Is it too late to start preparing IPHO?

[nobelium102]

is it too late to start preparing IPHO??

I have recently gained interest in physics
I am already grade 11 and i think it's too late to start
i have taken gr 11 math and physics only

do you think i have chance? for IPHO? as in like making up to the national finals?
if it is how many hours at least should i study to catch up?

can you recommend some other contests?
is there a contest similar to ipho for university students?

 

[rasmhop]

Depends heavily on what country you are in, and whether you have already trained somewhat.

If you are in the US and have not strayed much of the regular curriculum, then it is probably not feasable, but why not give it a try? The competitions leading up to it are great fun, and who knows, you may even get lucky.

If you are in a country with a comparatively weak IPhO team, then you may be able to make it. Personally I found out about IMO (mathematics olympiad) at the start of my 11th year, and was lucky enough to attend as part of the national team for 2 years in a row because I practiced a lot and aced our national tests (choked pretty bad at the actual IMO, but was a great experience).

You can meet some great people, even if you don't make it all the way. If you are interested in competitions like these I say go for it, what is the worst thing that could happen? You learn some interesting physics and problem solving skills.

Usually these kinds of competitions are not as popular in a university setting as you have plenty of other opportunities and challenges (research, extra courses, self-study, etc.) which to many are more important. I don't know whether a competition exists, but I wouldn't expect it to be like IPhO (in math we have Putnam in the US, and globally we have the International Mathematics Competition for University Students).

 

[nobelium102]

wow thanks alright I will give it a shot
btw i live in Canada