Strategies for Success in the Hardest Math Olympiad: What Top Students Do Differently

Math Olympiads in Singapore are known for their rigour, depth, and ability to stretch even the most advanced learners. These competitions are not simply about speed or memorisation; they celebrate mathematical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. For students who thrive on challenge and enjoy exploring the subject in greater depth, preparing for such Olympiads can be a deeply enriching experience.

While some students appear to excel naturally, the truth is that most high performers share similar habits and strategies. Success comes not from talent alone, but from a consistent process of training, reflection, and the cultivation of a particular mindset—one that welcomes complexity and values learning over outcomes.

Understanding the Nature of Math Olympiads

Beyond Routine Problem-Solving

Unlike typical classroom exercises, Olympiad-style mathematics invites students to think beyond fixed methods. The questions are often open-ended, non-routine, and demand an ability to reason through unfamiliar situations. These problems encourage students to be explorers rather than answer-seekers.

What sets Math Olympiads apart is their focus on how students think, not just what they know. To solve these problems, students must be patient, observant, and willing to test different approaches—even if it means getting stuck along the way.

What High-Performing Students Do Differently

They Practise Deep Thinking Regularly

Top students approach mathematics like a language—they immerse themselves in it. They spend time each week engaging with challenging, thought-provoking problems, often outside their school syllabus. They are not afraid to struggle or spend significant time exploring a single question. In doing so, they build comfort with complexity and begin to recognise patterns across different types of problems.

They Reflect on Their Thinking

Rather than rushing through problems, these students take time to reflect on how they arrived at a solution. When they make errors, they ask questions about what went wrong. Could there have been a more elegant method? Did they make assumptions too early?

This reflective habit is crucial for developing mathematical maturity. It trains students to think metacognitively—becoming aware of their thought processes and learning how to refine them.

They Train for Focus and Endurance

Sustained concentration is a skill often overlooked in younger learners. Math Olympiads typically involve solving a small number of difficult problems over an extended period. To manage this, students gradually build their mental stamina by engaging in timed sessions, taking breaks wisely, and learning how to stay composed even when a problem seems unsolvable at first glance.

They Discuss and Learn Collaboratively

Though the competition may be individual, the preparation often is not. Many high-performing students benefit from studying with peers, discussing problem-solving strategies, and seeing how others approach the same question in different ways. These discussions often lead to new insights and help students realise that mathematics is a dynamic, evolving subject—more than just getting the answer right.

The Role of Training in Olympiad Readiness

Building Conceptual Depth Over Speed

In preparing for a Math Olympiad in Singapore, it is important to focus on depth over acceleration. Students do not need to rush through higher-level topics. Instead, they benefit from understanding familiar topics more thoroughly, seeing connections between ideas, and applying concepts in creative ways.

A thoughtful training environment provides the space to explore problems without the pressure of constant grading or competition. It also encourages students to ask questions, pursue patterns, and develop their reasoning abilities organically.

Nurturing Curiosity and Joy in Learning

Perhaps the most important quality in students who enjoy success at Olympiad-level mathematics is curiosity. They are motivated by the subject itself, not just by the promise of awards or recognition. Their interest is sustained by a love for challenge and discovery—whether or not they find the right solution on the first attempt.

Good training supports this mindset. It nurtures curiosity, provides guidance without spoon-feeding, and helps students view problems as puzzles to be explored rather than tests to be passed.

A Journey of Growth, Not Just Achievement

Preparing for a Math Olympiad is more than an academic goal—it is a journey that builds character, resilience, and intellectual independence. Students who engage with this process learn far more than techniques; they develop ways of thinking that benefit them across subjects and beyond the classroom.

At Terry Chew Academy, we believe in supporting this journey by fostering a deep appreciation for mathematics. Our programmes are designed to guide students through meaningful challenges, encourage thoughtful problem-solving, and inspire a long-term love for the subject. Whether a student is taking their first steps into Olympiad-style thinking or seeking to grow their abilities further, we aim to provide an environment where they can think deeply, grow steadily, and enjoy the process along the way.