Students Confront Six-Hour Challenge at Putnam Math Competition

On December 6, 2025, thousands of undergraduate students across North America tackled a grueling six-hour mathematics exam known as the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. This annual event, regarded as more of a sporting challenge than a conventional academic test, attracts participants who often face formidable odds in solving the complex problems presented.

At Memorial University in St. John’s, fourth-year student Gavin Hull approached the exam with optimism. “It’s me and the problems and three hours,” he stated before the first half of the competition. He expressed his determination to tackle the twelve intricate problems, reflecting a spirit commonly found among competitors.

Unique Challenges of the Putnam

The Putnam competition, now in its 86th year, occurs on the first Saturday of December and is known for its challenging format. According to Greta Panova, a professor at the University of Southern California and a contributor to this year’s problem set, the exam assesses “an intrinsic mathematical ability and creativity that is not so easy to learn.” Many participants find themselves grappling with questions that resemble puzzles more than traditional calculations.

At the University of Toronto, a friendly rivalry exists with the University of Waterloo, which consistently ranks among the top Canadian schools in the competition. Mathematics professor Ignacio Uriarte-Tuero noted the competitive nature of the event, comparing it to sports competitions where talent must also contend with the strength of other teams. “It’s very similar to a sports competition,” he remarked, highlighting the pressure and excitement surrounding the event.

Similarly, a “mini rivalry” can be found between McGill University and the Université de Montréal. Sergey Norin, an associate professor at McGill, remarked on the friendly banter that arises when one institution outperforms the other, adding a layer of camaraderie and competition.

Preparing for Success

For students like Hull, preparation is key. He dedicated “hundreds of hours” to studying past Putnam exams and delving into mathematics textbooks. Having participated in the competition three times prior, he aimed to surpass his previous high score of 25 points and hoped to secure a place among the top 500 participants. After the exam, Hull expressed satisfaction, stating he managed to submit solutions for five problems, a personal best.

The competition is known for its difficulty. Last year, nearly 4,000 students took part, with statistics from the Mathematical Association of America revealing that 61 percent scored three points or fewer out of a possible 120. The top score reached 90 points, illustrating the significant challenge posed by the exam.

Despite the tough nature of the competition, Hull found joy in the experience. “I love problem solving. I like puzzles. And this is kind of the ultimate puzzle,” he stated, emphasizing the thrill and intellectual satisfaction that comes with competing.

Results from the competition are typically released within a few months, but for many participants, the value lies not just in scoring, but in the opportunity to push their mathematical limits and engage with complex problems.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press and covers an event that continues to challenge and inspire aspiring mathematicians across North America.