Studying for math tests can be overwhelming, especially with managing time after school and honing good study habits. Moreover, with the corollaries of grade obsession, students and parents have been under a great deal of pressure.
There can be challenges in adapting its scholastic system for 21st century institutional demands because of its competitive nature, particularly enhancing students’ ability to work with complex knowledge across and within subject domains such as science and math.
However, math remains to be the most essential subject. It encourages people to think outside of the box, especially with developing young minds adequately. For that reason, the Math Olympiad exam is a critical step to take in order to cultivate your mathematical thinking skills, thus having the opportunity to win scholarships and certificates for advanced studies.
What is MOEM?
MOEM, also known as Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools, is one of the most influential math competition programs throughout the world.
Providing you with such a wide array of challenges will help develop your logical reasoning skills and mental rigor. In addition, you will also gain a deeper understanding of different fundamental aspects and learn how to cope with competitive situations.
With over 120.000 students throughout the world participating in MOEM, this exam is held at different grade levels. Students can now win certificates, rewards and scholarships. Some even go on to receive opportunities to study overseas.
It is important that you start out by recognizing your abilities at the outset with different practice problems, books, and certain areas of the forum depending on your current skills. Likewise, you should also try to improve in areas where you are not as good as. Thus, the purpose of this guide is to help you get started.
How to study for MOEM in 5 easy steps
1. Start Early
Exam preparation can be overwhelming in general. However, it does not mean it is impossible. It is important to prepare well so that you can manage your time efficiently and achieve your academic goals.
Cramming for a math exam the night before is not an option. For your preparation to be adequate, the best way to start early is to take class seriously, especially with math. Math can be a difficult subject to master, but with time and practice, you can easily ace your MOEMS.
2. Understanding each and every topic
It is important that you start out by recognizing your abilities at the outset with different practice problems, books, and certain areas of the forum depending on your current skills. You should also try to improve in areas where you are not as good as.
Acknowledging where you stand on certain topics and identifying your strengths and weaknesses will give you an advantage in improving theoretical and practical knowledge.
Making a list of important formulas is the key to memorizing different concepts and knowing when to apply it. Once you have learnt the techniques, apply them straight away and it will be engraved into your brain.
3. Create a study plan
Rather than going through all of your math textbook and cramming for math the night before, try to create a study plan. A study plan has many benefits and takes only 5 minutes to make.
You can give yourself time limits whenever you’re going to the library or studying at home. This way, you won’t get bored easily and can lessen the load of having to memorize every concept and formula
The best way to do this is to create a good habit of sticking to the schedule you’ve made. Whether it is a one month plan or 3 days plan, allowing yourself to get plenty of time to study and practice will help you master the key techniques needed for succeeding well in any type of competitive exam.
4. Practice online
When it comes to math exams, practicing is the key to stay on top of your work and be more familiar with the variety of challenging problems you’ll face. This way, you will be more likely not to repeat the same mistake twice and have a better chance of acing your MOEMS.
You can usually find practice tests on online practice platforms to help you prepare and determine which concepts you understand and which areas need further development. The results can then be used to determine your math level and improve your skills.
You can take advantage of all types of resources. There are many math-related platforms which provide a wealth of useful information, such as YouTube videos and websites that offer practice tests. One of the most influential online learning platforms out there is Brilliant, which will teach you how to solve difficult and challenging problems using a “think outside the box” mindset.
5. Revise and learn from mistakes
The best way to avoid repeating the same mistakes is to keep all of your marked test papers and practice sheets. This way you will be able to diagnose and go over the problem you’re struggling with and immediately acknowledge it. You can even take the extra step by taking the initiative to search for interactive tutorials online or ask your teacher to guide you through the problems.
By reviewing the mistakes you’ve made, you’ll remember not to make the same mistake twice as the concepts repeat and build in your head.
Why are online programs important?
When it comes to exams, being well prepared gives you the upper hand. There are numerous fundamental topics that you should master before participating in math olympiads. Understanding the most crucial theorems and knowing which practical examples to apply them to is important. For this, you will need to read several books on algebra, geometry, number theory, inequality, combinatorics, etc.
In spite of the fact that practice is still the most important step, we want you to work smarter, not harder. So how do you do that? Online programs can offer you step by step guidance to mastering the key techniques needed for succeeding well in Olympiad Math.
Here is one of the most influential online learning platforms for learners who want to sharpen their logical thinking skills and give them the best chance of getting good grades.
Brilliant
Brilliant offer more than just basic Maths tuition, they provide advanced courses for students to understand the range of different mathematical concepts, which goes far beyond than just the lessons taught in classrooms.
As part of the program, students can take part in fun, interactive courses such as puzzles and quizzes in order to interact and learn at the same time.
It has a variety of courses depending on your current skills, as you will walk your way up to mastering the key techniques needed for succeeding well in Olympiad Math. With this course, you will learn how to solve difficult and challenging problems using a “think outside the box” mindset.
It can be hard to excel in Math in a short amount of time. Luckily, Brilliant offers step by step guidance on how to solve mathematical problems more effectively. Students can participate in Brilliant’s Contest Math I and Contest Math II. Fundamental key techniques for Olympiad Math will be taught in the Contest Math I. Thus, you can expect to master algebra, geometry, combinatorics, probability, and number theory.
Once you have excelled in Contest Math I, you will be able to proceed to Contest Math II, which will feature 61 high-level interactive quizzes and 575+ crucial concepts and exercises. This will challenge you even more so that you will be more prepared to take the MOEM exam.
All in all, Brilliant is the perfect platform for learners to engage in fun learning activities and sharpen your Math olympiad skills online at an affordable cost.
What is a good MOEMS score?
MOEMS offers two divisions; the Elementary division is offered for students in grade 4-6, where the first place will be awarded to students who scored 22-25 points and students who score 17-21 points comes in second.
The Middle Division is offered for students in grade 6-8, where the first place will be awarded to students who scored 22–25 points and 16–21 points for second place.
Both exams consist of 5 non-routine questions, each worth 1 point. Every question requires problem solving skills and careful mathematical analysis. Whenever a student answers correctly, they receive one point. Every year, results are submitted to MOEMS for score keeping. All the best in your MOEMS journey!