Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which students can be on the same team?
A: All team members must be from the same school and must be in the same grade level. Teams must have 4-6 students. Teams with fewer than 4 will be combined with a team from another school. Students may be moved up to a higher grade level for only the team round if a school can not form a full team for that higher grade level, however, students can not move up for the individual round.
Q: What is the format of the tests?
A: Please read the Contest Rules and Format section on our About page: https://www.harkermathinvitational.org/about
Q: Can I use the problems from past HMI tests listed below in my classroom/book/etc?
A: Yes! Please cite us in the format ‘Harker Math Invitational [Year] - [Round] [Problem #]’. For example, ‘Harker Math Invitational 2024 - Individual #14’. Past tests from 2017 and later can be found here: https://www.harkermathinvitational.org/archive
Q: Who can submit a registration for HMI?
A: Only the official coach of the school can submit a registration. If no teacher or school official is able to be the coach, a parent can be the coach. Since we only allow one registration per school, there may only be one official coach per school.
Q: Does the coach have to be present at the competition?
A: If the coach will not be attending the competition, you must notify us who the designated adult that will handle check-in and chaperoning for your teams is.
Q: Will food be provided?
A: We give out snacks after the Individual Round, however we do not provide lunch.
Q: Are awards given out at HMI?
A: Yes! We give plaques to the top 5 individuals in each grade level, as well as trophies and medals to the top 3 teams in each grade level.
Q: Who can participate in HMI?
A: All students in grades 6-8 are allowed to participate in HMI. However, students who have qualified for the 2025 MATHCOUNTS State competition will not be considered for awards. We will place them in a "non-competing" team with other MATHCOUNTS States qualifiers.
Q: How many teams can participate from each school?
A: We allow 2 teams per grade level from each school. So each school can have a maximum of 36 students, excluding MATHCOUNTS States qualifiers.
Q: Can I make substitutions after the deadline to submit rosters?
A: Yes! Please email us before the competition to make any substitutions.
Q: How do I pay the registration fee?
A: The coach should mail a check (payable to The Harker School) to:
Vandana Kadam
The Harker School
4525 Union Avenue
San Jose, CA 95124
If we do not receive the check in time, you will have to have pay double the cost at check-in.
Q: Is it possible to pay the registration fee online?
A: No, we do not accept online payments for HMI. Please let us know if you are unable to mail a check.
Q: What should I do if I have any questions or concerns not addressed on this website?
A: Please email us at harkermathinv@gmail.com or fill out the form below.