Why take the Putnam exam?

Good reasons:

• you have enjoyed math competitions before
• you like a really hard challenge
• you want to learn some cool math tricks
• low risk (even if you get a zero, you are at or near the median)

Bad reasons:

• to get into math grad school (it is not necessary)
• to judge whether you can do research (not the same skill set)
• fame and fortune (unlikely, but our top students do get local recognition)

Further “reasons” are welcome!