As one of the most influential high school mathematics competitions globally, organized by the University of Waterloo, Canada, the Euclid Contest is not only the "golden key" for applying to top Canadian universities (such as U of T, UBC, Waterloo) but is also highly regarded by prestigious schools in the UK and US (such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London)[reference:0]. Especially for students planning to apply to STEM majors like Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, and Physics, an excellent Euclid score can significantly enhance academic competitiveness[reference:1].
However, with a surge in the number of participants and fluctuations in question difficulty, how can you accurately grasp cutoff trends, efficiently earn step marks, and secure a spot in the top 25% or even aim for the Distinction (top 5%)? This article provides a comprehensive breakdown for you[reference:2].
I. Recent Participation Trends and Cutoff Scores (2019–2025)
1. Continuous Increase in Participants, Intensifying Competition
| Year | Number of Participants | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ≈22,000 | Baseline |
| 2024–2025 | >27,000 | ⬆️ Over 20% growth in 5 years |
Impact: The expansion of the candidate pool leads to increased competition pressure at the top (top 2.5%) and upper-middle (top 25%) levels, reducing the margin for error[reference:3].
2. Award Cutoff: 68–69 Points Become the "New Benchmark"
The Euclid contest is out of 100 points, consisting of 10 big questions (some with sub-questions). The top 25% receive the Certificate of Distinction, which is the key indicator that most prestigious schools focus on[reference:4].
| Year | Top 25% Cutoff | Average Score | Difficulty Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2022 | 68 | ≈53–54 | Medium |
| 2023 | 65 | 51 | ⚠️ Most difficult in recent years (abstract final problems) |
| 2024 | 69 | 54+ | Return to normal |
| 2025 | 68 | 54+ | Stable, slightly challenging |
Key Conclusions[reference:5]:
- 68–69 points = The stable award threshold in recent years; equivalent to completely solving 7 big questions (including some sub-questions).
- If aiming for Waterloo's Math/CS programs, it is recommended to aim for 80+ points (top 5%).
3. School Champion (School Medal): 54 Points May Secure Domination
Cutoff: Fluctuates in the range of 51–56 points; in 2024–2025, it was 54 points[reference:6].
Practical Significance: Being top in your school does not mean a high global rank (54 points is only about the top 50% level); however, it can serve as an academic benchmark within your school, helping with recommendation letters or scholarship applications[reference:7].
II. Core Grading Principle of Euclid: Process > Result
This is the "invisible trap" that Chinese students are most likely to fall into! No process = loss of points![reference:8]
Even if the answer is correct, lacking key derivation steps might only earn you 1–2 points (out of a 10-point question). Conversely, if the process is complete and logically clear, you can still get 6–8 points even if the calculation is wrong[reference:9].
Four Tips for Earning Step Marks:
1. Write in Full English + Use Logical Connectors: Use standard mathematical expressions; avoid "obviously," "it is easy to see," "so the answer is..." (graders cannot tell if you truly understand)[reference:10].
2. Standard Answer Format: Write all answers in the designated area of the official answer booklet, matching question numbers; present solutions step by step[reference:11].
3. Compliant Calculator Use: Allowed: basic scientific calculators (no CAS, no storage, no internet); Prohibited: Directly inputting equations to solve → Must write algebraic steps manually; Numerical calculations may use a calculator, but you must indicate "using calculator"[reference:12].
4. Never Leave Tough Questions Blank! Fill with Effective Steps: Even if you can't solve, write down the given conditions; define variables; draw diagrams/auxiliary lines; list relevant formulas. These can earn you 1–3 points, which can accumulate[reference:13]!
