Friday, March 17, 2006: a day of leprechauns, clovers and… math equations? For a group of BCHS math students, St. Patrick’s Day was spent at Saginaw Valley State University taking a 25 question test over anything from logarithms to probability equations. Michael G., the only Creeker that scored high enough to be recognized at the competition, scored 13 correct out of 25 questions on the Level I test and was named honorable mention.

The Math Olympics test was split up into two divisions: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II students took the Level I test and Trigonometry/Pre Calculus and Calculus students took the Level II test. Thirty-six students from Bullock Creek participated in the competition, 15 in Level I and 21 in Level II.

The Math Olympics test is believed by some to help prepare students for other tests such as the ACT, MEAP and SAT tests… however, not all agree. One major difference that makes the Math Olympics test much harder than other standardized tests is that calculators are not allowed. “I don’t believe that it helps prepare for other tests, the Math Olympics test is ridiculously hard!” senior Nick B. says. Senior Brian F. agrees, saying, “Honestly, I don’t think [it prepared me for other tests]. Having already taken the ACT and MEAP, the only math test I have left is AP Calculus… and the Olympics test didn’t even hint at any Calculus. If it would’ve been before I took the ACT or MEAP, however, I’ll bet it would’ve helped me a lot.”

One common agreement among participants was how wonderful the food was. Brian F. says his favorite part was, “THE FOOD!!!! SVSU has an amazing buffet cafeteria!” Nick B. agrees saying, “The best part about it was the food, as well as the recreation area with the big screen TV.” Jeff C. went on to say that his favorite part was, “Hanging out with friends and eating lots and lots of food.”

Overall, Math Olympics was an enjoyable experience for the participants. “I did pretty horribly on the test itself - but I still think it was worth going. It’s not every day that you take a test that EXTREMELY hard, and it’s good practice,” explains Brian F. Math Olympics is an annual event that takes place around this time each year, so it’s still not too late for the underclassmen to try this competitive math event.