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2025 Math League Finals and Summer Tournament FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)





  • What can students gain by participating in the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    • The chance to compete in the finals of a world-renowned mathematics contest — an excellent opportunity to showcase their mathematical talent and ability. Strong performance can provide an advantage when applying to high schools and universities. Award winners receive certificates; all students receive a certificate of completion; students who participate actively and contribute may receive a volunteer service certificate.
    • Study mathematics under the guidance of distinguished mathematics professors, sparking interest in math and science and broadening their horizons.
    • Meet outstanding math enthusiasts from around the world, share learning experiences, study together with top students from many countries, and make friends.
    • Before the finals and summer program conclude, students will prepare a brief summary of their experience with the help of a counselor; this write-up will be sent to parents.
    • Opportunities to obtain letters of recommendation from U.S. professors and to build long-term connections with them; to study mathematics and conduct research under their guidance; and potentially to co-author mathematics papers with U.S. professors for publication in academic journals.
      Click to view a mathematics paper written by two Math League Finals and Summer Tournament participants — one elementary-school student and one middle-school student — under the guidance of a U.S. professor, which has been published in a well-known mathematics journal.
    • Over more than ten years of the Math League Finals and Summer Tournaments, many Chinese students who attended have been admitted to world-class universities (including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Columbia, the University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Oxford, Cambridge, and others).


  • What kind of students are well-suited to participate in the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    • Students who love mathematics and science and are willing to challenge themselves.
    • Students interested in international education and cultural exchange, who wish to broaden their horizons and become globally minded individuals.
    • Students who plan to study in the United States (and other countries) in the future.


  • How is student safety ensured during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    Student safety during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament is the top priority for all parents and the organizing committee.

    When students arrive at the US airport by plane, Math League staff will meet them at the airport and take them to the school. (Students who require airport pickup/drop-off need to communicate and confirm with the organizing committee before the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament begins.)

    All student learning and activities throughout the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament are supervised and arranged by counselor 24 hours a day. There are 2 counselors supervising every 12 students. Students cannot move about freely, ensuring maximum safety. As long as students follow the organizing committee's regulations and the counselors' arrangements, their safety can be guaranteed.

    After the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament concludes, Math League staff will take students to the airport, help them check in, check their luggage, and escort them to the security checkpoint. Staff will wait until students have safely passed through security and their flight has departed before leaving. If a student has purchased an airline's "unaccompanied minors" program, Math League staff will go through security with the student, wait with them at the gate until they board, and only leave after the student's flight has departed.

    Since the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament began in 2012, the organizing committee has always prioritized student safety and never taken it lightly. There is no such thing as a small matter when it comes to safety; any minor oversight could lead to serious consequences.


  • What happens if a student gets sick during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    For minor illnesses such as colds, fever, or stomach pain, the school's hospital can provide immediate treatment.

    For emergencies requiring urgent hospital treatment, US law stipulates that hospitals must provide immediate treatment regardless of nationality or ability to pay (no upfront payment required). The hospital will then send you a bill, which you can submit to the insurance company for reimbursement (the Math League organizing committee purchases international medical insurance for students participating in the Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-9 Summer Tournament).
    We recommend parents provide their child with a credit card. For non-emergency hospital visits, you may need to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company (specific procedures and regulations are subject to the documentation provided by the insurance company).


  • How can parents stay informed about their child's activities during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    We recommend that students bring a smartphone. The school provides free Wi-Fi for students to use, allowing them to communicate with their parents. (The organizing committee prohibits the use of phones during the finals, classes, and activities. Students can communicate with their parents during designated times when phone use is permitted.)

    Parents can inform the organizing committee before the summer camp begins about any special care or attention their child may need during the camp. The organizing committee staff will care for students according to parents' instructions.

    During the summer camp, if the organizing committee needs to contact or inform parents (for example, if a student has no appetite, lacks sleep, appears lethargic, is sick, cannot reach their parents and needs the committee's help, or does not follow camp regulations), the organizing committee will call parents directly. Please ensure your phone is accessible during the camp period. If the organizing committee does not contact parents, it means everything is normal, and parents need not worry.


