Is there a point in me continuing AoPS?

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julll55

2765 posts

julll55

#1 h Feb 24, 2025, 1:28 AM

Y by

Okay so for context, I am in 8th grade and I'm bad at math, well at least on the competitive level like AMC and stuff. When I was in 7th grade I did some practice AMC8 tests and got like 15-17.

I've just been recently wondering if there is a point in me continuing AoPS. It's not like I'm ever really going to be competitive at math at this rate, and I can't exactly devote more time to it because I have too many other activities I have to do. And since I'm going into 9th grade next year, I have to start taking the AMC10 to be able to go into further math competitions like the AIME. Plus, my school system doesn't do anything related to a math team (I live in Alabama).

So I'm not sure if I should continue learning math from AoPS, because I feel like I could just devote the 12-15 hours I spend on math each week to something else that I am actually good at. The only thing that is sort of stopping me is how much I've already invested into AoPS. I've done Beast Academy, pre-algebra through int algebra. intro c&p, into geo, intro number theory, amc8 and mathcounts.

To be honest, I just don't think I'm talented or even wanting to spend like 20+ hours a week on math just to be able to qualify for these types of competitions. I know that it can be good as an extracurricular and all, but I don't know if it's worth it to grind math. Because in school I do fine, I have like 100 in math, so it's not like I need extra tutoring.

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cyberhacker

402 posts

cyberhacker

#2 h Feb 24, 2025, 1:32 AM

Y by

do you actually enjoy doing math, to start with?
if so, nothing should hold you back from improving and becoming better at it. yeah maybe u arent that good rn, but if its your passion pursue it all the way, your scores right now have no input on what you could become. let that be the only thing u see. then you will see exponential improvement and much much better scores, but only if ur passionate.

only do what you love and are passionate about.

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julll55

2765 posts

julll55

#3 h Feb 24, 2025, 1:52 AM

Y by

uhhh. I mean I don't dislike it. It's not my favorite activity to do, and like 50% it feels like a chore. but sometimes I like it. I'd rather do it than not, but I don't have the drive to succeed in it yk what I mean?

This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by julll55, Feb 24, 2025, 1:52 AM

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Jaxman8

123 posts

Jaxman8

#4 h Feb 24, 2025, 1:53 AM

Y by

julll55 wrote:

Okay so for context, I am in 8th grade and I'm bad at math, well at least on the competitive level like AMC and stuff. When I was in 7th grade I did some practice AMC8 tests and got like 15-17.

I've just been recently wondering if there is a point in me continuing AoPS. It's not like I'm ever really going to be competitive at math at this rate, and I can't exactly devote more time to it because I have too many other activities I have to do. And since I'm going into 9th grade next year, I have to start taking the AMC10 to be able to go into further math competitions like the AIME. Plus, my school system doesn't do anything related to a math team (I live in Alabama).

So I'm not sure if I should continue learning math from AoPS, because I feel like I could just devote the 12-15 hours I spend on math each week to something else that I am actually good at. The only thing that is sort of stopping me is how much I've already invested into AoPS. I've done Beast Academy, pre-algebra through int algebra. intro c&p, into geo, intro number theory, amc8 and mathcounts.

To be honest, I just don't think I'm talented or even wanting to spend like 20+ hours a week on math just to be able to qualify for these types of competitions. I know that it can be good as an extracurricular and all, but I don't know if it's worth it to grind math. Because in school I do fine, I have like 100 in math, so it's not like I need extra tutoring.

I agree with this, I often find math unmotivating because I just don't see the practical use of learning all of these formulas and useless concepts. I love doing math, but sometimes I question what I am putting all of this work in for.

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julll55

2765 posts

julll55

#5 h Feb 24, 2025, 2:04 AM

Y by

Jaxman8 wrote:

julll55 wrote:

Okay so for context, I am in 8th grade and I'm bad at math, well at least on the competitive level like AMC and stuff. When I was in 7th grade I did some practice AMC8 tests and got like 15-17.

I've just been recently wondering if there is a point in me continuing AoPS. It's not like I'm ever really going to be competitive at math at this rate, and I can't exactly devote more time to it because I have too many other activities I have to do. And since I'm going into 9th grade next year, I have to start taking the AMC10 to be able to go into further math competitions like the AIME. Plus, my school system doesn't do anything related to a math team (I live in Alabama).

So I'm not sure if I should continue learning math from AoPS, because I feel like I could just devote the 12-15 hours I spend on math each week to something else that I am actually good at. The only thing that is sort of stopping me is how much I've already invested into AoPS. I've done Beast Academy, pre-algebra through int algebra. intro c&p, into geo, intro number theory, amc8 and mathcounts.

