Pengi Editor's Note: This article was originally published by Think Academy. We're sharing it here for educational value. Think Academy is a leading K-12 math education provider.
Think Olympiad: Unveiling the Secrets Behind 4 Perfect Scores and 100+ AIME Qualifiers
The 2024 Think Olympiad students have achieved remarkable results. In this article, we'll reveal the high-end curriculum of the Olympiad system. Interested in uncovering the secrets behind this powerhouse team, boasting four perfect scores and numerous AIME qualifiers in just one year?
The Think Olympiad System: The Top Professional Competition Curriculum in the US
The Think Olympiad system is a comprehensive competition curriculum designed to cultivate top professional competitors. This system guides students through a series of phased planning and goals:
- Grade 6: Complete AMC 10
- Grade 7: Advance from AMC 10 to AIME
- Grade 8: Master AIME problems
- Grade 9: Study for USAMO
Core Competitiveness of Olympiad Students: Talent + Effort + Environment
They demonstrate early mathematical talent, achieving excellent results in formal competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC 8 since elementary school. Additionally, they devote an average of 10-15 hours per week to studying math and prioritize it as their primary extracurricular activity.
Think Olympiad Student Achievements 2024:
- 3 students earned USAMO medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
- 8 students advanced to USAJMO
- 4 students achieved perfect scores on AMC10
- 80+ students advanced to AIME
- Numerous achievements in various high school competitions (HMMT, SMT, etc.)
Which Students Are Suitable for the Olympiad System?
| Exam | INCOMING YEAR 1 | INCOMING YEAR 2 | INCOMING YEAR 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Participants | 47 | 24 | 16 |
| Average Score | 26 | 11 | 29 |
| Highest Score (Student Grade) | 65 (Grade 4) | 36 (Grade 6) | 66 (Grade 8) |
| Exam Focus | Algebra + Geometry | Four major AMC modules | High school math + competition knowledge |
| Exam Difficulty | Comparable to AMC 10 | AMC 10 last questions/AIME basic | Comparable to AIME |
| Passing Score | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Think Olympiad is suitable for children who consider mathematics their top priority. They view math competitions as a sport, aiming to make math their most dazzling extracurricular activity in future college applications. These children usually receive Olympiad training in elementary school, have rich competition experience, and have won awards. In middle school, they decide to dedicate most of their extracurricular time to professional math competitions, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to math training.
Think Olympiad Year 1
The focus in summer and fall is on solving algebra and geometry problems (70% of the total time) to establish a rigorous competition logic. In spring, students will complete the final puzzle of AMC 10, mainly involving functions, number theory, and combinations.
This stage is suitable for G6-G7 students who have received formal math competition training and can write rigorous geometric proofs. The reference standard is a score of 90+ in AMC 10.
Think Olympiad Year 2
The focus of study in summer and fall is algebra and geometry, completing the study of AMC 12 content. In spring, advanced number theory and permutations and combinations training will be conducted.
This stage is suitable for G7-G8 students with rich professional competition training and experience, who have basically completed Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus learning. The reference standard is having advanced to AIME and being able to answer 4-5 questions in AIME.
Think Training Team (G9-10)
After Year 1 and Year 2, students will enter the Think Training Team (G9-10), a two-year course designed to address all USAMO content with the goal of transitioning to AIME-USAMO-MOP. Major activities include three hours of training courses per week and one hour of problem-solving discussions per week.
How to Find the Right Competitive Path
If a student finds the selection exam too difficult and fails to pass, it may indicate that the Olympiad class is not suitable. If a child only wants to aim for AIME, then the Honors system in middle school may be more appropriate.
The difference between Honors and Olympiad classes:
- Honors classes prepare for entry-level competitions such as AMC 8, AMC 10/12. They are suitable for the vast majority of well-rounded children regardless of prior competition experience.
- Olympiad classes are for students where math is the most important extracurricular activity and who are willing to invest 10-15 hours per week aiming for USAMO.
How to Choose Honors Classes?
- First AMC 8 exam (5th to 6th grade): Pre-Algebra Honors
- Aiming for AMC 8 Honor Roll, start preparing for AMC10 (6th to 7th grade): Algebra 1 Honors
- Targeting AMC 10 Achievement Roll, not yet studying competition geometry (7th to 8th grade): Geometry Honors
- Aiming to advance to AIME in AMC 10 (8th to 9th grade): AMC 10 HS Camp
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