Competing in the International Maths Olympiad (IMO) is no small feat. Months, even years, of preparation go into mastering the challenging problems you’ll face. But as the big day approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where having a last-minute checklist comes in handy. By keeping track of essential tasks and strategies, you can enter the exam room with confidence, knowing you’ve done everything possible to set yourself up for success.
Below, we’ll outline a simple, student-friendly checklist to help you navigate these final crucial days before the Olympiad. Follow these steps to stay calm, focused, and prepared.
In the final days before the IMO, your primary focus should be on solidifying what you already know rather than cramming new material. Spend time revisiting important concepts, formulas, and theorems. Pay close attention to the following topics, which often appear in Olympiad-level questions:
Keep your notes neat and organized. If you’ve created a formula sheet or a “cheat sheet” of theorems, have it ready for quick reference.
Rather than attempting to solve as many problems as possible, focus on quality over quantity. Select a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging problems that cover the major topics. Working through these will:
If you encounter a tough problem, don’t panic. Review the solution and understand the thought process behind it. The goal isn’t to memorize answers but to grasp the techniques so you can apply them to similar problems.
The IMO is a timed contest, so knowing how to manage your time is crucial. Set aside blocks of time to simulate exam conditions. For instance, if a particular IMO round gives you four and a half hours, practice working on a few problems for that duration. This helps in several ways:
One common mistake is rushing through problems and skipping verification. Before the Olympiad, practice double-checking your work. For every problem you solve:
Making this a habit now will save you from losing points on the actual test due to simple errors.
A well-prepared workspace can make a big difference. Gather everything you need and ensure it’s in good condition:
Make sure these items are ready the night before so you’re not scrambling on exam day.
It’s tempting to stay up late cramming, but doing so can leave you groggy and less focused. Aim to get a full night’s sleep before the Olympiad. A well-rested mind is sharper and more alert. If you find it difficult to wind down, try these tips:
A rested brain can recall information more effectively and handle complex problems with greater ease.
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness before the IMO. The key is to channel those feelings into positive energy. Remind yourself of the effort you’ve put in and focus on what you can control:
The Olympiad is as much about mental endurance and composure as it is about mathematical skill. Keeping a calm, focused mindset will help you perform your best.
If you’re traveling to an exam center, plan to arrive well ahead of time. Being early ensures you can:
Feeling rushed can increase anxiety, so aim to be relaxed and ready when the exam starts.
Familiarize yourself with the contest guidelines. Knowing what’s allowed and what isn’t will prevent unnecessary confusion. For instance:
Understanding the rules in advance means you can focus on solving problems rather than worrying about administrative details.
Lastly, remember that the International Maths Olympiad is a learning experience. While everyone hopes for a medal or recognition, the true value lies in the skills you’ve gained and the growth you’ve achieved. Whether you solve every problem or just a few, participating in the IMO is an incredible accomplishment. Stay proud of your journey, and use the experience as a stepping stone for future challenges.
This is a mind-blowing achievement. The Maths Olympiad is the world's most difficult and prestigious maths competition for high school pupils. Professors are frequently unable to solve more than one or two of the exam's six issues.
Although calculus is permitted in solutions, it is never necessary, as the premise is that everyone with a basic grasp of mathematics should be able to comprehend the issues, even if the answers demand a lot more knowledge.
The only significant difference between high school maths and college maths, in my opinion, is how you are required to apply what you have learned. The International Mathematical Organisation (IMO) covers four domains of mathematics. The following is a list of them: Combinatorics, Number Theory, Geometry, and Algebra are all branches of mathematics.