By Benjamin Hong, Co-Editor-In-Chief
On Saturday, May 31, high school students from across Howard County traveled to Penn State University to compete in the American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) competition. A national math competition involving a full day of intense problem solving, including team rounds, proof-based “power” rounds, and individual tests, ARML provides students a unique opportunity to put their skills to the test while also providing an avenue to connect with fellow math enthusiasts.
Before reaching ARML, however, students were first required to earn a spot on their regional team. In Howard County, this requires consistently strong performances in the monthly Howard County Math League meets. Out of approximately 200 competitors, the top scorers are invited to join the county’s ARML team. River Hill junior Clark Hu, a competitor on the Howard County team this year, emphasized that while the selection process is competitive, it’s also fun and quite approachable. “I’d say it’s less rigorous than other math competitions,” he explained. “The problems are kind of like high school math, in that you have to apply a familiar concept, just in a slightly more complex way. It’s definitely accessible if you put in some practice.”
Clark came into this year’s event having already attended in his freshman and sophomore years. Despite his robust experience in the competition, he remarked that this year’s trip was particularly memorable. “Our team accidentally scheduled a meeting at the same time as the team round, in a completely different building,” he laughed. “I had to sprint half a mile to get there.” The quantitative success of the team also contributed to the memorability of this year’s event, with now-graduated senior Alex Zhu highlighting how the “team got 10th overall” in his recap of the overnight event.
Alex also emphasized the social element of ARML as a notable high point of the weekend. “It’s a great way to interact with math team kids from across the county,” he said. “Whether you’re working together on proof-based problems in the power round or just hanging out, it’s always a good time.” Clark echoed the significance of this aspect of the competition, noting that “it’s less about doing the math and more about the social experience. You meet people from other schools, roam around the campus, and there’s even a tradition where we all go to the Berkey Creamery for ice cream.”
These dimensions that ARML provides to its competitors speak to the diversity and depth of modern mathematics, and Howard County’s strong performance serves as a testament to the quality of mathematical reasoning the county cultivates. While competitive math is often seen as intimidating by the uninitiated, Alex encourages broader participation, offering advice for newer students. “Just focus on enjoying the experience and learning things along the way,” he said. “If you’re unsure how to solve something, ask around. People on the math team are really happy to help. Just pop into math team next year and give it a try.”