To be honest, I just don't think I'm talented or even wanting to spend like 20+ hours a week on math just to be able to qualify for these types of competitions. I know that it can be good as an extracurricular and all, but I don't know if it's worth it to grind math. Because in school I do fine, I have like 100 in math, so it's not like I need extra tutoring.

I agree with this, I often find math unmotivating because I just don't see the practical use of learning all of these formulas and useless concepts. I love doing math, but sometimes I question what I am putting all of this work in for.

This is so real. Like I'm not planning on doing anything related to high level mathematics for my career. I guess winning competitions and stuff could be helpful for college applications? But it's improbable that I do anything of that level. It might help with higher level maths in high school like calc bc? Maybe the time I spend studying now will take away from time then but still I just don't think it's worth it.

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sadas123

1333 posts

sadas123

#6 h Feb 24, 2025, 2:09 AM

Y by

I feel the same way that I won't get a job in math but the reason I do math is the fun of it, the connections you make, the friends you make on the way is the purpose of math. I do it for the amount of relationships and the amount of new people you can meet. I do math also because I enjoy it unlike other subjects, math is an on unique subject that is the only one that you can use to think from different perpsectives. I would say that if you want to do math then do it for the fun of it. If you feel like it is boring or you are getting pushed then don't do it. I started math math competiiton jounrey since my first competition and the amount of friends and learning that I had there made myself motivated to keep on going and achieving new mile stones in the Math competition category.

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julll55

2765 posts

julll55

#7 h Feb 24, 2025, 4:46 PM

Y by

sadas123 wrote:

I feel the same way that I won't get a job in math but the reason I do math is the fun of it, the connections you make, the friends you make on the way is the purpose of math. I do it for the amount of relationships and the amount of new people you can meet. I do math also because I enjoy it unlike other subjects, math is an on unique subject that is the only one that you can use to think from different perpsectives. I would say that if you want to do math then do it for the fun of it. If you feel like it is boring or you are getting pushed then don't do it. I started math math competiiton jounrey since my first competition and the amount of friends and learning that I had there made myself motivated to keep on going and achieving new mile stones in the Math competition category.

See, none of my friends do math. My school isn’t that competitive in any academic competitions, and most of my friends are friends through extracurriculars like sports. I think I’ll just continue learning because it keeps my brain working but I don’t think I’m going to put in all of my effort. But that also feels unhealthy so idk.

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Andyluo

1015 posts

Andyluo

#8 h Feb 24, 2025, 5:27 PM

Y by

I do science Olympiad and math. Can tell you math will definitely help you

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Moon_settler

287 posts

Moon_settler

#9 h Feb 24, 2025, 6:37 PM

Y by

julll55 wrote:

sadas123 wrote:

I feel the same way that I won't get a job in math but the reason I do math is the fun of it, the connections you make, the friends you make on the way is the purpose of math. I do it for the amount of relationships and the amount of new people you can meet. I do math also because I enjoy it unlike other subjects, math is an on unique subject that is the only one that you can use to think from different perpsectives. I would say that if you want to do math then do it for the fun of it. If you feel like it is boring or you are getting pushed then don't do it. I started math math competiiton jounrey since my first competition and the amount of friends and learning that I had there made myself motivated to keep on going and achieving new mile stones in the Math competition category.

See, none of my friends do math. My school isn’t that competitive in any academic competitions, and most of my friends are friends through extracurriculars like sports. I think I’ll just continue learning because it keeps my brain working but I don’t think I’m going to put in all of my effort. But that also feels unhealthy so idk.

do you want to continue? If so, continue. If not, quit. Listen to your "heart".
When you don't want to continue it and you force yourself to do it, you end up very unhappy. (duh) :stretcher:

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anticodon

202 posts

anticodon

#10 h Feb 24, 2025, 8:54 PM • 1 Y

Y by oppylight25

Me in 6th grade: 15 in amc8 (so pretty average)

Me in 7th grade: 11 in amc8 (so really dumb)

*grinds after hearing that score*

Me in 8th grade: 20 in amc8 (well, the test was easy...but my parents expected a 25) -- 81 in amc10a

Me this year (9th): 130.5 in amc10a (that's because the test was NT-biased; MOCK), 93 in amc12a, aime

OFFICIAL amc10b = 114 which is not bad but also not exceptional (sorry about the .5 lol I was caught up in the amount of .5s I mocked in the past)

Moral of the story: anything can happen if you grind enough
(100th post!!!)

