Strategies for Excelling in a Challenging Olympiad

Studying for challenging Olympiads can be tiresome, exhausting, and, above all, quite dull. However, with precision, accuracy, and a well-structured schedule, one can easily conquer any test.

Mentally preparing yourself is crucial. With about 2 to 4 weeks left until the Olympiad, you must be prepared to work diligently and cover all topics within the limited timeframe.

Craft a timetable. A standard timetable consists of five days dedicated to studying followed by a day for self-assessment and another for relaxation and review. However, feel free to adjust it to meet your specific requirements. Remaining committed to your timetable is crucial.

Consistently reinforce fundamental concepts. Given that most Olympiads focus on concepts and employ objective questions (such as multiple-choice), your focus should be on reinforcing the core concepts you already grasp. For instance, in a mental ability Olympiad, concentrate on topics like cubes, matrices, number and letter sequences, and blood relations. In a more diverse Olympiad covering multiple subjects, ensure thorough comprehension of all concepts.

Envision yourself as a top achiever. Confidence is key to excelling in any Olympiad. Continuously visualize your success, and it will manifest.

Adhere to your timetable rigorously. Aim to cover a minimum of 85% of the required topics. Prioritize high-weightage topics, addressing them first before moving on to those with lower weightage. For instance, in a diverse Olympiad, focus on mental ability, followed by mathematics, science, and languages.

Prioritize proper nutrition and sleep. While it's a well-known advice, its importance cannot be overstated. It's unnecessary to study late into the night to succeed. Quality sleep aids in memory retention and stress reduction. Waking up early is advantageous as it ensures a fresh mind.

• If sleep proves elusive, consider taking a nap—it can induce REM sleep, which aids memory integration. Studies have shown that even entering the REM sleep cycle is beneficial for memory consolidation.

Progress to new topics only when you've mastered the current one. Rather than rushing through the syllabus, it's more beneficial to thoroughly understand fewer topics. This ensures a higher likelihood of answering questions correctly during the Olympiad.

Practice with sample papers. Most Olympiads offer previous year papers online at minimal costs. If these aren't available, you can create mock papers with friends and attempt them within the time constraints of the actual Olympiad.

Complete three straightforward topics during days 1 to 3. Even if there's remaining workload, limit yourself to three topics at most.

Continue solving sample papers and take regular breaks on days 4 and 5.

Utilize sample papers and maintain a positive mindset on days 6 and 7: These days are crucial; excessive or insufficient preparation could lead to mistakes. Solve as many sample papers as possible. Regular revision is also essential as it facilitates quicker recall of information.

Rise early. Start your day early and review all the formulas and equations you need. Have a nutritious breakfast, ensure you have all necessary materials (HB pencils, ballpoint pens, erasers, calculators if permitted), and approach the exam with a positive attitude.

Maximize the reading time upon entering the examination hall. Read at least three-quarters of the paper. Allocate 5 minutes of your reading time to attempt recalling the topics you've studied.

Stay composed. Many individuals struggle to complete the Olympiad within the allocated time due to excessive stress. Learn some quick meditation techniques to alleviate stress whenever it arises. Rest assured, you'll be able to finish the paper on time.

Handle your markings with care. Nowadays, most Olympiads employ OMR sheets where precise marking is crucial. Once a circle is shaded, it's challenging to erase and remark since even a tiny dot is interpreted as an answer by the OMR reader. Therefore, double-check your markings before finalizing them.