Quick question on math and science olympiads

Applying to College
1

Good evening everybody

I just have a simple question…which looks more impressive? Qualifying for USABO, USNCO, USAMJO/USAMO, and USPHO, or making it as a finalist in just one of those tests? I love all those subjects, but I definitely don’t have enough time to study to have a chance at becoming a finalist in all of those categories. The thing is, I don’t want to take a chance and just focus on one olympiad for the rest of my high school career and end up not making it past just qualifying for it when I could have studied for all 4 and qualified for all of them.

2

I’d probably say USAMO, because it is really difficult to qualify with so many people taking the test, but qualifying for any one of these competitions will help demonstrate extensive interest and achievement in the subject.

3

A finalist in ANY of them is extremely impressive. I’d say USAMO is the most impressive, but it probably also takes the most work.

4

I’d say pick whichever one is most closely related with your intended major.