“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Thomas Edison
Preparing for the Waterloo Math Competition can be very challenging; however, with the right tricks and strategies, one knows how to approach it. It is as simple as that, the more practice, the better strategy, and the consciousness of the competition rules it boils down to. This blog is a one-stop resource that takes you through the process of preparing for the Waterloo Math Contests from the ground up to the advanced level. We will share how to train effectively in upcoming exams, discover weaknesses, and study with the necessary tools. Are you up for it? Without further ado, let’s get started and start your path to success at math competitions!
An Overview of the Waterloo Math Contests
Before diving into contest prep, it’s vital to understand what these competitions entail. Here’s a quick primer on the Waterloo Math Contests:
A Brief History
The Waterloo Math Contests (CEMC) originated in the University of Waterloo in Canada in 1967. They comprise national contests designed to test mathematical problem-solving skills and computational fluency from grades 7 to 12.
Over 200,000 students across 80 countries participate annually in the CEMC waterloo competitions. These competitions include – the Fryer, Galois and Hypatia contests offered to grades 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 students. The Euclid and Cayley contests target high school students in grades 11 & 12.
Contest Format
The Fryer, Galois, and Hypatia contests comprise 10 short-answer questions to be solved in 45 minutes.
The Euclid contest has 15 questions to be solved in 2.5 hours, without a calculator. The Cayley contest gives students 8 longer-form proof-based problems to solve by hand in 2.5 hours.
So, speed, accuracy and mathematical creativity are crucial to tackling these contests successfully.
Difficulty Level
Here’s a brief overview of the ascending level of difficulty from grade 7 to 12 Canadian math contest Waterloo:
- Fryer (Grade 7) – Topics from the elementary math curriculum
- Galois (Grade 8) – Concepts from introductory high-school algebra and geometry curriculum
- Hypatia (Grade 10) – Broad concepts from intermediate high school math
- Euclid (Grade 11) – Advanced math skills comparable to 1st year undergraduate courses
- Cayley (Grade 12) – Complex multi-step proof-based problems requiring mathematical creativity
So preparation rigor must scale accordingly.
Now that you know what these contests broadly entail, let’s explore tips to train like a pro mathlete.
Step 1: Start Early and Test the Waters
The earlier you expose your math skills to the Canadian math competition in Waterloo, the better it would be. Writing these tests 1-2 years before your target grade allows scoping the level of difficulty.
Here are some quick benefits of attempting these contests early:
- Understand contest structure, topics, exam duration constraints
- Gauge skills against curriculum, identify weak & strong areas
- Start training rigorously for 1-2 years before your grade level
- Develop mathematical maturity and exam temperament
Not ready for your grade level? No sweat! Attempting a lower grade test shows your self-motivation. With this experience, structured training will bolster your skills year-on-year.
Tip: Leverage the ‘Write Early’ option to attempt contests 1-2 years earlier. This offers real exam exposure without eating into annual write chances.
Step 2: Self-Assessment – Finding Your Blind Spots
Honest self-assessment reveals competency gaps necessary for strategic training.
Some tips for effective self-evaluation:
- Objectively analyze practice test performance – Identify problem areas, weaker topics & blind spots
- Understand scoring methodology – Review solutions to see where you lost points
- Learn from senior math peers – Connect with high performers for guidance
- Consult mentors – Teachers, tutors can validate assessment & advise training needs
Also, the CEMC Waterloo provides an Adaptive Assessment reflecting the continuum of skills developed through these contests. These online quizzes present an excellent yardstick to gauge preparedness.
This assessment helps diagnose blind spots and suggests chapters/problems to strengthen them. Revisiting these assessments during training will help you close gaps systematically.
Step 3: Build a Strong Foundation
Contest prep begins with mastering curriculum fundamentals.
Here are a few tips:
Brush Up on Prerequisite Topics & Skills
- Arithmetic skills – fractions, percentages, decimals, ratios
- Algebra & geometry basics – polynomials, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, slopes, quadratic equations
- Essential theorems – Pythagoras, similarity of triangles, circles
- Multi-step problem-solving – break down complex problems into simpler steps
As problems get progressively tougher, having these basics thoroughly internalized is key. Gaps here will severely limit performance.
