How to Master HiMCM: Modeling, Coding, Writing & Teamwork Lessons

1 Post-Competition Reflection

After seeing a teammate’s post‑competition reflection on HiMCM 2021, I added my own comments.

Modeling

Analyze first, then hypothesize, define variables, and finally build relationships; avoid jumping straight to an equation. (Describe the modeling process clearly)

Make good use of programming tools. (Prepare programming skills before the contest)

Explain the model’s meaning clearly and justify each inference step. (Describe the modeling process clearly)

Programming

Debug common environments (Python, MATLAB) before the contest. (Prepare programming tools in advance)

Communicate closely with modelers to avoid odd programming issues. (Programming is tied to the model; understanding the model is essential)

Paper

Prepare a template in advance and become familiar with it to save time during the contest.

Include references and figures while writing; add numbers later to avoid last‑minute work.

Write the English text as academically as possible.

Maintain consistent and standard formatting to give a professional impression.

Collaboration

Use standardized file naming with clear version numbers.

Paper writers should participate in model and programming discussions to accelerate overall progress.

Aim to finish modeling 1.5 days early, programming 1 day early, and reserve the final day for paper polishing.

Avoid playing games while teammates are working; focus on tasks to keep morale high.

Communicate calmly and ensure sufficient sleep; practice collaboration before the contest.

Other notes are omitted.

The reflection covers modeling, programming, writing, and teamwork, highlighting common and important issues; addressing them can raise a team’s performance.

2 Two Competition Topics

Topic scope:

HiMCM – A, B

MidMCM – M, A, B

Familiarity, availability of data, team consensus

Topic selection process: read → think → discuss → research → decide.

3 Three Paper Levels

The C level represents Completion (answering all questions). The P level stands for Proficiency (using appropriate models and expressing the process fluently). The I level denotes Innovation (adding outstanding or novel elements). The levels are progressive: C → P → I. According to this model, A‑level papers (O and F awards) reach the I tier, B‑level papers (M and H awards) fall between P and I, and C‑level papers (S award) are at or below Completion.

This model not only evaluates paper quality but also guides students to improve modeling skills step by step.

4 Four Teams

Four teams I coached last year earned O, F, M, and H awards. The O and F teams chose topics quickly, had clear ideas, and faced few writing issues (they mastered LaTeX). Their programming was smooth thanks to strong coding backgrounds, allowing most time for analysis and modeling, and they could innovate on familiar models.

The M‑award team collaborated well, but weak writing tools and programming skills consumed much time, leaving less for modeling and innovation.

The H‑award team had solid ability but poor coordination; they only started working together three days before the deadline, resulting in a rushed paper with limited innovation.

5 Five Modeling Abilities

Mathematical modeling competence can be examined from five perspectives:

Mathematical ability – middle school, high school, higher mathematics

Modeling ability – elementary, important advanced, high‑level models

Programming ability – basic coding, key third‑party libraries, advanced libraries

Writing ability – general academic writing, specific model writing, comprehensive writing

Collaboration ability – solo, duo, team

We aim to improve all aspects, not just one, so that during contests the team can focus on core problem solving and innovation.

6 Six Modeling Steps

Beginners should first understand the whole modeling workflow, as shown in the diagram below.

Beyond grasping each stage, students need to complete an entire modeling case: restate the problem, set assumptions, solve, validate, and report results. Ignoring the reporting stage harms the final paper, which corresponds to the C (Completion) level.

Next, systematically learn the skills required for each stage (problem restatement, hypothesis, etc.) and master common important models, improving math, programming, and writing abilities. This aligns with the P (Proficiency) level.

Finally, reflect on the whole process, identify gaps, and practice repeatedly. Team coordination and iterative refinement foster innovation, moving toward the I (Innovation) level.

Reference

https://github.com/stOOrz-Science-Mind/HiMCM_2021