Tips to Prepare for a Math Competition (and Actually Crush It)

Let’s be real-math competitions can feel intimidating. Fast-paced questions, brainy peers, timer ticking down… yeah, it’s a lot. But here’s the deal: you can totally slay a math competition with the right strategy, mindset, and a sprinkle of determination. Whether you’re gearing up for your first online math competition or aiming to snag a top spot globally, there’s a game plan for everyone.

So grab your favorite notebook, open your math app, and maybe sip some coffee or bubble tea-we’re about to drop some seriously helpful (and realistic) tips to prepare for a math competition.

1. Know the Format, Like Really Know It

Before diving into practice problems, take a minute to understand the structure of the competition you're signing up for. Is it multiple choice? Short answer? Proof-based? Timed or untimed?

If it's an online math competition, knowing how the platform works is just as important. Are you typing answers? Clicking bubbles? Uploading scanned solutions? The last thing you want is to get tripped up by a technical glitch or format confusion mid-test.

Pro tip: Find past papers, rules, or tutorials on the competition site. Many online competitions also offer sample rounds or practice portals. Use them.

2. Start with the Basics (Don’t Skip This)

It’s tempting to jump straight into complex Olympiad problems, but trust us-your fundamentals need to be rock solid first. Topics like:

• Arithmetic

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Number theory

• Probability

• Combinatorics

These are your ride-or-die areas. If you can’t manipulate basic algebra confidently, solving a complex functional equation will feel like decoding alien math.

Make sure you:

• Understand why formulas work, not just how to use them

• Can do quick mental calculations (helps with speed!)

• Recognize problem types and common patterns

Online math competitions often mix basic and advanced problems, so don’t sleep on the easy stuff-it’s fast points.

3. Practice Smart, Not Just Hard

There’s a difference between doing 100 problems and doing 30 problems right. Efficiency matters, especially when balancing school and prep.

Here’s how to practice smart:

• Focus on quality problems: Use past competition problems or trusted sources like Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Brilliant.org, or official olympiad archives.

• Time yourself: Simulate test conditions regularly.

• Review mistakes deeply: Understand why you got something wrong-was it a careless error, a concept gap, or just a misread?

Create a “mistake journal” (yes, seriously). Write down every error you make and revisit it later. You’ll start spotting patterns in your weak areas.

4. Break Down Big Topics

Let’s take geometry, for example. It’s not one single skill-it’s a collection of ideas like:

• Triangle congruency

• Circle theorems

• Coordinate geometry

• Transformations

Same goes for algebra: inequalities, functions, polynomials, etc.

Break each big topic into mini sections. Set weekly goals like “master cyclic quadrilaterals” or “review functional equations.” This avoids burnout and gives your prep structure.

Use sticky notes, flashcards, or even a Notion board if you're feeling organized and aesthetic.

5. Join a Community (Math is Better Together)

Studying for an online math competition doesn’t mean you’re on your own in the void. There are TONS of online communities filled with students just like you.

Places to check out:

• AoPS Forums

• Reddit’s r/math or r/learnmath

• Discord servers for competition math

• Instagram or TikTok accounts that post math challenges

Ask questions, share solutions, or just lurk and learn. Being part of a math tribe helps you stay motivated, get support, and pick up new problem-solving perspectives.

6. Get Used to the Online Vibe

Let’s talk about online math competitions specifically. Competing online has its own unique flavor. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Internet connection: Make sure it’s stable. Use a wired connection if possible.

• Device setup: Clear your desktop, close extra tabs, and get familiar with the platform interface.

• Typing math: Practice writing equations digitally or using LaTeX if required.

• Timing tools: Use on-screen timers or alarms to keep yourself on pace.

Pro tip: Practice mock contests in the same setup you’ll be using on the day of the actual competition. That way, nothing feels unfamiliar.

7. Mix Easy, Medium, and Hard Problems

Balance is key. Spending all your time on insanely tough problems can be demotivating. But only doing easy ones won’t push your limits either.

Here’s a basic mix:

• 40% solid practice in your current comfort zone (build fluency)

• 40% stretching just beyond your level (grow skills)

• 20% elite problems that challenge you big time (long-term mastery)

This structure ensures steady progress while keeping things exciting.

8. Master Time Management

In many competitions, time is your biggest enemy. Learn how to manage it like a pro:

• Skim through the full paper first: Spot easy wins to tackle quickly

• Don’t get stuck: If you’re grinding on one problem too long, move on and come back later

• Estimate time per question: For example, if you’ve got 60 minutes and 20 questions, aim for 3 minutes each-but adjust depending on difficulty

Train your brain to work in short sprints. Pomodoro techniques (25 min focused, 5 min break) are helpful during long study sessions.

9. Stay Mentally Fresh (Yes, It Matters)

No one does their best work when they’re running on 3 hours of sleep, 5 cups of coffee, and existential dread. Your brain needs rest, movement, and snacks.

• Sleep well: Aim for 7–9 hours. Memory and focus depend on it.

• Eat brain food: Think fruits, nuts, yogurt-not just energy drinks and instant noodles.

• Move your body: Go for a walk, stretch, do a quick YouTube workout.

Especially before the day of your online math competition, prioritize physical and mental prep just as much as academic prep.

10. Review and Reflect Post-Competition

The learning doesn’t stop when the timer ends. After your competition:

• Go over the problems again-especially the ones you missed

• Watch or read official solutions if available

• Ask yourself: What did I learn? What would I do differently next time?

Use that insight to build your plan for the next round. The best competitors aren’t necessarily the smartest-they’re the ones who learn and adapt the most.

11. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Results

Winning is great, but math competitions are a long game. Maybe you don’t win your first online math competition. Maybe you freeze. Maybe you misread half the questions. It happens to everyone.

What matters more is this: Did you learn? Did you try something new? Did you improve?

Celebrate those wins. Screenshot that better score. Flex that one question you nailed. It’s all part of the glow-up.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Math competitions-especially online math competitions-aren’t just about who’s the fastest calculator in the room. They’re about strategy, growth, curiosity, and pushing your limits.

With the right prep, anyone can thrive. You don’t need to be a math genius or a child prodigy. You just need to show up consistently, be curious, and trust the process.

So go ahead-sign up, study smart, and bring your best self to the competition. No matter the result, you’re already leveling up your brain in a seriously cool way.

Now, go slay that online math competition.