The Math Olympiad is more than just a competition. It's a journey of deep thinking, creative problem solving, and mathematical beauty. Whether you're preparing for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) or a national-level contest like USAMO, INMO, or RMO, this guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for Math Olympiad in 2025—step by step.
In this post, we'll go through from daily practice routines to powerful AI tools like Study Friend.
How to Prepare for the Math Olympiad
Steps to Prepare:
- Learn the Olympiad structure
- Master core math concepts
- Practice daily with past papers
- Use tools like flashcards and AI helpers
- Build a weekly study routine
- Train your mindset
Step 1: Understand the Structure and Levels
Before you begin the preparation, know what you're aiming for. Each country has its own stages. Here's a general path:
- School/Regional Level (Pre-Olympiad)
- National Olympiad (e.g., INMO, USAMO, UKMT)
- International Olympiad (IMO)
Common topics covered in these stages:
- Number Theory
- Geometry
- Combinatorics
- Algebra
- Functional Equations
- Inequalities
Step 2: Build Strong Foundations
You cannot master Olympiad problems without a deep understanding of school-level math (but beyond the surface). Focus on:
- Proof-writing: Learn how to write clear, logical solutions.
- Theory > Tricks: Olympiads test concepts, not formulas.
We recommend you some books on problem-solving:
- The Art of Problem Solving series (AoPS)
- Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics
- Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel
Remember that these books are for developing problem solving strategies, ultimately you have to practice fundamentals of math concepts. You can also use Study Friend to generate flashcards to review key theorems quickly.
Step 3: Solve Past Olympiad Problems (Daily)
This is one of the most important steps. Solve previous years olympiad problems, this will not only help grasp the concepts as well as this will make you think as an examiner. Practicing this daily will increase your chances of winning.
Start with:
- IMO Shortlist Problems
- National Olympiad Past Papers (INMO, USAMO, RMO, etc.)
- AoPS Community Problems
Use the Active Recall Technique. This is one of most effective technique:
- Try a problem
- Don't look at the solution
- Write down your attempt, even if it fails
- Reflect, retry, then check solution
Step 4: Follow a Weekly Practice Schedule
A consistent weekly rhythm helps you build muscle memory for thinking.
Sample Schedule:
| Day | Topic | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Algebra | 3 problems + 1 proof |
| Tue | Number Theory | 2 problems + review |
| Wed | Geometry | 2 theorems + 2 problems |
| Thu | Combinatorics | 3 creative problems |
| Fri | Mixed Mock Test | 3-hour timed test |
| Sat | Reflection + Flashcards | Make notes/mindmaps |
| Sun | Revision + Rest | Review mistakes, rest your brain |
Step 5: Use Tools and Resources That Give You an Edge
In 2025, smart learners use smart tools. Here are a few highly Recommended resources:
For Problem-Solving Practice
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- Go-to platform for serious Olympiad aspirants
- Practice problems, mock tests, discussion forums
- Books: AoPS series (Prealgebra to Olympiad-level)
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- Contains all past IMO problems and solutions
- Great for analyzing the style and level of international questions
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- Conceptual problem-solving courses
- Especially useful for visual learners and conceptual clarity
For Past Papers & Archives
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- Complete archive of past Olympiad problems (IMO, USAMO, etc.)
- Theory articles, problem classifications, and solutions
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- For INMO, RMO, PRMO aspirants
- Past year papers and selection process explained
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- United Kingdom Mathematics Trust
- Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Maths Challenges
YouTube Channels
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- Creative problem-solving, mostly calculus but teaches you to “think differently”
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- Not directly Olympiad training, but amazing for building mathematical intuition and curiosity
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- Math puzzles, logic challenges, and clever Olympiad-type problems
AI Tools
- Flashcard & mindmap generator for Olympiad topics
- AI-powered topic summaries and practice support
- ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini (used wisely)
- Ask for step-by-step solutions, strategy advice, or problem generation
Olympiad preparation best apps and sites - Check out our detailed guide on the best apps and websites for Olympiad preparation.
Step 6: Train Your Mindset (As Important as Math)
Many students quit halfway because Olympiad problems are hard. But with the right mindset, you'll grow stronger.
- Embrace failure as learning
- Take breaks and reflect
- Join study groups or forums (e.g., AoPS, Reddit)
🧘 Tip: 15 minutes of daily meditation or deep breathing can improve focus drastically.
Bonus: Create a Personal Problem Bank
After solving each problem:
- Rate it: Easy / Medium / Hard
- Note key ideas or tricks used
- Tag the topic (e.g., NT, Geo, FE)
- Store it in Study Friend for revision
Over time, this becomes your goldmine of insights.
Final Thoughts
The Math Olympiad isn't just about solving problems—it's about becoming a deeper thinker, a better learner, and someone who enjoys the beauty of math.
📢 Want to prepare smarter?
👉 Many students find tools like Study Friend helpful for organizing practice and generating custom flashcards.
Create mind maps, quiz yourself with flashcards, and search Olympiad-level concepts—all in one place.