Hello,
I recently discovered the USAAAO and was planning to participate in it in 2016. I have experience with other olympiads like the USACO, USAPHO, and USAMO; however, as this seems to be one of the newer olympiads, there isn’t much online on how to prepare for it. I was wondering if anyone on this forum had any experience, general tips, resources, etc. on how to prepare for this exam.
Thank You!
I have absolutely no idea, but the same question. I plan on competing in about 2 years, when my math and physics skills aren’t terrible. I think that MOOCs may be a good plan.
I guess I’ll start with the old examinations on their website. I have a couple of astronomy textbooks that I got for a Cosmology course I took recently. Besides that, yeah maybe some edX courses will be helpful.
They base the test off the IOAA syllabus as far as I know: http://www.ioaa2014.ro/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IOAA-Syllabus.pdf
I’m using a general astronomy textbook and studying things on the syllabus.
Hey, I’m interested in taking this test as well (took a CTY course on astrophysics, which ought to help 
)
Does anyone know roughly how difficult it is to make NAO? And then (obviously way, way harder but) would it be possible to make the camp with only 3 months of prep (now until the national exam?) They said they’re taking the top 15-20 students.
What I’m basically doing is studying the released First Round 2015 Test. For each question, I study the actual topic it’s associated with. Some of this can be kinda hard tbh, but it’s been manageable so far. It helps that I actually like astronomy. I wish I had a textbook, but sadly I can’t afford one.
If you pass the First Round Test, does that mean you’re a national qualifier? Like do you go from national qualifier from passing the first round test to international qualifier if you pass the second round test?
The top 50% from the first round advance to the national exam, and the top 15-20 people from the NAO will go to the camp in the summer (it appears that this is the first time USA is hosting a camp,) and from there 5 people are selected to represent USA in the IOAA.
I’m also thinking about doing SSP this summer, if I get in. I hope they keep the start/end dates of SSP in mind when scheduling the study camp.
bump Anyone else taking the first round next week?
where online do you take the first round?
I just googled “USAAAO” and went to the first page. ? ¯_( ˘͡ ˘̯)_/¯
I don’t feel prepared lol
Did anyone take the exam yet?
I just wanted to know how you guys fee after taking the exam.
Ok huge clarification question: are they taking the TOP 50% OF COMPETITORS, or those who get AT LEAST 50% ON THE EXAM?
The website said: "The competitors who score within the top 50% will go on to the next round " and I thought they meant top 50% of competitors but the emails said: “You must achieve a score of at least 50 percent (17 correct questions) to advance to the next round” and this sounds more like scoring at least 50% on the test. Please tell me it’s the 2nd
Bump, and also has anyone taken it?
Anyone? I’m taking it soon
No I can’t do math lol