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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

Are you interested in working towards MATHCOUNTS and don’t know where to start? We have you covered! If you have taken Prealgebra, then you are ready for MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics. Already aiming for State or National MATHCOUNTS and harder AMC 8 problems? Then our MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced course is for you.

Summer camps are starting next month at the Virtual Campus in math and language arts that are 2 - to 4 - weeks in duration. Spaces are still available - don’t miss your chance to have an enriching summer experience. There are middle and high school competition math camps as well as Math Beasts camps that review key topics coupled with fun explorations covering areas such as graph theory (Math Beasts Camp 6), cryptography (Math Beasts Camp 7-8), and topology (Math Beasts Camp 8-9)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
[list][*]May 9th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, Casework 2: Overwhelming Evidence — A Text Adventure, a game where participants will work together to navigate the map, solve puzzles, and win! All are welcome.
[*]May 19th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, What's Next After Beast Academy?, designed for students finishing Beast Academy and ready for Prealgebra 1.
[*]May 20th, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 1 Math Jam, Problems 1 to 4, join the Canada/USA Mathcamp staff for this exciting Math Jam, where they discuss solutions to Problems 1 to 4 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz!
[*]May 21st, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 2 Math Jam, Problems 5 and 6, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will discuss solutions to Problems 5 and 6 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz![/list]
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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
camp/class recommendations for incoming freshman
walterboro   1
N 30 minutes ago by RainbowSquirrel53B
hi guys, i'm about to be an incoming freshman, does anyone have recommendations for classes to take next year and camps this summer? i am sure that i can aime qual but not jmo qual yet. ty
1 reply
walterboro
2 hours ago
RainbowSquirrel53B
30 minutes ago
Jane street swag package? USA(J)MO
arfekete   18
N 3 hours ago by Pengu14
Hey! People are starting to get their swag packages from Jane Street for qualifying for USA(J)MO, and after some initial discussion on what we got, people are getting different things. Out of curiosity, I was wondering how they decide who gets what.
Please enter the following info:

- USAMO or USAJMO
- Grade
- Score
- Award/Medal/HM
- MOP (yes or no, if yes then color)
- List of items you got in your package

I will reply with my info as an example.
18 replies
arfekete
May 7, 2025
Pengu14
3 hours ago
9 JMO<200?
DreamineYT   1
N 4 hours ago by Shan3t
Just wanted to ask
1 reply
DreamineYT
4 hours ago
Shan3t
4 hours ago
9 ARML Location
deduck   42
N 4 hours ago by llddmmtt1
UNR -> Nevada
St Anselm -> New Hampshire
PSU -> Pennsylvania
WCU -> North Carolina


Put your USERNAME in the list ONLY IF YOU WANT TO!!!! !!!!!

I'm going to UNR if anyone wants to meetup!!! :D

Current List:
Iowa
UNR
PSU
St Anselm
WCU
42 replies
deduck
May 6, 2025
llddmmtt1
4 hours ago
No more topics!
How to get good at comp math
fossasor   28
N May 1, 2025 by Konigsberg
I'm a rising ninth grader who wasn't in the school math league this year, and basically put aside comp math for a year. Unfortunately, that means that now that I'm in high school and having the epiphany about how important comp math actually is, and how much it would help my chances of getting involved in other math-related programs. In addition, I do enjoy math in general, and suspect that things like the AMCs are probably going to be some of the best practice I can get. What this all means is that I'm trying to go from mediocre to orz, 2 years after I probably should have started if I wanted to be any good.

So my question is: how do I get good at comp math?

This year, my scores on AMC 10 (and these are the highest I've ever gotten) were a 73.5 and an 82.5 (AMC 8 was 21/25, but that doesn't matter much). This is not good enough to qualify for AIME, and I probably need to raise my performance on each by at least 10 points. I've been decently good in the past at Number Theory, but I need to work on Geo and Combinatorics, and I'm trying to find the best resources to do that. My biggest flaw is probably not knowing many algorithms like Stars and Bars, and the path is clear here (learn them) but I'm still not sure which ones I need to know.

I'm aware that some of this advice is going to be something like "Practice 5 hours a day and start hardgrinding" or something along those lines. Unfortunately, I have other extracurriculars I need to balance, and for me, time is a limiting resource. My parents are somewhat frowning upon me doing a lot of comp math, which limits my time as well. I have neither the time nor motivation to do more than an hour a day, and in practice, I don't think I can be doing that consistently. As such, I would need to make that time count.

