So I am a 10th grader who is interested in preparing for the USAMO. While I was never really into competition math, I have started doing it recently, and I have fallen in love with it. I have lots of free time(4 hours+) on my hands. However, I came to College Confidential to ask for advice. Should I bother even preparing for the USAMO? Is it possible to qualify for the USAMO in a year?
Should I bother even preparing for the USAMO?
It depends. If you want to study in technical areas (math, physics, CS, engineering, statistics) , then it will help immensely. Very strong quantitative skills are required in almost all STEM areas. Preparing for USAMO builds your problem solving skills that will help you life long. Brain is a muscle that becomes stronger as it is used.
Is it possible to qualify for the USAMO in a year?
May be. May be not. See above. Qualifying is not the goal, it is an after effect. Not to dissuade you, but USAMO qualifiers have generally been training since 6th grade or even earlier. But it makes no difference to you as long as you are working on your own skills and you benefit from the results.
It would be very difficult to qualify USAMO starting from scratch in a year. But if you have the time, give it a try.
The first step, as you probably know, is to get on AoPS as quickly as possible. Diagnose where you are by taking a few actual AMC10s and AMC12s. Figure out which of the 4 major areas (algebra, number theory, combinatorics, geometry) are going to present the biggest challenges. Do lots of Alcumus problems. Ask questions on the AoPS forums - probably 80%+ of USAMO qualifiers in any given year are going to be on there. After a month or so of this, sit back and make a plan - you have until next February.
Good luck, and keep positive! Much will depend on your innate level of ability. I think the youngest kid to qualify USAMO was 9 or maybe 10 years old if I’m not mistaken (currently 13, in 8th grade), so clearly not everyone will need years and years of work. Good luck!
Thank you