Waterloo Pascal Contest Information | Grade 9 or Below

What is the Pascal Contest?

The Pascal Contest is run by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. Open to students in Grade 9 or below, it consists of 25 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 60 minutes. Calculator use is permitted.

This contest provides early exposure to problem-solving beyond the classroom and lays the foundation for more advanced contests like Cayley (Gr. 10), Fermat (Gr. 11), and Euclid (Gr. 12).

Contest Dates

May 2026 (Exact 2-week window TBD)
Registration Deadline: April 2026

Who Can Write

Open to Grade 9 or below students. Exceptional Grade 7–8 students may also participate if ready.

How to Register

Students usually register through their school’s math department. If a school does not participate, parents/educators can connect with the CEMC or set up an official contest centre.

Steps for Students & Parents

January–March: Ask your school if they are a registered contest centre.
March: If not, contact nearby schools or educators who may host the contest.
April: Ensure registration before the deadline.
May: Write the Pascal Contest during the scheduled window.
Afterwards: Celebrate achievements — certificates and recognition are provided by CEMC.

Official Pascal Contest Page →

How We Help You Succeed

Learn strategies to tackle multiple-choice math problems efficiently.
Practice using past Pascal papers and CEMC resources.
Simulate test conditions with timed mock exams.
Receive personalized feedback to strengthen weak areas.

Awards & Recognition

Certificate of Distinction: Awarded to the top 25% at each school (if ≥4 participants).
Certificate of Outstanding Achievement: Highest-scoring student in the school (if ≥10 participants).
Certificate of Participation: Provided for all students who take the contest.

Achievements in the Pascal Contest strengthen student profiles for university applications and scholarships, especially in STEM pathways.

Success Spotlight

Student Achievement – Toronto

In 2023, Grade 9 students from Toronto public schools scored in the top 25% worldwide in the Pascal Contest, earning Certificates of Distinction. Their achievements were celebrated by the CEMC at Waterloo, proving how early contest participation builds a strong academic portfolio.

Ready to Prepare for the Pascal Contest?

Contact me today and let’s prepare your child with structured Grade 9 tutoring, contest prep, and future STEM success.

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