Purpose

We initially developed PCPOW as a way to foster an increased enjoyment of advanced math and science concepts through problem solving with a competitive twist. With this contest, we hope to connect the disciplines of statistics and calculus and encourage all students to continue their pursuit of these subjects no matter what their age or education level.

Eligibility

The contest is open to EVERYONE. While the questions will tend to favor those who are currently studying the respective courses, we have designed the contest so that younger students with an interest in these subjects can participate, high schoolers, college students, and adults can all enter. We don't think learning or the quest for more knowledge should ever end, so consider yourself invited!

Postings and Entry Deadlines

We post new questions on the first Monday of each month (beginning with October). At that time, we also post solutions to the previous month's questions so those of you that have entered can check your results.

Each question runs for one month and closes at 9:00 PM (Pacific) on Sunday before the next questions are posted. Entries that are time-stamped after that time will not be scored.

How To Submit An Entry

We make it easy! At the bottom of the question page is a link to our online entry form. We will ask you to enter your name and e-mail address (so we can contact you if you are a winner), your age category, and home state. Then you will be able to enter your solution and sibmit it to us. It's that easy. Each question requires that you submit a separate entry and you will be sent to an acknowledgement page when your entry is recorded. After that, sit back and wait to hear how you did from the PCPOW Prize Team!

The US Map

In addition to enhancing the math and science education of our students, one of our goals is to have a contestant from every state in the United States. Click here to see how many states have contributed at least one response to our contest so far!