Euclid

Overview

The Euclid Contest is the most advanced of the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) high-school contests at the University of Waterloo. It targets students in their final year of secondary school and emphasises problem-solving and mathematical communication rather than final-answer speed.

Who can apply

Students in their final year of secondary school, or CEGEP students in Quebec, can write the Euclid Contest through their school. Motivated younger students may also take part.

Exam pattern

The Euclid Contest has 10 questions, mixing final-answer-only and full-solution formats, written in 2.5 hours for a total score out of 100. Full-solution answers are marked for completeness, clarity and presentation, so a correct answer with a poorly explained solution does not earn full marks.

Important dates

For the 2027 cycle, CEMC scheduled the Euclid Contest for Tuesday, 6 April 2027 for North and South America and Wednesday, 7 April 2027 elsewhere, with a school ordering deadline of Thursday, 11 March 2027. Check the CEMC contests page for the exact dates each year.

How to apply

Schools register and order Euclid Contest papers through the CEMC Contest Supervisor Portal before the ordering deadline. Students then write the contest at their school on the scheduled date.

After the exam

The Euclid Contest is not required for admission to the University of Waterloo, but strong results can be considered for Waterloo's Mathematics and Science faculty scholarship programs.

Preparation tips

• Practise full-solution writing, not just getting the final answer — Euclid marking rewards complete, well-presented proofs.

• Work through past Euclid papers, published by CEMC, since the contest draws on the full high-school curriculum.

FAQs