That's good info about WOOT. May I ask what classes were more effective?

I think it's the time that is an issue more than the ability to self-study. That's the reason I started this thread. We do not have much time to explore different courses so was seeking advice on what courses worked for folks here. We keep switching between self-studying and applying to one of these Alphastar and WOOT-like courses.

Exactly, thats what I am trying to find out.

It was a comparison - Qualifying for AIME is easier than the jump from AIME to USAJMO. At least the journey was easier for AIME for DYS, managing all sorts of activities. For USAJMO, it seems we will need targeted prep, dropping, or reducing all other activities. DYS would have easily qualified this year had it not been for the sudden rise in the AMC 10 cutoffs this year. The AIME was taken randomly today after the AMC 8 in January since DYS did not have time to work on any AMC/AIME papers since then. DYS was given only one hour(not three hours for the full AIME), and DYS got four problems. DYS may have solved more if we had given the entire three hours. Our test was more to check which course would fit better. However, I do realize that DYS still has a lot of room to improve on the AMC itself.

Any experiences with Alphastar or Random math? Just heard they are good but not sure whether to go with AOPS classes or Alphastar.

Being a national-level musician is an awesome achievement! I think we need to pick and choose her activities next year.

Oh, wonderful achievements!

That's a good idea! We will focus on the end-of-chapter problems. My worry is DYS is not getting as much out of AOPS courses because we always fall short of time when completing the homework. DYS solved 4 problems on one of the latest AIME this morning. Wondering if WOOT 1 (which starts in Sept and she makes progress by then) is appropriate or AIME 1 and AIME 2. 🙂

Yes, I have heard how the AOPS books helped. DYS has definitely not done ALL the problems in all the books. Was it just the AOPS books that helped him qualify for the USAJMO? I think DYS is getting stretched too thin between swimming and music practices, school schedules, other science competitions, and such that there i no time left for targeted prep other than joining AOPS classes.

Yes, those courses were what I was thinking too. I read some reviews from students on AOPS forums that they solve problems from some old papers. Which probably does not help much or they can self study. Also, DYS finished Intermediate Algebra and C&P in 5th/6th grade. Wondering if there is a need to take those again. I do not think DYS was able to make much out of the AOPS books or intermediate courses at that time. DYS is taking Intermediate NT now. I was thinking that I should set Alcumus to 'insanely hard' and have DYS do 50 problems while at camp and go through the AOPS books when home. When do kids take WOOT exactly? Or Evan Chen's classes?

I agree, AIME is easy. So basically what are tried and tested resources or courses that will help to qualify for USAJMO. Has not tried mocks since the past AMC score, but the score was slightly above 100. No, we have not got the list for Mathpath too, that's the reason for this post.

DYS is going to Mathpath in July. That leaves us not much room to do anything else. One item on the agenda is to work towards qualifying for USAJMO until the AMCs. As a middle schooler, missed AIME last 2 years by a couple of points. We are not Math majors so can't help much. I know there are experienced members so looking for some advice on 2 questions - 1. What topics/courses in MathPath will help prepare for USAJMO? It seems the courses are not yet decided but I was thinking there must be some courses offered every year. 2. Since we have only half of June and half of August in summer and a couple of months until the AMCs, what steps/courses to take to qualify for USAJMO? We have heard of WOOT, EGMO, alphastar but have no experience personally.

Please Ignore

That's true! Most of them are her projects which she submitted to competitions and won, transcripts from courses, her summer program assignments, and such. She has taken multiple courses in AOPS, mostly beyond her age. Most students applying to probably perform way beyond their age so that's a norm for DYS maybe.

Good morning parents! I searched in the forums but did not find it mentioned specifically so just going to ask. DD, a 7th grader, had qualifying SAT scores in all 3 areas. She has her portfolio for DYS ready with her college-level transcript, science projects that she won, and all the fun stuff. Is it worth mentioning AOPS courses she took in number theory and counting and probability? Did any of you mention it and is it necessary to attach the course completion pdf? We ran out of space for the portfolio submissions so will need to delete one.

This is so unique! Thanks for responding.

Good morning! Has anyone submitted SAT scores along with the portfolio to get in? My child's SAT scores have come in and she is above the threshold in all 3 categories. May I ask what was included in your portfolio? It seems like the portfolio is a big deal with achievement tests. I am really struggling to help my child with enrichment options and would appreciate any pointers on the portfolio.

Thank you so much for your honest feedback! I am struggling with getting my child a social environment that she would enjoy and I feel SOHS and such opportunities might help.

Agreed. The SOHS application is equivalent to a college application and mine is still a middle schooler hence the question. . The application itself says the student can discuss their ideas with parents. Additionaly parents are supposed to answer questions. 🙂 All of this is an overwhelming process. So just looking for advice from parents who have been through the process.

All experienced SOHS parents- For SOHS admissions, are there any specific things that worked for you or worked against you? Are there any do's, dont's, tips, or advice when applying as a strong math kid? Did you submit the SAT/ACT or any such score?

Thank you!

A follow up question - Davidson now offers tests through Belin Blank center. Has anyone attempted those? How was the experience?

True, I need to hunt for the best ones first!

That is really interesting! Thank you!

True! Thinking of some Math course-related samples. Any IQ test that is good for mathy kids? I am wondering if taking an IQ test would be better.