AMO study plan

Derive the core Grade 3-4 contest tools from scratch: systematic listing, working backwards, and drawing a labeled diagram before computing.

Solve 20 Grade 3 non-routine problems on place value, time, and simple patterns, writing one sentence per problem stating the strategy used.

Solve 15 Grade 4 problems on multi-step arithmetic and unit conversion, checking each answer by an independent second method.

Build a one-page error log classifying mistakes as misread, arithmetic, or strategy gap.

Master Grade 4 counting and logic puzzles by enumerating cases in a table and proving no case is missed.

Apply Grade 5 fraction and decimal reasoning to 15 word problems, converting between forms where it shortens the work.

Practice the invariant method: identify what stays constant in 10 problems involving sharing, mixing, or moving objects.

Time yourself on 8 problems at 4 minutes each to build pace discipline.

Solve 15 Grade 5 geometry problems on area, perimeter, and composite figures by decomposing shapes into known pieces.

Solve 12 Grade 6 ratio and proportion problems using a bar model or unit-rate method.

Write a general rule for each of 5 pattern-and-sequence problems and verify it against the 10th term.

Explain two solutions aloud in under 90 seconds each to test clarity of reasoning.

Handle Grade 6 divisibility, GCD/LCM, and remainder problems by prime factorization in 12 exercises.

Solve 12 Grade 7 linear equation and inequality word problems, defining the variable explicitly each time.

Complete 6 multi-part problems where later parts depend on earlier answers, checking consistency between parts.

Review the error log and re-solve every missed problem cold, without notes.

Solve 12 Grade 7 counting problems using the multiplication principle, permutations, and combinations with justification for each choice of method.

Solve 10 Grade 8 problems on exponents, scientific notation, and algebraic manipulation without a calculator.

Practice estimation and parity checks to reject wrong answers quickly on 10 problems.

Identify three recurring personal failure modes and write a specific countermeasure for each.

Solve 12 Grade 8 geometry problems on similar triangles, the Pythagorean theorem, and coordinate geometry with full justification.

Revisit Grade 6 number theory through Grade 8 lenses, solving 8 problems that combine divisibility with algebra.

Practice the extreme-case and small-case strategy on 10 problems where the general case is hard.

Draft a personal strategy checklist of at most 8 items to consult before starting any problem.

Run two full mixed mock tests of 20 problems each under 100-minute timing, covering all six domains.

Score each mock by domain and compute accuracy per domain to find the two weakest areas.

Re-solve every incorrect problem and write the corrected reasoning in full sentences.

Drill the two weakest domains with 10 targeted problems each.

Take one final full mock test and aim to beat the week-7 score by at least 10 percentage points.

Review the strategy checklist and error log only, avoiding new material in the last three days.

Rehearse time allocation: 3 minutes per problem with a 10-minute reserve for checking.

Write a short post-mortem naming what worked and what to change next cycle.