<p>Does anyone have experience in USACO Monthly competitions? It sounds fun, I just don't know if it will be insanely challenging, or what it is like to compete at all really.</p>
<p>Edit: Also, what level of skill do you need to possess at writing algorithm code to do well (like top 10-20)? I can't seem to find all that much information on it with a Google search, but perhaps I'm not typing the right keywords...</p>
<p>Well, this is a bit late but getting started is as easy as making an account, if you haven’t done so already. The final round is going on right now, so you’ll have to hurry if you still want to participate before next season.
In terms of difficulty, the Bronze division can be mentally challenging but requires only that you can write code, so you don’t need prior knowledge of algorithms until Silver. More detailed rules can be found under “Contests” on the USACO website. </p>
<p>How do you all learn these things? Did you learn coding and stuff at school?</p>
<p>@Jugglebrosjr Ah, I don’t have too much knowledge of C++ is probably going to be the main barrier. Just wondering, what division are you currently in?</p>
<p>@dsi411 well I took AP Computer Science which was offered at my school. Since this is an individual online competition, it’s easy to participate on your own. If you have some past knowledge of programming, you can also start by learning algorithmic techniques on the Training problems.
@dfafd2dfafd The submission grader can also compile programs written in Java, Python, and a few others. C++ usually runs the fastest, though, but that doesn’t matter if you have the right solution. I was recently put into the Gold Division, but I’m struggling in it now. :P</p>
<p>@Jugglebrosjr Ah, okay, I’ll try using Java. Can you advance to the next division in monthly competitions or only in the Open?</p>
<p>You can advance during any of the monthly competitions, but the next one won’t happen until November, during the first round of next season (since the US Open just ended this year). On the bright side, that gives you plenty of time to try out the problems from previous contests as well as on the training pages. If you decide that you like it, you will get good at it very quickly, I promise. Well good luck.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m planning on practicing really hard for USACO over the summer; the IOI is like my dream lol.</p>