Euclid Contest (Canada)
Canada's most prestigious high school math contest, often used for university admissions. Full-solution format for grade 12 students.
Grade Levels
Grades 12-12 (Ages 17-18)
Format
Mixed Format · 10 questions · 2.5 hours
Scoring
Full solutions required. Maximum 100 points.
Participants
20,000+
April
Held in April
Registration
Schools register through CEMC
Prizes & Recognition
Certificates. Strong results can support university applications.
About This Competition
The Euclid Contest is the most prestigious of the Waterloo math contests, targeting grade 12 students. Unlike the other Waterloo contests, Euclid requires full written solutions for its 10 problems (2.5 hours). Strong Euclid results are recognized by Canadian universities and can support admission to competitive programs. Over 20,000 students participate annually.
How to Prepare
Master Full-Solution Problem Writing
Euclid requires full written solutions, not just answers. Practice explaining your reasoning clearly and showing all steps, as partial credit is awarded.
Start with Part (a) of Each Problem
Each of the 10 problems has multiple parts (a, b, sometimes c). Part (a) is usually straightforward. Solve all part (a)s first for guaranteed marks.
Use CEMC's Complete Past Paper Archive
CEMC provides every past Euclid Contest with detailed solutions at cemc.uwaterloo.ca. Work through at least 5 years of papers for thorough preparation.
University Admissions Value Euclid Scores
The University of Waterloo and other Canadian universities use Euclid scores for scholarships and program admission. A strong score can make a real difference.
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