So you’re good at math, and you want to compete nationally, even internationally. Where do you start?
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the top high school math competition in the world, drawing the strongest students from over 100 countries each year. It’s not just about what you know, but how creatively you can apply it. Here are strategies to prepare and do well.
Rishab Jain, a Harvard student and winner of ISEF, RSI, Coca-Cola Scholars, and Presidential Scholars, has made his STEM Student Guide public, with a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions. It’s worth a look.
What is the International Mathematical Olympiad?
The IMO is the foremost global math competition for high school students. It started in 1959 in Romania and now draws students from 100+ countries across five continents. Problems focus on algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory, and demand innovative thinking and deep analysis, not just textbook knowledge.
To reach the IMO, you have to make your country’s team through its selection process. In the US, that runs through the invitational competitions (AIME, USAMO/USAJMO) run by the Mathematical Association of America. For more on qualifying, see this guide.
The event itself runs over about ten days, with the contest rounds plus activities that bring participants together. Beyond the competition, the IMO is a forum for young mathematicians to meet peers from around the world.
Want more detail, or prefer video? Watch Rishab Jain’s interview with Ram Goel, a past IMO winner, for his tips.
Why the IMO?
The IMO is one of the most prestigious math competitions in the world. Even participating marks you as one of the best student mathematicians anywhere, and it strengthens both your college applications and any math-adjacent career path. The network you build representing your country also helps down the line.
It’s more than a competition. Even just preparing builds a skill set that pays off across many fields and future studies.
Tip 1: Master the basics
A strong foundation is everything. To make an international team, you need a rock-solid grasp of algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Start with good workbooks, videos, and online courses. Don’t skip the “lesser” areas, since IMO problems love to mix and match across topics.
As you move into higher-level competitions, the math gets harder and the field stronger, but the approach is the same: keep learning, practicing, and challenging yourself. The problems become more proof-based, so you need to understand the underlying principles, not just how to get an answer.
Having a solid foundation is really the key to success.
Ram Goel, International Math Olympiad winner
Tip 2: Practice, practice, practice
Once you’ve got the basics down, move on to the advanced topics you’ll actually see at the IMO. Start with old problems and solutions available online to get a feel for the questions and difficulty. Make solving complex problems part of your daily routine.
For well-rounded prep, also work problems from other top competitions: revisit AIME and USAMO problems, and pick up international competition workbooks. The variety builds your analytical skills and deepens your understanding.
Pro tip: time yourself. Solving a problem at home is one thing; solving it under exam conditions is another. Timing also helps you learn your strengths and weaknesses so you can work on them.
Tip 3: Find your community
Clubs and study groups: if you did MathCounts in middle school, you’ve already started. If not, join a math team at your school now. These groups give you a structured way into competitive math and good practice working as a team. They also make prep more fun, like joining a sports team or a band.
Training camps: getting ready for the IMO isn’t only solo study; it’s also learning from the best and connecting with peers who are just as driven. That’s where camps like the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) come in. In the US, this highly selective summer program (about 60 students out of thousands) is a chance to level up in a focused setting.
At these camps, you don’t just practice math, you live it. Experienced mathematicians and past IMO participants guide you through advanced concepts and techniques, and you’re surrounded by other students who are just as into math. It’s ideal for teamwork, sharing ideas, and gaining new perspectives.
Want to join a community of math lovers and STEM-minded peers? Check out our Discord server, with thousands of students like you.
Tip 4: Seek guidance
When you hit a roadblock, find a mentor. Whether it’s a strong math teacher or someone who’s actually competed at the IMO, a mentor is like a personal coach: they offer tailored advice, problem-solving techniques, and insights you won’t find in books. Regular feedback from someone who knows the ropes can seriously raise your game.
Here’s a free guide to help you work through the math olympiads and toward the IMO, from a past winner. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about growing as a mathematician.
Tip 5: Strategize
During the competition, strategy matters. Read each problem carefully at the start, and use everything you practiced to find a foothold on each one. That overview helps you spot which questions play to your strengths. Tackle those first to lock in points and build confidence.
Time management is crucial in a timed exam, so watch how long you spend on each problem. If you’re stuck, it’s fine to move on and come back. The goal is to maximize your score, not to get bogged down. Solving a few problems thoroughly often beats spreading yourself thin across all of them.
Tip 6: Stay balanced
Rigorous prep is necessary, but so is balance. Get enough rest, exercise, and downtime to keep your mind sharp and avoid burnout. Confidence and a positive attitude affect your performance, so believe in yourself and approach each problem as solvable.
Struggling with work-life balance or study technique? Check out Rishab’s video on study strategies.
Final tip: Learn from each experience
After a competition, reflect on how you did. Look at the questions you were unsure about and the topics you need to revisit. Figure out not just what mistakes you made, but why. It’s not about beating yourself up; it’s about getting sharper for next time.
Winning the IMO is an ambitious goal that takes years of preparation, but with passion, dedication, and the right approach, it’s achievable. The journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and every problem you solve adds to your growth. Treat each competition as a stepping stone, not just for awards but for learning.
Stay curious, keep challenging yourself, and look for the next thing to explore. To go further, see our free list of 50+ STEM opportunities for ambitious students.
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