The back to school season means more opportunities for students to participate in engaging and challenging math competitions. Math competitions are beneficial for students of all ages and levels.

On 8 p.m. on a Monday this October, students trickle into Mathematics 509. Professor Ovidiu Savin, the director of undergraduate studies for the math department, walks in, and the room goes silent.

A team of three William & Mary undergrads hit the back of the net this spring, scoring top honors in an international mathematics competition with their analysis of soccer team strategies. Team ...