Hear it from Expert: Insights on Preparation for International Math Olympiad: AMC 8
When it comes to excelling in American Math Competitions (AMCs), or other math competitions such as the International Math Olympiads (IMOs), strong fundamentals and the right mindset go a long way. For students aiming to build their competitive edge, learning from those who’ve walked the path—and taught many along the way—can make a world of difference.
We sat down with one of our experienced math instructors—who has been mentoring students for the AMC 8, the entry-level competition in the AMC series for Grade 8 and below, as well as IB Math—to get her insights on how to thrive in math competitions.
Falling in Love with Math
What drew Himani to mathematics wasn’t just good grades—it was the subject’s logical beauty.
“What truly drew me to math was its logical structure and problem-solving nature. The fact that it’s all logic, no mugging up! Unlike subjects that rely on rote memorization, math offered clarity and consistency.”
Her natural talent for numbers showed early on, consistently ranking at the top of her class. But more than achievement, it was the satisfaction of solving problems that made math a lifelong passion. For Himani math wasn’t just a subject to do but a world to explore.
“Don’t just do math—love math! Never lose your curiosity. Approach math as a challenge, not a chore.”
What Makes the AMC 8 Unique?
For Himani, what stands out about teaching for math competitions, International Math Olympiads or AMCs like AMC 8—is the variety of problem-solving strategies that come into play.
“It’s fascinating to hear how each student approaches the same question in a completely different way—there’s always something new to learn from their thinking.”
You might think AMC 8, International Math Olympiads, or math competitions in general, are about memorizing formulas—they aren’t. They are about flexible thinking, creativity, and a strong grasp of fundamentals.
Himani’s favorite problems? The ones that look tricky but unravel with beautiful simplicity when you approach them the right way.
“I enjoy problems that seem tough at first glance but reveal surprisingly simple solutions. They remind us how elegant math can be.”
Tips from an Expert: How to Prepare for the AMC 8
Here are Himani’s key takeaways for anyone preparing for the International Math Olympiads, AMC 8 or similar competitions:
1. Focus on Fundamentals
“Strong basics are your best tools.”
Don’t skip foundational concepts in a rush to solve higher-level problems. The most creative strategies come from a deep understanding of the basics.
2. Think Efficiently
“Prioritize shorter, more efficient strategies over lengthy calculations.”
Competitions are timed. Quick, strategic thinking can be more valuable than long, detailed solutions.
3. Practice Smart Time Management
“A frequent error is spending too much time on one tricky problem.”
If a question is taking too long, skip it and return later. Know when to move on—this is a critical test skill.
4. Stay Calm and Break It Down
“A clear mind often leads to clear solutions.”
On test day, students should stay calm when facing unfamiliar questions. Breaking a problem into parts and using known concepts often leads to the answer.
For Students Feeling Nervous
Anxiety before a competition is common—and manageable.
“Take a deep breath and trust your preparation. Focus on reviewing your concepts and applying the strategies you’ve practiced.”
Himani encourages students to understand that difficult problems are challenging for everyone. Staying composed and focused can make all the difference.
“Even small improvements in time management and focus can lead to significant gains on test day. Be confident and believe in yourself.”
Beyond the Classroom
Himani believes that problem-solving teaches more than just math—it fosters patience, perseverance, and critical thinking.
“It’s not just about finding an answer—it’s about developing a mindset that embraces challenges and keeps pushing forward.”
Outside the classroom, she enjoys listening to calming music, walking in nature, and—unsurprisingly—starting the day with a fresh cup of coffee.
“I’m definitely a coffee person—and a morning one at that!”
As one of CourseLeap’s most experienced instructors, Himani teaches students from around the world and finds fulfillment in helping young minds unlock their potential, one problem at a time.
Final Word: Embrace the Journey
You could look at it in two ways. The first is to approach competitions like AMC 8 or other International Math Olympiads with the mindset that it is all about acing a test. The second way is to approach the AMCs as an adventure where you are about to learn to think in new ways, to approach problems with curiosity, and to grow with each challenge. In Himani’s own words,
“Love the process. Trust your abilities. Math is a journey—enjoy it.”