Problem of the Month
IMPORTANT: We are experimenting with changes to the POM format for the 2025-2026 POM/QQ season. The major changes are:
- Each problem now requires a short video solution explaining your answer. Please read the rules for information about what your video solutions should look like.
- Every month, POM will now feature a project which is worth a total of 30 points offered by one or two subjects. All other subjects will have 5 and 10 point problems as usual.
- Each month, we will host a POM office hour where you can ask questions about that month’s POM problems. More details will be announced soon.
- In preparation for SigmaWest's earlier admissions, POM now runs from September to December.
Since we are experimenting with the POM format, we may adapt the format and rules throughout the POM season based on your feedback. Please fill out this feedback form at any point throughout the season to let us know what you think.
The Problem of the Month (POM) is a free online competition that is open to everyone regardless of what state or country they live in. The goal of POM is to stimulate inquisitive minds and cultivate interest in science and math.
Each month, participants are offered a set of problems and a project in each of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Linguistics/Applied Sciences. One of the problems is typically easier, the other is more advanced. Projects are open-ended, encouraging you to dive into research and learn new things as you solve them.
There are four sets of problems posted every month from September to December. You can join POM at any time. Each problem set will be posted on the 15th day of the month, and you have until the 10th of the next month to submit your solutions. After this, the solutions will be graded, and you will be able to see your score and the grader's comments.
At the end of the POM season, the winners will be awarded a prize. Students who excel in POM will be offered admission to SigmaCamp or SigmaWest without the need to do the Qualification Quiz (QQ) (assuming that they satisfy the age restrictions of SigmaCamp/SigmaWest). Students who are not admitted through POM will have a portion of their total POM score added to their QQ score.
We hope that you will enjoy solving our problems!
How to Participate
- To participate in the Problem of the Month (POM) contest, you must have an account on the SigmaCamp website. If you don't have an account please create a student account or login into your existing SigmaCamp account.
- Read the contest rules here and download a PDF file with problems of the current POM month here.
- Solve as many of the problems and projects as you like, and submit your solutions here. Note: You will only receive credit for the top six highest scores per month, at a cap of 45 points per month.
- Check your grades and comments on your solutions in your account (top right corner of the page). You can click on any grade to read the grader's comments. Also you can check the public scores of all POM participants.
If you have any questions, you can contact the POM Committee by emailing pom@sigmacamp.org.
Previous years problems
Problems and solutions from the previous POM contests can be found through the link below.