Want to test your math skills and make your college applications stand out? The Stanford Math Tournament (SMT) is one of the most prestigious high school math competitions in the U.S., it pulls in top students from all over the country who are ready to tackle creative, tough math problems. Our 2026 SMT guide has everything you need to compete with confidence: key dates (that’s April 17–18), both in-person and online participation options, how to register, how the competition works, the math topics you need to focus on, and tried-and-true preparation tips. Whether you’re a student eager to push yourself further or a parent helping your child succeed, this guide will help you plan wisely and do your best at SMT 2026.

Overview of Stanford Math Tournament 2026

Organized by Stanford-affiliated student groups and volunteers, SMT’s mission is simple: to foster deep, critical mathematical reasoning among high school students. Over the years, it’s built a rock-solid reputation for fairness, academic rigor, and a competitive environment that’s also collaborative—think friendly rivalry mixed with a shared love of math.

Here are the key details you need to know for SMT 2026: The tournament runs April 17–18, 2026, right on Stanford’s campus. It’s open to any high school student who lives in the U.S., but there’s a catch: you have to compete as part of a team of 5–6 members. Registration costs $30 per student, which covers a tournament T-shirt, dinner on Friday, and lunch on Saturday. And if cost is a concern? Financial aid is available upon request, so no motivated student gets left out because of money.

• DATE: April 17-18, 2026
• LOCATION: Stanford University
• WHO: High School students residing within the United States
• TEAM SIZE: 5-6
• COST: $30 per student* (Includes a t-shirt, dinner on Friday, and lunch on Saturday. Financial aid available upon request!)

Every year, SMT draws hundreds of students, creating a one-of-a-kind environment where competition and learning go hand in hand. It’s not just about solving tough problems, you’ll also get to connect with peers who share your passion for math, making the experience as rewarding socially as it is academically.

In-Person vs. Online: Which One to Choose?

When preparing for SMT 2026, one question pops up more than any other: Should we compete in person or online? The good news is both options follow the exact same academic standards, so you won’t get an easier or harder experience either way. But the vibe and logistics? They’re totally different.

In-person participation is all about immersion. You’ll get to work side by side with your teammates, collaborate face-to-face, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most renowned academic campuses. This is perfect for teams that value in-person connection, can handle the travel logistics, and want the full SMT experience—from walking Stanford’s grounds to bonding with other math lovers.

Online participation, on the other hand, is all about convenience and accessibility. You can compete from anywhere in the U.S. without worrying about travel costs or schedules, and it’s a great fit for teams with busy schedules or limited travel budgets. Even though it’s virtual (relying on tools like video calls and shared docs), it still keeps the same level of problem difficulty and competitive integrity as the in-person version. No shortcuts, no watered-down challenges.

When deciding between the two, just ask your team: What matters most? Logistics and budget? Or the full, on-campus experience? Either way, you’re getting a top-tier math competition and neither option will hold you back from performing your best.

Registration Timeline and Requirements

Early planning is key to nailing the registration process—no one wants to miss a deadline and be left out. While the exact dates are always posted on the official SMT website, the general timeline stays pretty consistent year after year, so you can plan ahead.

Registration for SMT 2026 is expected to open in January 2026, with the deadline typically falling in March 2026 (remember, the tournament is April 17–18). Spots can fill up fast, so teams are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute!

To be eligible, you need to be currently enrolled in high school and live in the United States. And here’s an important note: You can’t register as an individual, all participants must be part of a team of 5–6 students. No exceptions.

Pro tip: Have one team member take charge of monitoring official updates and handling the registration process. That way, you won’t miss any last-minute changes or deadlines—and everyone can focus on preparing, not paperwork.

Competition Format and Rules

If you want to prepare effectively, you first need to understand how the competition works. SMT is made up of multiple rounds, each designed to test different math skills—so you’ll need to be well-rounded to do well.

The Individual Round is exactly what it sounds like: each student works alone to solve problems covering algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. This round is all about accuracy, speed, and your ability to solve problems on your own under time pressure—no team help here!

The Team Round shifts the focus to collaboration. Your team will work together on a set of shared problems, which means you’ll need clear communication, strategic task division (who’s good at algebra? who crushes geometry?), and collective reasoning. It’s not just about being good at math—it’s about being good at working together.

The Power Round is the deep dive: an extended problem-solving session where problems are often multi-part, requiring logical progression, clear explanations, and sustained focus. This round isn’t about speed—it’s about how well you understand the material and can apply it to complex, layered problems.

Then there’s the Guts Round: fast-paced, high-energy, and strategy-driven. Teams choose when to submit answers for points that get higher as the round goes on—so you have to balance risk (waiting for higher points) and reward (not running out of time). Time pressure and smart decision-making are just as important as math skills here.

