Maths Olympiad Class

Grades

Grade-based enrollment (students select their grade level; appears to serve grades 6-12 based on olympiad structure)

Age

Typically ages 12-18, though exact age restrictions not specified

Citizenship

Open to international students; no citizenship restrictions mentioned

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites; students are assessed via placement test to determine appropriate class level

Steps

1. Download the T & H Application form from their website
2. Select your desired grade level for enrollment
3. Complete the Olympiad Online Placement Test (timed, single-sitting assessment)
4. Receive placement test results and score assessment
5. Enroll in the class immediately after receiving results to secure preferred time slot
6. Complete payment to finalize enrollment

Materials Needed

• T & H Application form (downloadable from website)
• Grade level selection
• Valid email for online access
• Computer/device with internet for placement test and online classes

Timeline

Rolling admissions; enrollment can begin immediately after passing placement test; no specified application deadline mentioned; appears to accept enrollment year-round with class scheduling flexibility

Cost

Not specified on available pages; likely requires tuition payment after enrollment

What Judges Look For

• Strategic problem-solving ability demonstrated in placement test
• Logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills
• Understanding of mathematical fundamentals (algebra, geometry, number theory)
• Ability to approach non-standard math problems creatively
• Demonstrated mathematical IQ and cognitive development potential
• Readiness for international-level competition mathematics

Scoring

Unknown specifics, but placement test score determines class level assignment; higher scores likely lead to advanced class placement

Common Mistakes

• Attempting placement test unprepared without reviewing fundamental concepts
• Rushing through the timed test without careful problem analysis
• Not reading problems thoroughly before attempting solutions
• Failing to understand that first attempt score is final (students cannot retake placement test)
• Enrolling late and missing preferred class time slots
• Underestimating the cognitive rigor required for olympiad-level mathematics

Acceptance Rate

Unknown; appears to be open enrollment with selective placement testing rather than competitive admissions

Applicants

Not publicly disclosed

Winners / Selected

Not applicable - this is an enrichment class, not a competition with winners

• Review fundamental mathematical concepts (number theory, geometry, algebra, basic combinatorics) before taking the placement test
• Practice timed problem-solving beforehand to develop speed and accuracy under time pressure
• Read the placement test instructions carefully - note that only your first attempt score counts
• Take the placement test in a quiet, distraction-free environment to maximize focus
• Once enrolled, immerse yourself in strategic problem-solving practice beyond class hours
• Study past olympiad problems (IMO, USAMO, national competitions) to understand problem types and approaches
• Join study groups with other olympiad students to discuss strategies and solutions
• Develop mathematical maturity by working on progressively harder problems rather than memorizing solutions
• Understand that olympiad math prioritizes elegant, logical thinking over computational speed
• Keep a problem-solving journal documenting different approaches and strategies learned in class
• Enroll in the class immediately after receiving placement results to secure your preferred time slot before seats fill up
• Prepare mentally for challenging, non-routine problem types that require creative thinking

How to Prepare

• Assess your current math level by reviewing recent competition papers or past IMO problems
• Study fundamental concepts from algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics
• Solve timed practice problems similar to olympiad style (6-8 hour assessments with 2-3 problems per session)
• Understand the distinction between computational math and olympiad problem-solving (emphasis on proof and elegant solutions)
• Practice working on problems without immediately checking solutions - develop problem-solving persistence
• Learn classic olympiad theorems and approaches (pigeonhole principle, induction, modular arithmetic, etc.)
• Take full-length timed practices to build endurance and time management
• Study official IMO/national olympiad archives to familiarize yourself with problem styles and difficulty progression

Resources

• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) books and online platform - comprehensive olympiad preparation
• IMO shortlists and problems from official International Math Olympiad archives
• National olympiad past papers (USAMO, AIME, AMC for US students; equivalent for other countries)
• Arthur Engel's 'Problem-Solving Strategies' - classic olympiad problem-solving guide
• GeoGebra - geometry problem visualization and exploration tool
• MathWOOT - competitive mathematics training program
• Mathematical problem databases and forums (e.g., Art of Problem Solving forums, Art of Problem Solving Community)
• Textbooks on number theory, combinatorics, and geometry at competition level
• Online study communities and Discord groups focused on olympiad preparation

Time Needed

Minimum 3-6 months of consistent preparation before placement test; optimal preparation typically 1-2 years of weekly 10-15 hour engagement for serious olympiad competition; students should expect 5-10 hours per week for class participation plus additional independent practice

Information not publicly available from T & H Maths Centre; however, successful international olympiad competitors typically have: strong foundation in pure mathematics (algebra, geometry, number theory), consistent track record in national math competitions, ability to solve novel problems using logical reasoning rather than formula application, demonstrated passion for mathematics beyond standard curriculum, experience with multiple competition levels (AMC/AIME in US context, or equivalent national competitions), and sustained commitment to weekly problem-solving practice over 1-2+ years

Math olympiad participation, particularly at international levels, is highly valued in college admissions. Top universities (MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, etc.) view successful olympiad competition as evidence of exceptional mathematical ability, creative problem-solving, and intellectual maturity. Participation shows genuine passion for mathematics beyond standard academics. However, impact is strongest when combined with actual competition placement/awards - taking classes alone is less impactful than achieving measurable results. T & H Maths Centre class serves as preparation pathway rather than standalone credential. Most valuable for college applications are: (1) qualifying for and competing in national/international olympiads, (2) achieving high placements or medals, (3) demonstrating sustained engagement over multiple years. The class itself demonstrates ambition and serious mathematical interest, which strengthens applications when combined with performance outcomes.

• Congressional App Challenge — Tier 3, competition
• ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) — Tier 3, competition
• AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) — Tier 3, competition
• National Science Bowl — Tier 3, competition
• Science Olympiad — Tier 3, competition