The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition® (the Putnam) is the preeminent mathematics competition for undergraduate college students in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scholarship Details
- Organized by the Mathematical Association of America
- The competition has been held since 1938
- Participants complete a six-hour mathematics examination
- Students compete individually while also contributing to team results
- Cash prizes are awarded to members of the highest-ranked teams and their mathematics departments
- The highest-ranking individual participants are recognized as Putnam Fellows and receive cash prizes
- The Elizabeth Lowell Putnam Prize recognizes a woman whose performance in the competition is particularly meritorious
- The competition is supported by the William Lowell Putnam Prize Fund
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an undergraduate college student eligible to participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition
- Must attend a participating college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Must meet all additional participation requirements established by the Mathematical Association of America
Application Process
- Review the current William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition eligibility and participation requirements.
- Contact your college or university mathematics department for information about participating in the competition.
- Complete any registration requirements established by your institution and the Mathematical Association of America.
- Prepare for the six-hour competition, which consists of challenging mathematical problems completed independently by each participant.
- Participate in the competition on the scheduled December examination date.
The Elizabeth Lowell Putnam Prize is also awarded to a woman whose performance in the competition is particularly meritorious. The MAA is proud to organize the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition through the generous support of the William Lowell Putnam Prize Fund.