  • What are the rules and awards for the 2025 Math League Finals?
    Click to view Math League Finals Rules and Awards.


  • Can students bring computers, iPads, phones, or other electronic devices during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament? Does the school provide free Wi-Fi?
    Students can bring computers, iPads, and smartphones. However, these electronic devices cannot be used during the finals, classes, or activities. They also cannot be used after lights out at night.
    The school provides free Wi-Fi, and computers, iPads, and smartphones can connect to the school Wi-Fi. Children's smartwatches cannot connect to the school Wi-Fi.

    If parents are concerned about their children using computers, iPads, and smartphones too much, they can inform the organizing committee in advance about which time periods students are allowed to use these devices. During parent-specified time periods, organizing committee staff will allow students to use their devices, and after the designated time ends, staff will collect and store the devices. (At the end of the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament, before students leave the camp, organizing committee staff will return the devices to the students.)


  • What are the accommodation and meal standards during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    During the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament, students stay in standard university dormitories. Each unit has three floors, with 4 single rooms on each floor, and each floor shares one bathroom and toilet. Meals are also standard American student dining.


  • Are American university campuses enclosed? Do they have walls and gates?
    American universities are open and do not have walls. However, the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament operates under closed management, and students cannot move about freely.


  • Can parents take students out for sightseeing during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    Parents cannot take students out for sightseeing during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament. Parents are not allowed to enter the camp during this period (except for dropping off and picking up students).


  • What should students bring when participating in the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament in the United States?
    Here are some recommended items to bring (partial list):
    • Please bring the invitation letter issued by the organizing committee, as it may be needed during immigration.
    • Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visas must register with EVUS before traveling to the United States. Please bring the complete EVUS confirmation page (which includes the EVUS registration number), as it may be needed during check-in or immigration.
    • Please bring a consent letter from both parents, as it may be needed during immigration.
      Download: Parent Consent Letter Template (Grades 4-5)
      Download: Parent Consent Letter Template (Grades 6-9)
    • We recommend students bring 5 copies of their passport's first page to handle special situations (such as lost or damaged passport).
    • Please bring changes of clothes, toiletries, cosmetics, slippers, rain gear, and other personal items. Due to significant day-night temperature differences in the US and low indoor air conditioning temperatures, we strongly recommend that students bring long-sleeved outerwear, long pants, and long-sleeved pajamas, as well as a light blanket for air-conditioned rooms, in addition to summer clothes.
    • We recommend students bring a smartphone with US roaming enabled. The school provides free Wi-Fi for students to use, allowing them to contact their parents using messaging apps (such as WeChat, QQ, etc.).
    • Prepare spending money according to personal needs (for souvenirs, etc.), 300-400 USD will be enough.
    • We recommend bringing a valid credit card (if the student doesn't have a credit card, they can bring their parent's card. When carrying a parent's credit card, please include a photocopy of the cardholder's ID and a written authorization for use, if needed) for emergency medical services.
    • If a student wears glasses, please bring a spare pair in case of damage or loss.
    • We recommend bringing a power adapter. US outlets have 2 flat prongs plus 1 round prong. If your electrical devices have three flat prongs, you will need a power adapter.


  • Do students need to bring toiletries, slippers, laundry supplies, clothes hangers, etc.?
    Students need to bring personal toiletries, such as towels, toothbrushes, etc., and slippers. These items can also be purchased at the university store.
    Students do not need to bring laundry supplies or clothes hangers. The school provides free washing machines, dryers, laundry detergent, etc., which students can use freely.


  • Is there hot water available for drinking in the student dormitories?
    Tap water in the United States is safe for direct consumption. The dormitories have both cold and hot running water.


  • How can I apply to be a volunteer during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    If you would like to volunteer during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament, please send an email to the organizing committee at: INFO@LTHOUGHTS.COM. We will reply to your email within 3 business days after receiving it.


