Sophomore qualifies for national math exam

A student from LSMSA qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam after scoring 144 out of 150 on the American Mathematics Competitions, grades 10 and lower.

Jojo Deep, a sophomore from Natchitoches, took the AIME on Tuesday, March 7. Only the top 2.5 percent nationally qualify for the AIME. He will soon learn if he has qualified for the third level to be taken in April.

According to Mike McGrath, math instructor, only two other LSMSA students have reached the third level. The third test is a two-day, nine-hour test. From there, the top 12 students qualify for training for the U.S. Math Olympiad team to compete internationally. They are invited to train at the University of Nebraska in the summer and from the 12 finalists, six make the U.S. team.

The test is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. The program leads the nation in strengthening the mathematical capabilities of the next generation of problem solvers. Through classroom resources and friendly competition, the program helps America’s educators identify talent and foster a love of mathematics.

The program positively impacts the analytical skills needed for future careers in an innovative society.

The American Mathematics Competitions are a series of examinations and curriculum materials that build problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge in middle and high school students.