Step 4: Attempt Past Year Papers Extensively
Now we get to the meat of contest-specific training – solving past year problems.
Attempting multiple past papers helps in 3 ways:
Understanding Contest Question Formats
This allows you to:
- Get a feel for difficulty progression across grades
- Discern question forms testing the same concepts. For instance, divisibility rules can be tested variously – directly as fill in blanks or indirectly via word problems.
- Identify format-specific strategies – diagram-based questions, fill in blanks, MCQs etc.
Mastering Key Concepts Through Repetition
Certain concepts like number theory, prime factorization, GCF-LCM applications etc. repeat across papers. Working iterative problems on these builds strong foundations to solve related questions quickly during exams.
Develop Exam Temperament
The timed setting, model solutions access (to self-evaluate) and iterative practice cultivates skills to deliver under pressure – a must for these contests.
Tips: Don’t just solve problems correctly. Strive to solve them quickly within 1.5 minutes per problem for contests like Fryer/Galois and 3 minutes per problem for Euclid/Cayley by simulating real test constraints. Review solutions to learn what you missed. Repeat problems in intervals to consolidate concepts.
Step 5: Attempt Mock Contests
Attempting mock contests helps evaluate exam preparedness. Here are useful tips:
Create a Realistic Exam Simulation
- Measure out required duration precisely – No pauses or loo breaks!
- Attempt in complete exam settings – No assistance tools or peer help
- Set question attempt duration limits
This rigorously mimics the actual test experience.
Step 6: Attempt Varied Question Sets
While past year papers provide question patterns, attempting varied questions prevents overfitting on limited problem types.
To build flexibility attempt:
- Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) sets
- Questions from math contests like Putnam, William Lowell
- Math Olympiad training handbooks
- University math club practice questions
This compels you to tackle unfamiliar problems using known concepts – great for building mathematical creativity crucial for contests like Cayley.
Step 7: Close Knowledge Gaps
With honest self-assessment, you now know precisely which topics need work. How do you bridge learning gaps?
Refine Concepts with Study Notes
Reference condensed notes summarizing key concepts, formulas, strategies on weaker areas rather than re-doing entire textbook chapters. For, focused revision on problem topics is the key.
Sources for helpful study notes:
- School math teachers
- University math clubs
- Online math communities
- OakLearning Center’s Math Blog!
Step 8: Take Timed Tests Across Topics
Can you apply concepts accurately under time constraints?
Taking mixed-topic tests helps assess the ability to:
- Quickly comprehend varied question formats
- Identify suitable solving techniques
- Accurately apply concepts under timed conditions
This also prevents compartmentalizing knowledge by topic – crucial given the random mix of questions in actual exams.
Again, use solutions to identify areas needing reinforcement.
Step 9: Develop Exam Strategies & Test Taking Skills
With extensive practice, also cultivate smart test-taking skills that make or break results.
Key tips:
Time Management
Budget time smartly between questions. For instance:
- Quick solves first (5 mins) – Simple problems involving direct formula application or basic logical deduction
- Medium solves (10 mins) – Multi-step problems requiring structured working
- Hard solves (15 mins) – Brain teasers needing mathematical creativity
Mark questions needing lengthy solving for later. Use slack time to reattempt them or tricky solves incorrectly done in haste.
Step 10: Attempt the Actual Exam Confidently!
As the iconic Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Consistent, structured preparation aligned to contest objectives sets you up for success.
On exam day, remember:
- You’ve built skills through extensive practice – bank on it!
- Stick to trained time management techniques
- Read questions calmly and comprehend accurately
- Allow your subconscious pattern recognition ability to manifest intuitively
Avoid needless second-guessing or anxiety. Have faith in your preparation and give it your best shot!
Wrap Up:
Scoring well in the Waterloo math contest is just about practicing well through guides or tutoring classes, etc. The more you take part in these contests, the more you will grow new opportunities in life. We hope these tips help you prep smarter for the CEMC Waterloo math Contests! Also, for any further information, you can check out OakLearning Center’s Math Contest Prep section for training resources or coaching support. Feel free to contact us today!