I know this is a very general question, and that aops is chock-full of detailed advice for math competitions. However, I'd appreciate it if anyone here could help me out, or show me the best resources I should use to get started. What mocks are any good, or what textbooks should I use? Where do I get the best practice with the shortest time? Is there some place I can find a list of useful formulas that have appeared in math comps before?

All advice is welcome!

28 replies
fossasor
Apr 10, 2025
Konigsberg
May 1, 2025
How to get good at comp math
G H J
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fossasor
603 posts
#1 • 6 Y
Y by LostInBali, Pengu14, aidan0626, Alex-131, Aaron_Q, pi-ay
I'm a rising ninth grader who wasn't in the school math league this year, and basically put aside comp math for a year. Unfortunately, that means that now that I'm in high school and having the epiphany about how important comp math actually is, and how much it would help my chances of getting involved in other math-related programs. In addition, I do enjoy math in general, and suspect that things like the AMCs are probably going to be some of the best practice I can get. What this all means is that I'm trying to go from mediocre to orz, 2 years after I probably should have started if I wanted to be any good.

So my question is: how do I get good at comp math?

This year, my scores on AMC 10 (and these are the highest I've ever gotten) were a 73.5 and an 82.5 (AMC 8 was 21/25, but that doesn't matter much). This is not good enough to qualify for AIME, and I probably need to raise my performance on each by at least 10 points. I've been decently good in the past at Number Theory, but I need to work on Geo and Combinatorics, and I'm trying to find the best resources to do that. My biggest flaw is probably not knowing many algorithms like Stars and Bars, and the path is clear here (learn them) but I'm still not sure which ones I need to know.

I'm aware that some of this advice is going to be something like "Practice 5 hours a day and start hardgrinding" or something along those lines. Unfortunately, I have other extracurriculars I need to balance, and for me, time is a limiting resource. My parents are somewhat frowning upon me doing a lot of comp math, which limits my time as well. I have neither the time nor motivation to do more than an hour a day, and in practice, I don't think I can be doing that consistently. As such, I would need to make that time count.

I know this is a very general question, and that aops is chock-full of detailed advice for math competitions. However, I'd appreciate it if anyone here could help me out, or show me the best resources I should use to get started. What mocks are any good, or what textbooks should I use? Where do I get the best practice with the shortest time? Is there some place I can find a list of useful formulas that have appeared in math comps before?

All advice is welcome!
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mathkidAP
54 posts
#2
Y by
as a person who is in effectively the exact same situation, i will grind mathdash when i can and finish vol 1 and the intro series. that probably could work for u but try to find a balance.
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Andyluo
962 posts
#3
Y by
I was in a similar situation to you in 7th grade, though probably a lot more time. (I went from 81-135 or 46.5 to 135 since it sounds more impressive)

Take advantage of the summer, Mathdash is good (or even premium) and could be very helpful, especially since it helps you learn many simple "tricks".

Alcumus and the AOPS library are also useful for many small tricks and rigorous practicing on the AOPS mock contest forum.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c594864t179f594864h3441744_77_amc_10_41_amc_12_and_other_mocks_compiled_in_google_drive_folder (GOLDMINE)
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programjames1
3046 posts
#4
Y by
Yufei Zhao (the MIT professor that runs their Putnam seminar) has some book recommendations here:
Yufei Zhao wrote:
Book recommendations
Here are some of my book recommendations for preparing for math competitions, in roughly increasing levels of difficulty.

Introductory
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: the Basics
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2: and Beyond
  • Zeitz, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Advanced
  • Engel, Problem Solving Strategies
  • Andreescu and Enescu, Mathematical Olympiad Treasures
  • Andreescu and Gelca, Mathematical Olympiad Challenges
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Problems from the Book
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Straight from the Book
  • Djukić et al., The IMO Compendium (complete collection of IMO shortlist problems)

I would also recommend Andreescu and Gelca, Putnam and Beyond.
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fossasor
603 posts
#5
Y by
Thank you for the advice! I've just made a mathdash account, I'm gonna get started with that.
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fossasor
603 posts
#6
Y by
programjames1 wrote:
Yufei Zhao (the MIT professor that runs their Putnam seminar) has some book recommendations here:
Yufei Zhao wrote:
Book recommendations
Here are some of my book recommendations for preparing for math competitions, in roughly increasing levels of difficulty.

