The University of Arizona

William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition

The first Saturday in December, some UA undergraduate students participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, a national contest sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). The competition consists of two 3-hour sessions, during each of which each student individually attempts to solve six problems. The exam is designed to test originality and creativity in mathematical thinking. The MAA maintains a list of top participants from past competitions.

Although any UA undergraduate may participate, familiarity with coursework through differential equations is recommended. There is no cost to participate. The deadline for registration is typically in October.

To sign up, please submit the brief online form.

The current Putnam Coordinator is 
Bryden Cais

Bryden Cais

Member of the Graduate Faculty
Professor
520-621-6892
ENR2 S327

The Putnam coordinator can provide you with copies of past Putnam exams. Students seeking experience with Putnam-like problems should consider participating in the UA Mathematics Problem Solving Group Seminar.