This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by anticodon, Feb 25, 2025, 4:43 PM

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sadas123

1333 posts

sadas123

#11 h Feb 24, 2025, 9:38 PM

Y by

anticodon wrote:

Me in 6th grade: 15 in amc8 (so pretty average)

Me in 7th grade: 11 in amc8 (so really dumb)

*grinds after hearing that score*

Me in 8th grade: 20 in amc8 (well, the test was easy...but my parents expected a 25) -- 81 in amc10a

Me this year (9th): 130.5 in amc10a (that's because the test was NT-biased; MOCK), 93 in amc12a, aime

OFFICIAL amc10b = 114.5 which is not bad but also not exceptional

Moral of the story: anything can happen if you grind enough
(100th post!!!)

yup just keep on trying and the feeling of winning and the achievements that you get will already make you smile

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Spacepandamath13

424 posts

Spacepandamath13

#12 h Feb 24, 2025, 10:35 PM

Y by

Math is kinda like whatever sport you're doing. If you like doing it, you will feel the urge to be better competitively but you will stop when you get tired. Recommend reading this: https://terrytao.wordpress.com/career-advice/work-hard/

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1133457

87 posts

1133457

#13 h Feb 25, 2025, 4:10 AM

Y by

like as a 6th grader i was definitely way smarter than average and was doing 9th grade or so math, and got 12 on the amc8 (horrible). this year i got 16 (avg as heck), and im aiming for dhr next year (22-23 or above). just gotta put in the work and the hours
this is coming from someone who doesnt even study math a lot
keep going, math will probably open a lot of doors in life in the future.

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SpeedCuber7

1877 posts

SpeedCuber7

#14 h Feb 25, 2025, 4:22 AM

Y by

dude 16 is good for someone your age

stop putting yourself down because you're on this website full of smarties

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elizhang101412

1291 posts

elizhang101412

#15 h Feb 25, 2025, 4:28 AM

Y by

anticodon wrote:

Me in 6th grade: 15 in amc8 (so pretty average)

Me in 7th grade: 11 in amc8 (so really dumb)

*grinds after hearing that score*

Me in 8th grade: 20 in amc8 (well, the test was easy...but my parents expected a 25) -- 81 in amc10a

Me this year (9th): 130.5 in amc10a (that's because the test was NT-biased; MOCK), 93 in amc12a, aime

OFFICIAL amc10b = 114.5 which is not bad but also not exceptional

Moral of the story: anything can happen if you grind enough
(100th post!!!)

114.5 totally possible score

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martianrunner

212 posts

martianrunner

#42 h Apr 17, 2025, 12:24 AM

Y by

K1mchi_ wrote:

martianrunner wrote:

K1mchi_ wrote:

very very bad but for math nerds abt average then again all my friends get 7 minute miles and grind AOPS too

sports and success at olympiads go hand in hand

sports boost the mind

cap cap cap i get 9 min miles and but i can cook scioly

i mean you don't have to be good at the sport - it's mainly just getting your heartbeat up consistently (every day) for a prolonged time

for example, a 30 minute jog every day is enough for that boost, or practicing some other sport like basketball or soccer for a similar amount of time

also, i meant sports helps you learn faster, key word faster, so it obviously wouldn't be necessary in success, but it really helps.

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K1mchi_

155 posts

K1mchi_

#43 h Apr 17, 2025, 12:28 AM

Y by

martianrunner wrote:

K1mchi_ wrote:

martianrunner wrote:

sports and success at olympiads go hand in hand

sports boost the mind

cap cap cap i get 9 min miles and but i can cook scioly

i mean you don't have to be good at the sport - it's mainly just getting your heartbeat up consistently (every day) for a prolonged time

for example, a 30 minute jog every day is enough for that boost, or practicing some other sport like basketball or soccer for a similar amount of time

also, i meant sports helps you learn faster, key word faster, so it obviously wouldn't be necessary in success, but it really helps.

Keyword it obviously wouldn’t be necessary

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martianrunner

212 posts

martianrunner

#44 h Apr 17, 2025, 12:43 AM

Y by

what...?

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BAM10

127 posts

BAM10

#45 h Apr 17, 2025, 12:49 AM

Y by

martianrunner wrote:

bro's only sport is xc. he's kinda crazy at it, he drops an 11 min mile every meet

is an 11 minute mile good?[/quote]

I ran a sub 6 min mile

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MathPerson12321

3802 posts

MathPerson12321

#47 h Apr 17, 2025, 1:17 AM

Y by

BAM10 wrote:

martianrunner wrote:

bro's only sport is xc. he's kinda crazy at it, he drops an 11 min mile every meet

is an 11 minute mile good?