  • How much money should children generally bring when traveling abroad?
    The fee you have paid for the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament covers all expenses. Students have no other mandatory expenses while abroad. Students can prepare spending money according to their personal needs (for souvenirs, etc.), 300-400 USD will be enough. They can also bring Visa or MasterCard credit cards that can be used in the US (along with a photocopy of the cardholder's ID and authorization for use, if needed). Using cards is very convenient in the US and can also prevent loss or theft of cash.


  • Can teachers keep important documents such as passports for students during the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament?
    Yes. During the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament, teachers can keep important documents such as passports and other important papers for students.




  • What is the "unaccompanied minors" program? Should I purchase this service for my child?
    The "unaccompanied minors" program offered by airlines is a service for children traveling alone, ensuring their safety and assistance throughout the journey, from check-in to being handed over to the designated recipient at the destination. Here are the main features of this service:
    • Eligible age: Typically, this service is available for children aged 5 to 17 (requirements vary by airline). Children below the minimum age (usually under 5) cannot travel alone.
    • Full escort: Airline staff will assist the child with boarding, check-in procedures, and care for them during the flight. Upon arrival at the destination, staff will escort the child to the person meeting them, who must provide identity verification.
    • Fees: Most airlines charge for this service, with fees varying by airline and route, generally between $50 and $150 per flight.
    • Pre-departure arrangements: Parents or guardians need to complete forms providing details of the person meeting the child. The airline will verify identity information at both departure and arrival.
    • Additional services: Some airlines offer extra services such as meal provisions, entertainment facilities, and priority boarding.
    This service aims to provide peace of mind for parents, ensuring that unaccompanied children can complete their journey safely and with proper care. The vast majority of airlines offer similar services.

    Specifically, the "unaccompanied minors" program allows parents to hand their child over to airline staff at the airport check-in counter. The airline staff is responsible for getting your child on the plane, flight attendants look after your child throughout the flight, and after the plane arrives in the US, the staff accompanies and helps your child through immigration, baggage claim, and delivers your child to the teacher meeting them. You need to provide the identity information of the meeting teacher to the airline in advance, and the airline will hand your child over to your designated teacher after confirming their identity. In the US, driver's licenses are typically used to verify identity, serving a similar function to Chinese ID cards. Americans generally use driver's licenses to board domestic flights.

    When your child returns from the US, Math League organizing committee teachers will take your child to the US airport check-in counter and hand them over to airline staff. Similarly, airline staff will get your child on the plane, flight attendants will look after your child throughout the flight, and after the plane arrives, staff will accompany and help your child through immigration, baggage claim, and return your child to you.

    If your child is traveling to the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament alone, the organizing committee strongly recommends purchasing the "unaccompanied minors" program, as this is the most professional and safe approach.

  • If I'm participating in the Math League Grades 4-5 Finals and Summer Tournament (July 12, 2025 - July 19, 2025) and need airport pickup/drop-off, which flights should I take to the US or return from the US?
    If students need airport pickup on July 12, 2025, or drop-off on July 19, 2025, their flights should arrive at or depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport in the US. Parents should contact the organizing committee before booking tickets to ensure the committee can arrange airport pickup/drop-off for your child. The organizing committee can arrange transportation for a reasonable fee.


  • If I'm participating in the Math League Grades 6-9 Finals and Summer Tournament (July 20, 2025 - July 28, 2025) and need airport pickup/drop-off, which flights should I take to the US or return from the US?
    If students need airport pickup on July 20, 2025, or drop-off on July 28, 2025, their flights should arrive at or depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport in the US. Parents should contact the organizing committee before booking tickets to ensure the committee can arrange airport pickup/drop-off for your child. The organizing committee can arrange transportation for a reasonable fee.


  • If my child travels to the US alone, how will they connect with camp staff upon arrival?
    Parents need to inform the Math League organizing committee in advance of the student's name, phone number, flight number, and other information. When students arrive in the US by plane, they should first go through immigration, then collect their luggage. International flight arrivals have only one exit; after collecting their luggage, students just need to follow the crowd to reach the exit area. Math League organizing committee teachers will be waiting at the exit holding a prominent sign (Math League Sign) to greet students. Students should look for teachers holding this sign at the exit. The teachers meeting the flight have information about each student on the flight and will wait at the exit until they have met the student. If they cannot locate a student, they will contact airport staff to help find them. If the student still cannot be found after contacting airport staff, we will immediately contact the parents. Please keep your phone accessible (for 3 hours after the flight lands at the US airport).

