12, we (MCMC) hosted our first competition: the Fall 2025 Motor City Math Challenge at the Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills Branch.
Designed for 1st–8th graders across South-Eastern Michigan, the event aimed to expand access to math competitions, introduce students to problem-solving, and build a stronger math community in the region.
Participation
We were thrilled to welcome 135+ students from across Southeastern Michigan. Students competed in three grade-based divisions:
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Beginner (1–3): 52 students
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Intermediate (4–5): 38 students
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Advanced (6–8): 46 students
Competition
The competition featured two individual rounds:
Speed Round
20 questions, 15 minutes
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Beginner: Multiple Choice
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Intermediate: Short Answer
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Advanced: Short Answer
Accuracy Round
50 minutes
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Beginner: 25 Multiple Choice
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Intermediate: 20 Multiple Choice + 5 Short Answer
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Advanced: 20 Multiple Choice + 1 Proof Problem
Past problems can be found in the problem archive
Presentation & Impact
After both rounds, the MCMC President, Sanjana Ramesh, and the Director of Logistics, Rushil Yeole, presented about the benefits of being involved in math. During the enrichment talk, students and parents learned about:
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How early exposure can spark long-term interest in STEM fields
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How contests build individual skills, like creativity and confidence, as well as interpersonal skills, such as teamwork and leadership
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Competition pathways and how to get involved
This inaugural event helped introduce many families to math competitions for the first time, offering an accessible, low-pressure way for students to try competitive math.
Highlights
We had a high-energy turnout with enthusiastic participation during both rounds and the presentation.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive — over 95% of families said they would strongly recommend MCMC events to others and attend future competitions and classes. After the award ceremony, we had several students
Awards
Medals were awarded to the top 8 students in each section (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) as well as the top student in each grade. The 2025 Michigan State's MATHCOUNTS Coach, Rachel Kang, presented awards to the students.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this event possible:
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Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills, for generously hosting us
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Mr. Vignesh Velusamy, for continuous support from the beginning of MCMC
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Ms. Kang, for presenting awards
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All MCMC parents and volunteers who proctored, graded, organized, and kept the event running smoothly
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Our sponsors, Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) and MiIndia, for supporting our mission and providing raffle vouchers
Most importantly, to the students and families, whose enthusiasm made this event truly special
What's Next?
We’re excited to continue expanding opportunities for young mathletes. Upcoming initiatives include:
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Next Motor City Math Challenge: March/April 2026
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Fall 2025 MCMC Review Session: Thanksgiving Break
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MCMC Problem Solving Classes: Summer 2026
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High schoolers & advanced middle schoolers:
Applications open for Problem Writing Committee and Outreach Committee positions
More detailed information will be released soon.
To stay updated, keep an eye on our website, email announcements, and social media pages.