Introductory
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: the Basics
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2: and Beyond
  • Zeitz, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Advanced
  • Engel, Problem Solving Strategies
  • Andreescu and Enescu, Mathematical Olympiad Treasures
  • Andreescu and Gelca, Mathematical Olympiad Challenges
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Problems from the Book
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Straight from the Book
  • Djukić et al., The IMO Compendium (complete collection of IMO shortlist problems)

I would also recommend Andreescu and Gelca, Putnam and Beyond.

This looks useful. Right now, my immediate goal is making AIME: which ones would you say would be best to use for that?
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Pengu14
613 posts
#7
Y by
fossasor wrote:
programjames1 wrote:
Yufei Zhao (the MIT professor that runs their Putnam seminar) has some book recommendations here:
Yufei Zhao wrote:
Book recommendations
Here are some of my book recommendations for preparing for math competitions, in roughly increasing levels of difficulty.

Introductory
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: the Basics
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2: and Beyond
  • Zeitz, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Advanced
  • Engel, Problem Solving Strategies
  • Andreescu and Enescu, Mathematical Olympiad Treasures
  • Andreescu and Gelca, Mathematical Olympiad Challenges
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Problems from the Book
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Straight from the Book
  • Djukić et al., The IMO Compendium (complete collection of IMO shortlist problems)

I would also recommend Andreescu and Gelca, Putnam and Beyond.

This looks useful. Right now, my immediate goal is making AIME: which ones would you say would be best to use for that?

Volume 1 along with a ton of past tests and mocks should suffice.
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wittyellie
266 posts
#8
Y by
heeeyyyy im at the same situation here :blush:
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fossasor
603 posts
#9
Y by
wittyellie wrote:
heeeyyyy im at the same situation here :blush:

apparently this is more common than I thought lol

Currently working on some Mock AMC10s (untimed since it's late at night for me and I need to go to bed soon)

Thank you to everyone for your advice!
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Inaaya
358 posts
#10
Y by
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10
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fossasor
603 posts
#11
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

we should start a club lol
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NoSignOfTheta
1740 posts
#12
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

You... didn't qualify for the AMC 10?
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by NoSignOfTheta, Apr 10, 2025, 1:34 PM
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Inaaya
358 posts
#13
Y by
NoSignOfTheta wrote:
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

You... didn't qualify for the AMC 10?

yeah you can put it that way
we cannot take the amc 10 at our middle school so we contacted another testing center which flat out said that i needed to take extracurricular classes there to even be able to register
also my dad just straight up said im too stupid lol
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Runner1600
12 posts
#14
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
NoSignOfTheta wrote:
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

You... didn't qualify for the AMC 10?

yeah you can put it that way
we cannot take the amc 10 at our middle school so we contacted another testing center which flat out said that i needed to take extracurricular classes there to even be able to register
also my dad just straight up said im too stupid lol


I'm pretty sure that the high school in your district will offer the AMC 10 or 12. Or even a university near you, that is what I did.
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Inaaya
358 posts
#15
Y by
Runner1600 wrote:
I'm pretty sure that the high school in your district will offer the AMC 10 or 12. Or even a university near you, that is what I did.
No, my high school wouldn't let me take it there unless i was a student at the high school
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Pengu14
613 posts
#16
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

This was me two years ago
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pingpongmerrily
3635 posts
#17
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
Runner1600 wrote:
I'm pretty sure that the high school in your district will offer the AMC 10 or 12. Or even a university near you, that is what I did.
No, my high school wouldn't let me take it there unless i was a student at the high school

if you're near an RSM you could try taking it there
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Runner1600
12 posts
#19
Y by
Inaaya wrote:
Runner1600 wrote:
I'm pretty sure that the high school in your district will offer the AMC 10 or 12. Or even a university near you, that is what I did.
No, my high school wouldn't let me take it there unless i was a student at the high school

