Recommended External Resources
Additional resources from other organizations that can help with mathematics competition preparation.
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
Comprehensive online courses and books for competition mathematics at all levels.
Visit WebsiteKhan Academy
Free online courses covering fundamental mathematics concepts with practice exercises.
Visit WebsiteMathematical Association of America
Resources for mathematics competitions including AMC, AIME, and USAMO preparation.
Visit WebsiteBrilliant.org
Interactive problem-solving courses in mathematics, science, and computer science.
Visit WebsitePo-Shen Loh Live
Live online mathematics lessons and problem-solving sessions with Professor Po-Shen Loh.
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Competition Format
What calculators are allowed during the competition?
Scientific calculators are recommended. Graphing calculators are allowed, but problems are designed to be solvable without them. No calculators with internet connectivity or programming capabilities are permitted.
How are teams formed for the team round?
Students who register as a pre-formed team of 4 will compete together. Individual registrants will be placed on teams with other individual participants, typically from different schools when possible.
What happens if a student arrives late?
Students must arrive by 8:30 AM for the opening ceremony. Late arrivals may miss competition rounds, and scores cannot be adjusted for missed time.
Preparation
How should students prepare for PSE?
We recommend regular practice with our provided materials, focusing on both speed and accuracy. Students should be comfortable with fundamental mathematics concepts for their grade level.
Are there different difficulty levels for different grades?
Yes, we have separate middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) divisions with appropriately scaled difficulty levels.
How long should students prepare?
We recommend at least 8-12 weeks of regular practice for optimal preparation, though students with strong mathematical backgrounds may need less time.
Event Day
What should students bring on competition day?
Photo ID, calculator, pencils, erasers, and a water bottle. We provide all competition materials, lunch, and an event t-shirt.
Can parents attend the event?
Parents are welcome to attend the opening and closing ceremonies. Due to space limitations, they cannot observe competition rounds, but a parent lounge with livestream viewing is available.
How are results announced?
Results are announced during the awards ceremony at the end of the event. Detailed score reports are emailed to participants within one week after the competition.
Need Additional Resources?
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