The schools are broken into three divisions based on enrollment. For each school, the top three students in each grade level 9-12 constitute that school's team. A trophy is awarded to the top school in each division. Certificates of merit are given in each grade level and division to schools, and in each grade level to top performing students. In addition, book prizes are usually awarded to top students.
All students take the same exam, which lasts two hours.
Topics on the exam range from beginning algebra and geometry through trigonometry and college algebra with a smattering of questions from beginning calculus, finite mathematics, and the unclassifiable 'clever thinking' problem. Preliminary results are available for the 2001 exam. Next year's Math Field Day will be Friday, March 22, 2002.