Preparation
Find answers to your getting started & prep questions
Preparation
When we create contest questions, we try to have a variety of questions and we focus on testing logical reasoning and the ability to apply what is learned in math class rather than pure mathematical knowledge.
Question content is tailored to each level (K/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). We base this on mathematics curricula and feedback from our proofreaders (teachers).
The questions for one contest level vary widely in difficulty because students vary widely in ability. We want everyone, from the students weakest in math to those who are very gifted, to be able to participate in North Star Contests. So the grade 8 contest may contain questions that even a grade 6 student could answer. In general these easy questions are worth 3 points whereas the harder ones are worth 4 or 5 points.
In addition to word problems on geometry, patterns, logic, algebra, counting, arithmetic, and so on, North Star Contests also includes interactive questions in some contests. We announce these two weeks ahead of time to give students the chance to practice the interactive game on our Games page and to read the appropriate section of our History page.
There are many ways students can prepare for upcoming math contests. Here are only a few:
- Try a past contest on our website
- Attempt the 'Practice Gym' from student's dashboard (available from February, 2026)
- Watch our videos on YouTube (available from March, 2026)
- Join or form a math club at their school
When the contest results are announced, students can log in to see their score and which questions they answered correctly or incorrectly by viewing their results for an individual contest.
From March 2026, we will have written solutions for all of our contests in English and French, and will gradually add translations in other languages for past contests.
The written solutions for the previous year’s November contest are free to access. It will be accessible from student's dashboard, after clicking on review contest.