Tips to Win Your First Online Math Competition (Without Losing Your Mind)

So, you’ve signed up for your first online math competition. First of all—props to you. Whether you’re a middle school mathlete or a college student chasing scholarships and recognition, entering a math contest is a bold move. You’re stepping into the arena where logic reigns, calculators tremble, and mental gymnastics become a daily workout.

But let’s be real: preparing for an online math competition can feel overwhelming. There are formulas, time crunches, tricky word problems, and the added stress of competing from your room with potential distractions (yes, TikTok, I’m looking at you).

Don’t worry—we’ve got you. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to prep like a pro and (hopefully) come out on top in your first online math competition.

1. Understand the Format Like Your Life Depends On It

Before you dive into problem sets or binge Khan Academy, stop and check the rules of the specific competition you’re entering.

Every online math competition has its own style:

• Multiple choice or free response?
• Timed sections or flexible time windows?
• Proctored live via Zoom or self-paced with camera monitoring?
• Solo or team-based?

If you’re competing in something like the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions), expect tricky multiple-choice questions with no calculators. Something like Math Kangaroo is more conceptual and visual, while ARML Power Rounds (usually team-based) lean on proofs and logic over raw speed.

Knowing the vibe will help you tailor your prep. Think of it like studying for a math exam versus prepping for a math-themed escape room—strategy matters.

2. Build a Custom Study Plan (Don’t Just Wing It)

Spoiler alert: casually solving a few problems the night before won’t cut it.

Here’s how to level up your prep game:

Break It Down by Topic

Common areas tested in most online math competitions include:

• Algebra (equations, inequalities, sequences)
• Geometry (angles, triangles, circles)
• Number Theory (divisibility, remainders, prime numbers)
• Combinatorics (counting, permutations, probability)
• Logic and puzzles

Rate yourself in each area. Be honest. Use that self-rating to create a study schedule—like a weekly workout plan but for your brain.

Go For Timed Practice

Practice under test-like conditions. It helps your time management and builds mental endurance. Set a timer, close those tabs, and simulate the real experience.

Try platforms like:

• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
• Brilliant.org
• Expii
• Aretelabs.com
• Mathcounts Trainer

Bonus: compete in unofficial mock contests. Some Discord servers and Reddit communities regularly host online math competitions just for fun (and stress-testing).

3. Master the Tools of the Trade

Some online contests allow tools; others don’t. But regardless, having a tech setup that works in your favor is key.

Check Your Hardware

• Stable Wi-Fi? ✅
• Quiet space to work? ✅
• Headphones (in case there’s a live Zoom call)? ✅
• Charged device + backup charger? ✅

Know Your Software

If your competition requires proctoring software (like ProctorU or Zoom), test it out before competition day. Avoid that “why isn’t my camera working?” panic five minutes before go-time.

If you’re allowed to use a calculator, make sure you’re familiar with it—especially if it’s online like Desmos or GeoGebra.

4. Develop a “Math Brain” Mindset

Winning isn’t just about raw skills—it’s about mindset.

Get Comfortable With Struggle

In top-tier online math competitions, most students won’t finish every problem. That’s normal. Some problems are meant to be unsolved by 99% of participants. So, if you get stuck, don’t freak out.

Train your brain to tinker. Guess, test, try a different approach. Write things down. Even partial progress on a problem can earn points or help you later.

Learn to Let Go (Yes, Really)

Don’t waste 15 minutes on one monster problem while ignoring the rest. Learn to move on strategically. A good mathlete knows when to grind and when to skip.

Be Curious, Not Just Competitive

The best math competitors aren’t just smart—they’re curious. They actually enjoy puzzling through tricky problems, even if there’s no prize involved. That mindset helps reduce pressure and boosts long-term growth.

5. Learn From the Pros (and Your Peers)

Watch Walkthroughs and Tutorials

YouTube has a goldmine of explainer videos for contest problems. Some channels to check out:

• AoPS
• MindYourDecisions
• Mathologer
• Eddie Woo
• Blackpenredpen (great for high school/college-level math)

Watch how they think, not just what they write. The logic process is more important than the final answer.

Study Past Papers

Most online math competitions post past papers with solutions. Treat these like treasure. Go through them one problem at a time, and once you solve it, try to find a faster or cleaner solution.

Pro tip: re-solve problems a week later to see if you actually retained the technique or just remembered the answer.

6. Simulate the Big Day

When it gets close to the real deal, set aside a full day or weekend for a “mock competition.”

Treat it like the real thing:

• Set the same time limit
• Use only allowed tools
• Follow the same login/setup process
• Even wear what you plan to wear on test day (weirdly helpful)

Afterward, reflect:

• What tripped you up?
• Did nerves affect your performance?
• Did you run out of time?

These dry runs help build confidence and remove surprises.

7. Practice Self-Care (Seriously)

Let’s not overlook the basics. Your brain needs fuel.

• Sleep: Don’t pull an all-nighter cramming formulas.
• Eat well: Complex carbs + protein = math fuel.
• Hydrate: Even mild dehydration can mess with your focus.
• Move around: A 20-minute walk can reduce stress and boost thinking.

And if anxiety hits, try grounding yourself: deep breaths, meditation apps (like Headspace), or just talking it out with someone.

You’re more than your performance.

8. During the Competition: Be Strategic, Not Just Smart

Read Instructions Carefully

A shocking number of students lose points for silly mistakes: answering in the wrong format, skipping a required step, or misinterpreting a word like “distinct.”

Flag and Skip

If something looks complicated or unfamiliar—flag it and move on. Come back later if time allows.

Don’t Overthink Easy Questions

The early questions are usually meant to be easy. Don’t assume there’s a trick. Trust your gut and move on quickly.

Double-Check (If You Can)

If time permits, go back and recheck the problems you felt iffy on. A fresh look might reveal a mistake or simpler solution.

9. After the Competition: Win or Learn

You survived! Whether you crushed it or flopped, you learned.

If You Did Well:

Celebrate-seriously. Treat yourself. Share your score with pride. But also stay humble and keep growing.

If You Struggled:

Look at what went wrong. Was it time management? Topic gaps? Nerves? Use the feedback to prep better next time. Every great mathlete has lost before they won.

Now go out there and crush that online math competition.