Putnam Competition Information

What the Putnam Competition is: The Putnam Exam is a nationwide test given yearly to undergraduates (all majors are welcome) in the United States and Canada. It is voluntary, and problems are presented with clever and ingenious solutions. Some students have found general solutions which have led to publications.

What is the format of this test? The Putnam Exam consists of two parts, each containing six problems. Contestants are given 3 hours to work on each part. The first session runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and the second from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You are not allowed to bring notes, books, or calculators.

What topics are covered on the Putnam Competition? Geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics (counting), probability, number theory, complex numbers, differential equations, to name a few. Often, you will have to figure out what topic to use to answer a certain problem. The committee claims that every section contains two problems which only require algebra and cleverness, so you shouldn't be intimidated by this list.

When is it? The competition is held on the first Saturday of December every year; this year, it is December 4.

How does the scoring work? Each problem is worth 10 points, so you can potentially get 120 points. Partial credit is given, but typically this means 0, 1, 9, or 10 points for a problem. The median is usually 0 or 1 points. (That is, at least half of the students taking the test don't get any problems right.)

When do I find out how I did? You will get a letter in April. Discussion is allowed after each session is over, and you will probably find out then whether you got certain problems right.

What's my motivation? Taking on an intellectual challenge. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics will give modest financial awards to the top three students. And you can even bring glory to ASU: We are allowed to choose three students beforehand, whose total score will make up ASU's score. Last year, a student from ASU scored in the top 400 (out of about 3615 students).

Where can I go for more information? The Putnam Competition has a homepage. Old tests can be found at the archive at UNL.

How do I sign up? Send e-mail to: Christopher Heckman, ASU's Putnam coach for 2004, or stop by PSA 208. If interested, you need to contact him by Monday, October 11th.