Or you can take it at UCLA
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Inaaya
358 posts
#20
Y by
pingpongmerrily wrote:
Inaaya wrote:
Runner1600 wrote:
I'm pretty sure that the high school in your district will offer the AMC 10 or 12. Or even a university near you, that is what I did.
No, my high school wouldn't let me take it there unless i was a student at the high school

if you're near an RSM you could try taking it there

theres a weird rundown building called ICAE where apparently all the smart kids in MI take classes and comps and stuff, but i think you need a membership to even participate in anything there
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gamerlegend
2 posts
#21
Y by
solve more problem!
Z K Y
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mathkidAP
54 posts
#22
Y by
fossasor wrote:
Inaaya wrote:
BRO IM IN THE SAME SITUATION EXCEPT I GOT 16 ON THE AMC 8 AND WAS TOO DUMB TO BE ALLOWED TO TAKE AMC 10

we should start a club lol
call it the mediocre mid middle schoolers or smth
Z K Y
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N3bula
271 posts
#23
Y by
programjames1 wrote:
Yufei Zhao (the MIT professor that runs their Putnam seminar) has some book recommendations here:
Yufei Zhao wrote:
Book recommendations
Here are some of my book recommendations for preparing for math competitions, in roughly increasing levels of difficulty.

Introductory
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: the Basics
  • Lehoczky and Rusczyk, The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2: and Beyond
  • Zeitz, The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Advanced
  • Engel, Problem Solving Strategies
  • Andreescu and Enescu, Mathematical Olympiad Treasures
  • Andreescu and Gelca, Mathematical Olympiad Challenges
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Problems from the Book
  • Andreescu and Dospinescu, Straight from the Book
  • Djukić et al., The IMO Compendium (complete collection of IMO shortlist problems)

I would also recommend Andreescu and Gelca, Putnam and Beyond.
Although these are good books they are all proof based, too hard and overall pointless at this stage
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akliu
1800 posts
#24
Y by
For qualifying for AIME specifically, I recommend looking at the Mock AMC page on the AoPSwiki and using the tests there for practice. Yes, these tests will probably vary a ton in difficulty and include some low quality problems, but I generally found them helpful for timing and improving my performance as a whole. I used past years' AMC tests sparingly; they're the actual stuff and you can only really mock a test once.
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fossasor
603 posts
#25
Y by
Now actively using my mathdash account.

Did an AMC10 and got all 5 problems right, but those are generally a bad indicator, so I'm going to start taking so bigger mocks later this week.
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Cha0s
2 posts
#26
Y by
goodluck man, im in a similar boat
my amc 8 scores was 14 and 15 and my amc 10 score was like. 50
however both were on a whim, meaning i 1. didnt study and 2. had no idea what to expect
going into my sophomore year I am trying to grind super hard to catch up haha, flipping through the textbooks rn and taking notes + mathdash + mocks, basically doing what y'all are doing :)
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fossasor
603 posts
#27
Y by
Oh my raspberries I just checked and I had somehow misremembered my scores.

82.5 wasn't my AMC10A score, it was my AMC10B score.
Likewise, 92.5 wasn't my AMC10B score, it was the cutoff for the 10A, except misremembered by me as lower than it actually was.
Just mocked a 75 on the AMC10A, so that means I'm going to need to gain like 24 points, not 15.

Grinding time :|
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BS2012
1037 posts
#28
Y by
Its possible to do a lot in comp math in 2 yrs and with enough prep you could make jmo

For starters you should read volume 1/introduction books for some basic theory, and then do problems. This is the most important step since it allows you to practice the problem solving skills needed for AMC final 10 problems and allows you to pick up some more theory while reading solutions. This will probably be the main way you learn more theory beyond the intro books.
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gavinhaominwang
92 posts
#29
Y by
How do I go from aime to jmo/amo (computational to prove)?
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Konigsberg
2225 posts
#31
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To the OP: Not to recommend my self-written guide too often, but I think it's a good reference in respond to both generic and more specific queries: https://tinyurl.com/ContestGuideIntlGDrive.

A score of in the 70-80s on the AMC10 would probably be A1/A2-junior level.
Cha0s wrote:
goodluck man, im in a similar boat
my amc 8 scores was 14 and 15 and my amc 10 score was like. 50
however both were on a whim, meaning i 1. didnt study and 2. had no idea what to expect
going into my sophomore year I am trying to grind super hard to catch up haha, flipping through the textbooks rn and taking notes + mathdash + mocks, basically doing what y'all are doing :)

This is CL-A1 level, might be best to first ensure that you master school curriculum math.
gavinhaominwang wrote:
How do I go from aime to jmo/amo (computational to prove)?

See resources in the C1-C2 level, which is the borderline of computational and proof contests.
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