Competiton Experiences

The following are some "tools of the trade" that I have learnt from taking past competitions. I find this is beneficial to the "How to start becoming a Mathlete" forum, because anything you have learnt from taking a certain competition may be helpful towards future test-takers.

Feel free to add on some of your experiences and what you recommend for pre-competition, competition, and post-competition.

Pre-competition

• Prepare a small study guide and look over necessary formulas that you have learnt
  
• Have a good breakfast
  
• Go to each test with a positive mantra. Don't begin your evaluation by saying "I will surely fail."
  
• Pack extra pencils, extra calculator batteries, and possibly a small snack for longterm competition
  
• Create a checklist before each test to make sure you have all that is needed

Competition

• Focus strictly on your evaluation and nothing else
  
• A watch can serve useful in calculating how much time you take per problem, the time left, the time you have to check, etc.
  
• DOUBLE CHECK ANSWERS
  

Post-Competition

• Learn from previous mistakes by looking back at what you got wrong
  

What do you mean by "a good breakfast"?

1. A breakfast containing a sizeable amount of food.
2. A breakfast containing pretty healthy food.
3. A breakfast containing at least some water/juice/milk. Possibly vitamins.