Overview
The Gauss Contest is an entry-level mathematics competition for middle-school students, run by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. It is designed as an introduction to maths competitions rather than a selective qualifying round.
Who can apply
Students in Grades 7 and 8 can write the Gauss Contest. Motivated students in lower grades are also welcome to take part. Students write through their school, which registers them with CEMC.
Exam pattern
The Gauss Contest has 25 multiple-choice questions, written in 60 minutes, for a total score out of 150.
Important dates
For the 2027 cycle, CEMC scheduled the Gauss Contest for the window of Monday, 10 May 2027 to Friday, 21 May 2027, with a school ordering deadline of Thursday, 22 April 2027. Schools order the contest from CEMC ahead of each year's window; check the CEMC contests page for the exact year's dates.
How to apply
Schools register and order Gauss Contest papers through the CEMC Contest Supervisor Portal before the ordering deadline. Students then write the contest at their school on the scheduled date.
Preparation tips
Practise with past Gauss papers, published by CEMC, to get used to the multiple-choice format and time limit.
Since the paper is an introduction to maths contests, focus on accuracy and pacing across all 25 questions rather than only the hardest ones.
FAQs
Who can write the Gauss Contest?
Students in Grades 7 and 8. Younger, motivated students may also take part.
How is the Gauss Contest marked?
It has 25 multiple-choice questions, written in 60 minutes, for a total score out of 150.