Scores from all rounds are combined to determine the final rankings—so you can’t afford to neglect any round. Balanced preparation is the name of the game.

Mathematical Expectations and Topics

SMT goes way beyond what you’ll learn in a standard high school math class. It’s not just about memorizing formulas—it’s about applying familiar concepts in new, unexpected ways and thinking creatively to solve problems you’ve never seen before.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics to focus on: Algebra often includes functional equations, inequalities, polynomials, and systems of equations. Geometry problems might cover coordinate geometry, transformations, and proof-based reasoning (no shortcuts here—you need to show your work!). Number theory frequently pops up in the form of modular arithmetic, divisibility, and prime-related problems. And combinatorics will challenge you with counting techniques, probability, recursion, and strategic reasoning.

The difficulty level varies: some problems are advanced high school level, while others are comparable to the AMC 12 or introductory Olympiad-style questions—especially in the Team and Power Rounds. So you’ll need to stretch your skills beyond what’s required for class.

How to Prepare Effectively: Step-by-Step Strategies

Successful SMT preparation isn’t about cramming the night before—it’s about being structured, consistent, and intentional. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help you prepare like a pro:

• Step 1: Build strong fundamentals. Before you dive into advanced topics, make sure you’ve mastered core algebra and geometry concepts. Think of it like building a house—you need a solid foundation before you can add the fancy stuff. If your basics are shaky, even the easiest advanced problems will feel impossible.

• Step 2: Practice competition-style problems. The best way to get comfortable with SMT’s format and difficulty is to work through past SMT problems or similar contest questions (like AMC 12 or AIME problems). This will help you get a feel for pacing, common problem structures, and what to expect on competition day.
  We’ve also included some SMT problems and their solutions in PDF format for you:

• Step 3: Fix your weak spots. After every practice session, take the time to analyze your mistakes. Did you struggle with a specific topic (like modular arithmetic)? Did you run out of time because you got stuck on one problem? Focus on those areas—practice them until they feel like strengths, not weaknesses.

• Step 4: Train as a team. The Team Round isn’t just about individual skill—it’s about teamwork. Practice collaborating with your teammates: assign roles (e.g., one person leads geometry, another leads combinatorics), work on communication, and figure out how to divide tasks efficiently. The more you practice together, the smoother things will go on competition day.

• Step 5: Master time management. SMT is all about working under pressure, so timed practice is a must. Simulate the competition environment (set a timer, no distractions) to build confidence and learn how to allocate your time wisely. For example, if you’re stuck on a problem, know when to move on—don’t waste time on one question and miss out on others you can solve.

Many students find that structured guidance helps them stay on track. Programs like those offered by WuKong Education provide systematic training that reinforces advanced concepts, sharpens problem-solving skills, and supports competition preparation, without overwhelming you with work. It’s like having a coach in your corner, helping you focus on what matters most.

Top Tips from Past Participants

Who knows SMT better than students who’ve already competed? Here are their top tips to help you succeed:

• Start preparing at least 3–4 months in advance—consistency beats cramming.
• Focus on the quality of your solutions, not just the final answer. SMT values clear explanations, especially in the Power Round.
• Assign clear roles during team rounds—know who’s good at what, and let them lead in those areas.
• Stay calm during the Guts Round—don’t let time pressure make you make bad decisions. Strategize together as a team.
• Review your mistakes thoroughly after every practice. Every mistake is a chance to learn and improve.
• Be consistent. Even 30–60 minutes of focused practice every day is better than 6 hours of cramming once a week.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Stanford Math Tournament isn’t just a competition, it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, grow intellectually, and connect with a community of peers who love math just as much as you do. As this 2026 guide has shown, success at SMT comes down to three things: early planning, a clear understanding of the format, and disciplined, consistent preparation.

Whether you choose to compete in person on Stanford’s iconic campus or join online from the comfort of your home, the key is to start early and prepare strategically. Structured practice, strong teamwork, and a focus on problem-solving (not just memorization) will make all the difference. With the right approach and supportive resources, you can walk into SMT 2026 feeling confident, curious, and ready to shine.

So what are you waiting for? Start preparing today, stay motivated, and enjoy Wukong Math Class—you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish with a little hard work and a love of math.

Nathan | WuKong Math Teacher

Nathan, a graduate of the University of New South Wales, brings over 9 years of expertise in teaching Mathematics and Science across primary and secondary levels. Known for his rigorous yet steady instructional style, Nathan has earned high acclaim from students in grades 1-12. He is widely recognized for his unique ability to blend academic rigor with engaging, interactive lessons, making complex concepts accessible and fun for every student.