Andover’s Mark Tokarev ’28 Ranks Among Top Math Competitors, Applies Problem-Solving to Real-World Challenges

This story was contributed by Austin Prep, a Patch Community Partner. The views shared reflect the author’s perspective and feature real experiences from the Austin Prep community.

ANDOVER, MA— As a sophomore at Austin Prep, Andover’s Mark Tokarev is already excelling across disciplines. An accomplished pianist, he earned First Prize at the Crescendo International Competition, performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

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In mathematics, he is competing at an equally high level. At the recent Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) – one of the most prestigious high school math competitions in the world – Mark placed 14th out of more than 1,000 students in a single round, ranking in roughly the top 1% of competitors.

For Mark, math goes beyond equations. It is a way to understand how the world works.

“I just love solving math problems,” Mark said. “While watching NASA’s Artemis 2 launch, I thought about how every step in space exploration depends on math, geometry, probability, number theory, and proof. The harder the problem, the more joy I have when I find the right answer.”

Competing at MIT, Harvard and WPI – Solving at the Highest Level

Mark Tokarev is a member of the Austin Prep Math Team, where students train year-round for competitions that demand both speed and depth of understanding.

In competition, students solve unfamiliar problems under strict time limits, often with just minutes to work across topics like algebra, geometry, number theory, and probability.

“We make a library of techniques and strategies so that when we see problems in competition, we already know the process,” Mark said.

That preparation has taken him to some of the most competitive academic environments in the country, including events hosted at MIT, Harvard, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

“I feel really honored and happy that I got there because I put in a lot of work to studying and preparing,” he said. “It’s a sign that it’s paying off.”

While much of the competition is individual, teamwork is also critical.

“In the team round, we all work together on the same problems and talk through them,” Mark said. “Sometimes you have to accept that your solution isn’t correct and listen to others, and sometimes you have to convince people that your answer is right.”

From Abstract Problems to Real-World Applications

Many competition problems reflect real-world challenges that rely on mathematical thinking.

For example, one type of problem might ask students to determine how to arrange a sheet of postage stamps for the post office to identify the most efficient printing technique—maximizing output while minimizing wasted space. Another might involve probability, such as determining the likelihood of drawing a specific combination of colored marbles from a larger group.

Those probability problems have direct applications in fields like risk analysis, data science, and decision-making—helping model uncertainty, predict outcomes, and inform strategies in everything from finance to logistics.

Other problems focus on efficiency and resource use.

“In geometry, we have two- and three-dimensional area problems, such as finding the intersection of the radial axis of three circles, which is the same math a cell phone uses to connect to the nearest tower. Expanding this problem to utilize spheres, we are talking about the same process that GPS satellites use to help people navigate. We also solve optimization and minimization problems, like when a farmer wants to build a fence and we figure out the minimum amount of material needed to build it,” Mark said.

Mark Tokarev also sees connections between competition math and real-world applications.

“Number theory is really useful because it applies in encryption algorithms for banks or anything that you want to keep secure. It is also heavily used in AI,” he said.

Building Toward a Future in Science and Engineering

Mark’s interest in math started early and has steadily grown into a clear academic direction.

“I would like to pursue a career in quantum physics,” he said. “It is based on my favorite math topics: counting, complex numbers, and calculus. It’s math, but it’s also applied to the real world.”

He is already working toward that future, aiming to advance through the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), a series of national exams designed to identify top mathematical talent. High scorers advance to the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination), a selective follow-up competition that challenges students with even more complex problem-solving.

At the same time, he continues to grow both individually and as part of a team.

“You have to sometimes accept that your solution isn’t correct and listen to others,” Mark said. “And also be able to explain why your answer is right.”

Beyond competition, the experience also builds community.

“It’s not only about college and getting accepted, but it’s also about spending time with friends who like the same things,” he said. “You can learn a lot from listening to other people and how they think.”

A Student Defined by Curiosity and Connection

For Austin Prep math teacher and also Andover resident Jason Sun, Mark stands out not just for his ability, but for how he approaches learning.

“I think he is passionate about math and very detail-oriented,” Sun said. “He focuses a lot on proofing—that’s hard. That’s even a challenge for me sometimes.”

That curiosity extends beyond the classroom, often continuing during extra help and office hours as Mark looks to explore concepts more deeply.

“He was one of the students who visited me most often,” Sun said. “He would usually come in and ask, ‘Can we try to prove this?’ Sometimes I need to figure it out together with him.”

Sun also points to Mark’s growing leadership within the team.

“He is good at mentoring. He understands things that other students don’t, and he helps them,” Sun said. “He is developing his leadership now.”

Supported by Austin Prep’s math program, the team provides a space for students to extend their skills and collaborate on advanced problem-solving.

And as a sophomore already performing at a top 1% level, Mark Tokarev’s trajectory is just beginning.

Apply Math Beyond the Classroom at Austin Prep

See how Austin Prep students apply their skills beyond the classroom through programs like the Math Team, where they compete at a high level, solve complex problems, and collaborate with peers from across the region. Learn more about clubs and student activities that challenge students academically and foster growth, or complete our inquiry form to begin your journey.