Harker Math Invitational

Founded in 2001, the Diana Nichols Harker Math Invitational (HMI) is an annual math competition run by the Harker School for middle-school students in and beyond the Bay Area. HMI provides the perfect opportunity for middle-school students to explore mathematics beyond school and to meet and collaborate with hundreds of other students who share their interests.

The contest is split into two rounds, each 45 minutes. All questions are equally weighted, short answer questions and there are no penalties for wrong answers. When bonus questions are not applicable, Borda is used as a tiebreaker.

Participants are allowed to bring their own rulers, non-smartwatch watches, protractors, compasses, and scientific or graphing calculators; however, students may not bring their own scratch paper or use any other computing devices or the internet.

The Individual Round consists of 30 regular questions and 5 bonus questions. Sixth graders will only solve questions 1 through 20, seventh graders questions 1 through 25, and eighth graders questions 6 through 30. The bonus questions will be the same for all grade levels and will only be used as tie-breakers. Calculators are not allowed for the individual round.

The Team Round lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 15 questions. All students will solve the same set of problems with their teams. In addition, students are permitted to use calculators for the team round. Noncompeting individuals will be arranged into teams with others from either their own or other schools to participate in this round but will not be considered for prizes.