I ran a sub 6 min mile[/quote]

thats insane if ur not lying

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awesometriangles

360 posts

awesometriangles

#48 h Apr 17, 2025, 1:21 AM

Y by

MathPerson12321 wrote:

BAM10 wrote:

martianrunner wrote:

bro's only sport is xc. he's kinda crazy at it, he drops an 11 min mile every meet

is an 11 minute mile good?

I ran a sub 6 min mile

thats insane if ur not lying[/quote]

i mean, i know a lot of ppl who run 6 min miles

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valisaxieamc

506 posts

valisaxieamc

#49 h Apr 17, 2025, 2:32 AM

Y by

fastest mile I can get is 7:30 ish but I know some people who run insanely fast

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churumbel

370 posts

churumbel

#50 h Apr 17, 2025, 1:53 PM

Y by

Listen, AoPS is an excellent foundation for all those hard tests coming your way. It is very good that you've invested lots of time and money into it. Now, the answer to your doubt may as well lie in your interest for math. I'm in Pre-algebra, and I love it. These AoPS courses have helped me a lot, and, AoPS have also been a big prority every week for me. But I say you should continue. But again, Its your desicion

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K1mchi_

155 posts

K1mchi_

#51 h Apr 17, 2025, 1:56 PM

Y by

churumbel wrote:

Listen, AoPS is an excellent foundation for all those hard tests coming your way. It is very good that you've invested lots of time and money into it. Now, the answer to your doubt may as well lie in your interest for math. I'm in Pre-algebra, and I love it. These AoPS courses have helped me a lot, and, AoPS have also been a big prority every week for me. But I say you should continue. But again, Its your desicion

what grade r u

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Indianmathenthusiast1234

8 posts

Indianmathenthusiast1234

#52 h Apr 17, 2025, 4:25 PM

Y by

okay just a suggestion
im in 8th too FYI
See when i started doing olympiad maths i got not one, not two, but EVERY question wrong
I kept going
Im better now
I can atleast attempt in the right direction to doing olympiad problems
The AMCs are meant to challenge even the most brilliant students of our age, so odnt be discouraged.
continue if you want to pursue mathematics

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churumbel

370 posts

churumbel

#53 h Apr 17, 2025, 6:24 PM

Y by

K1mchi_ wrote:

churumbel wrote:

Listen, AoPS is an excellent foundation for all those hard tests coming your way. It is very good that you've invested lots of time and money into it. Now, the answer to your doubt may as well lie in your interest for math. I'm in Pre-algebra, and I love it. These AoPS courses have helped me a lot, and, AoPS have also been a big prority every week for me. But I say you should continue. But again, Its your desicion

what grade r u

4th

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jlcong

375 posts

jlcong

#54 h Apr 17, 2025, 6:41 PM

Y by

MathPerson12321 wrote:

BAM10 wrote:

martianrunner wrote:

bro's only sport is xc. he's kinda crazy at it, he drops an 11 min mile every meet

is an 11 minute mile good?

I ran a sub 6 min mile

thats insane if ur not lying[/quote]

I know a dude who can run a sub 5 minute mile consistently at 14 and not tall. 5’3

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K1mchi_

155 posts

K1mchi_

#55 h Apr 17, 2025, 6:45 PM

Y by

jlcong wrote:

MathPerson12321 wrote:

BAM10 wrote:

is an 11 minute mile good?

I ran a sub 6 min mile

thats insane if ur not lying

I know a dude who can run a sub 5 minute mile consistently at 14 and not tall. 5’3[/quote]

wait who

Trinidad?

This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by K1mchi_, Apr 17, 2025, 6:46 PM

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nsd08

1796 posts

nsd08

#56 h Apr 17, 2025, 6:54 PM • 2 Y

Y by Exponent11, Chonkachu

You're fine

I got 18 on the AMC 8 in 6th grade -- a bit higher than you, but not a lot higher. I never qualified for the AIME or anything like that. I'm now going to a T25 school to major in Applied Math

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ab456

223 posts

ab456

#57 h Apr 17, 2025, 7:24 PM

Y by

nsd08 wrote:

You're fine

I got 18 on the AMC 8 in 6th grade -- a bit higher than you, but not a lot higher. I never qualified for the AIME or anything like that. I'm now going to a T25 school to major in Applied Math

Yeah I never made AIME and am still at UCSD majoring in Math-CS, so for college, there are plenty of ways to do well besides competition math.

There's nothing wrong with not doing well in competition math or not participating in competition math; there are plenty of (imo, more effective) things to do in high school

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