The Math Olympiad isn’t just another test – it’s a challenge that encourages you to think creatively and solve problems in unique ways.
Unlike regular school math, where you follow set methods, the Math Olympiad requires you to come up with your own solutions. Success comes from mastering problem-solving strategies, staying calm, and thinking outside the box.
Doing well can boost your chances for Direct School Admission (DSA) in Singapore, build your confidence, and even lead to international opportunities.
At Descartes Learning Centre, we’ve helped many students succeed, and this guide will show you the best ways to prepare!
How to Prepare for the Math Olympiad
After working with hundreds of students, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Preparing for a math olympiad requires more than just solving lots of questions. It’s about developing the right mindset and learning smart strategies.
Here is everything you need to know:
1. Start Early and Stay Consistent
Training for a math olympiad is like training for a marathon. The best students don’t cram for the competition – instead, they practise regularly over months (or even years). A consistent study schedule will build strong problem-solving skills over time.
2. Master the Core Topics
Math olympiads focus on algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. These topics require a high-level understanding, not just memorisation. Start by strengthening these foundations before moving on to more advanced techniques.
3. Learn the Art of Problem-Solving
Top olympiad students come up with strategies to solve unfamiliar problems quickly. Some powerful techniques include:
- Working backwards – Start from the answer and reason your way back.
- Pattern recognition – Spot recurring sequences or relationships in numbers.
- Breaking problems into smaller steps – Solve one part at a time instead of tackling everything at once.
4. Practise with Past Olympiad Papers
Math olympiads follow common patterns. Reviewing past year papers from SMO, NMOS, and international contests can help students to identify key problem types and learn efficient solving methods. Always keep this in mind when developing your study plan and revision.
5. Train Under Timed Conditions
Math olympiad questions aren’t just hard – they have strict time pressure. Many students struggle because they don’t practise solving problems quickly. Our recommendation? Timed mock tests can improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
6. Track Mistakes in a Journal
One of the fastest ways to improve is by keeping a mistake journal. Students should write down errors, analyse them, and revisit those questions regularly to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
7. Learn from Olympiad Experts
Students benefit from structured training with experienced math tutors. Programmes, such as here, at Descartes Learning Centre, provide targeted coaching, helping students refine their techniques and solve problems more efficiently.
8. Build Mental Stamina with Tough Problems
Many olympiad problems require multiple attempts to solve. Students should get used to working on difficult questions for extended periods, rather than giving up after the first try.
9. Use Visualisation Techniques
For geometry problems, a well-drawn diagram often reveals key insights. Similarly, using grids, charts, or even physical objects can help with combinatorics and probability-based questions.
10. Discuss Solutions with Peers
Explaining problems to others helps deepen understanding. Study groups or math forums allow students to compare approaches and learn different problem-solving methods: this works for all olympiad competitions and not just to help you prepare for the math olympiad.
11. Solve Problems in Multiple Ways
Many olympiad problems have more than one solution. Students should challenge themselves to find alternative approaches. This builds creativity and flexibility in solving math questions.
12. Train for Different Question Formats
Olympiad questions can be multiple-choice, short-answer, or proof-based. Practising all these formats ensures students are ready for any challenge.
13. Apply Math to Real-World Problems
Mathematics isn’t just theoretical. Applying math to physics, economics, and computer science helps students to develop a deeper appreciation of mathematical concepts, while improving their creative thinking.
14. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout
Long study sessions without breaks can be counterproductive. Short breaks improve focus and prevent mental fatigue – a tip we always remind students about here at Descartes.
15. Stay Motivated and Keep Learning
Our last suggestion? Math olympiads are tough, but persistence is key. Every problem solved is a step towards becoming a better problem solver. Even if students don’t win medals, the skills they develop will serve them well in higher education and beyond.
What are the Maths Olympiads in Singapore?
There are several math olympiads, designed for different age groups in Singapore. They are typically tougher than school math exams and test students on topics beyond the school syllabus.
Popular Math Olympiads in Singapore:
- National Mathematical Olympiad of Singapore (NMOS) – For upper primary students (Primary 4-6). This introduces them to olympiad-level questions and logical reasoning.
- Singapore Mathematical Olympiad (SMO) – The most prestigious national competition for secondary and JC students. Winning here can lead to international math olympiad participation.
- Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary Schools (SMOPS) – A high-level competition for top primary students, run by Hwa Chong Institution.
- SMKC and SASMO – These are great entry-level competitions that help students build confidence and prepare for tougher math olympiads.
International Math Olympiads
- Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO) – A regional competition where top students from Singapore compete against the best in Asia.
- International Math Olympiad (IMO) – The world’s most prestigious math olympiad. The best students from SMO are selected to represent Singapore.
Is the Math Olympiad Hard?
Yes, but that is what makes it exciting! Questions in the Olympiad are designed to be different from school math. Instead of following a formula, students must figure out their own approach using logic, patterns, and problem-solving strategies.
Some challenges students face include:
- Unfamiliar problem types – You won’t find these in a school textbook.
- Time pressure – You have to solve tricky problems quickly.
- Conceptual depth – Questions test understanding, not memorisation.
That being said, any student can improve with the right preparation. Many top math olympians started off struggling with these problems, but they kept practising until they got better.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare for the Math Olympiad?
The single most effective way to prepare for the math olympiad is learning how to think like a problem solver, and not just a math student.
Many school students approach math olympiads by memorising formulas or trying to solve as many problems as possible.
But the real key to success is developing deep problem-solving intuition. It’s a strong foundation, as it helps to break down unfamiliar problems, spot hidden patterns, and apply creative strategies: a strength that can take you a long way, not just as a way to best prepare for the olympiads.
Final Thoughts
The math olympiad is challenging, but with the right preparation, any student can improve and succeed. The key is to start early, practise regularly, and learn smart strategies.
At Descartes Learning Centre, we help students build confidence, develop mathematical thinking skills, and perform their best in math competitions and exams – all while fostering their interest in math.
Contact us today to find out how we can help your child!
