The Putnam contest consists of a single mathematics examination taken by students across the country. Individual scores are awarded and a team score as well (the combined scores of three students chosen before the test).
The test is extremely challenging. Six problems are given in the morning (three hours) and another six in the afternoon (three more hours). Each problem is worth 10 points, and a score of 10 is usually enough to place you in the top half of all participants. In 1993 there were three students in the top 50%, and in 1996 there were four.
If you are interested, contact Jim Henle.
In recent times at least three teams have been ranked nationally: 120th in 1979, 101st in 1995, and 130th in 1996. There have been at least 29 scores in the top 50%.