    Parents can also use the airline's "unaccompanied minors" program. This program allows parents to hand their child over to airline staff at the airport check-in counter. The airline staff is responsible for getting your child on the plane, flight attendants look after your child throughout the flight, and after the plane arrives in the US, the staff accompanies and helps your child through immigration, baggage claim, and delivers your child to the teacher meeting them. You need to provide the identity information of the meeting teacher to the airline in advance, and the airline will hand your child over to your designated teacher after confirming their identity. In the US, driver's licenses are typically used to verify identity, serving a similar function to Chinese ID cards. Americans generally use driver's licenses to board domestic flights.
    When your child returns from the US, Math League organizing committee teachers will take your child to the US airport check-in counter and hand them over to airline staff. Similarly, airline staff will get your child on the plane, flight attendants will look after your child throughout the flight, and after the plane arrives, staff will accompany and help your child through immigration, baggage claim, and return your child to you.

    After the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament concludes, if your child is flying return from the US on their own (and parents have not purchased the "unaccompanied minors" program), Math League teachers will help the student check their luggage at the check-in counter, obtain a boarding pass, and escort them to security. The student will need to go through security on their own and proceed to the boarding gate.


  • I am a parent planning to take my child to the US early for tourism. How do I coordinate with the organizing committee?
    If you arrive in the US early for tourism, you can bring your child to the school on the first day of the summer camp (we will provide you with the address).
    Similarly, if you want to continue touring the US with your child after the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament concludes, you can come to the school on the final day to pick up your child (you need to notify the organizing committee in advance and register with them).


  • How can I travel independently from JFK International Airport or Newark International Airport to the camp?
    If you plan to travel independently from JFK International Airport or Newark International Airport to the camp, you can (1) rent a car at the airport; (2) use Uber or Lyft (similar to China's DiDi), which requires downloading the app on your phone and using a credit card; (3) take a taxi from the airport.




  • Is a B1/B2 visa required? Is it a ten-year visa?
    Yes, a B1/B2 visa is required. Most are valid for ten years with multiple entries, subject to the visa issued by the US Embassy/Consulate.


  • Will the organizing committee provide visa invitation letters for participating students and parents? Can parents travel to the US with their children?
    The organizing committee will provide visa invitation letters for participating students who need them. If needed, the committee will also provide visa invitation letters for students' parents. In recent years, students and parents participating in the Math League have successfully obtained visas.
    Parents can travel to the US with their children. During the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament, students' learning and activities are arranged by the camp (school), and parents are not allowed to enter the camp (except for dropping off and picking up students).


  • My passport has expired, but the US visa in it is still valid. Do I need to apply for a new visa?
    No, if your visa is still valid, you can travel to the US using both your new and old passports, provided that the visa is not damaged and the main purpose of travel matches the visa type (for example, if the main purpose is tourism, the visa must be a tourist visa). Additionally, the names and other personal information on both passports must match, and both passports must be the same type issued by the same country (i.e., both tourist passports or both diplomatic passports).


  • What's the most convenient way to take a taxi in the US?
    In the US, taxis are typically hailed using Uber (equivalent to China's DiDi). You need to download the Uber app on your phone and have a credit card accepted by Uber (most international credit cards are accepted; please confirm specific information with Uber).


  • How can I find accommodation near the camp?
    You can book hotels on the following websites (for reference only):
    Expedia.com
    Booking.com
    Hotels.com
    Airbnb.com

    If you need to stay in a hotel near the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament camp, the address of the camp is:
    The College of New Jersey
    2000 Pennington Road
    Ewing Township, NJ 08628

    You can find hotels near the Math League Finals and Summer Tournament camp.


Disclaimer: The information above is for reference only. The organizing committee provides this information to assist parents and students but assumes no legal responsibility for it.

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