Math Contest Prep: Study Plan for Busy Students

Let’s face it—high school is hectic. Between academics, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs, it’s easy to push math contest prep to the side. But the truth is, with the right plan, you can make serious progress without sacrificing your schedule or burning out.

Whether you're preparing for the Euclid, Fermat, Pascal or COMC, this guide offers a clear, achievable roadmap. We’ll break down the structure of an ideal week, how to build flexibility into your study sessions, and how Myls Tutoring supports busy students every step of the way.

Why a Plan Matters (Especially for Busy Students)

Time is your most valuable resource. Without a plan, you risk:

• Inconsistent practice
• Cramming right before the contest
• Skipping over problem types that need more attention

But with a simple routine, even just 2–3 hours a week can turn into measurable growth.

The 3-Part Study Framework

To make the most of limited time, focus your math contest prep on these three elements:

1. Practice

Choose 5–10 problems per session from past contests or curated question sets. Focus on variety: algebra, geometry, number theory, and logic. Use a timer to simulate exam pacing (e.g., 30 minutes for 5 questions).

2. Review

Don’t just solve problems—analyze them:

• Why did the solution work?
• What approach could you try next time?
• Could you generalize the concept?

Keeping an error log helps spot recurring gaps.

3. Simulation

Once every 2–3 weeks, try a full-length, timed contest. Mimic real conditions: no distractions, strict timing, no notes.

Sample Weekly Plan (Flexible for School Life)

Can’t stick to this exact schedule? No problem. Shift based on your availability, but aim for consistency over perfection.

Study Tools That Work

Here’s what we recommend for effective, independent study:

• Past Papers: CEMC archives, COMC problems, Math Kangaroo booklets
• Books: Art of Problem Solving, Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel
• Digital Tools: AoPS Online, Brilliant.org, and timed Google Forms mock contests

Use a digital or physical tracker to keep your sessions organized.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

🛑 Don’t just guess and move on
→ Always review why a wrong answer happened.

🛑 Don’t skip topics you dislike
→ Weak areas hurt the most under time pressure.

🛑 Don’t cram the week before
→ Steady prep builds confidence. Cramming builds anxiety.

How Myls Tutoring Supports Busy Students

At Myls Tutoring, we understand the reality of high school schedules. That’s why we offer smart, time-efficient online tutoring designed for students balancing academics and life.

✅ Here’s how we help:

📅 Flexible Scheduling

• Book lessons around school, clubs, and work
• Choose evening or weekend sessions
• Make up missed sessions easily

📊 Personalized Plans

• Diagnostic assessment to identify time-saving strategies
• Weekly goals based on your availability
• Smart prioritization of high-yield question types

🧠 Tutor-Guided Strategy

• Focus on efficient techniques and time management
• Learn how to break down problems quickly and avoid traps
• Build stamina gradually with simulated tests

📚 Curated Resources

• Custom worksheets tailored to your level and goals
• Past papers organized by topic and difficulty
• Timed digital quizzes for on-the-go practice

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Math contests aren’t just for students with lots of free time. With the right plan—and the right support—you can fit preparation into even the busiest week.

The key is consistency, clarity, and strategy. You don’t need to study every day. You just need to study smart.

🚀 Want to Make the Most of Your Limited Time?

Join hundreds of students who are successfully preparing for math contests with Myls Tutoring.
🎯 Book a trial session today and receive a time-efficient study plan tailored to your schedule and goals.