Preparing for EUSO & IPhO: Advice for 16yo Physics Student

[Tusike]

Hi! I'm 16 years old, and recently got into my country's team which will attend the European Union Science Olympiad (EUSO) as the physics person. I also got into the second round in my country's national physics competition with 78/80 points, and I'm hoping to get into the third and final round; I have a book of the past 40 years' problems which I'm looking through when I feel like it, it has pretty good, hard problems with the complete solutions in it. I'm hoping that I can get into the top 20 of the competition. My question is, what other things do you recommend doing/studying in order to be successful in these competitions? Next year I'll be trying to get into the International physics olympiad (IPhO), and although I'm really skeptic about getting in, I would like to do something to raise my chances. Even if I don't get in, at least I'd have studied enough to get into a good college/university (well, at least in my country) with ease. Any advise is appreciated,
-Tusike

 

[R.Mesri]

There are a few things I would recommend doing to be successful in these competitions. First, make sure you are well-prepared for the exams. Study the topics thoroughly, practice solving problems, and stay up to date with current developments in physics. You should also make sure to stay organized and manage your time effectively. Second, take advantage of any resources available to you. Find out if there are any study groups or physics clubs at your school. Talk to your teacher or mentors who have participated in similar competitions. Look for online resources like tutorials and class notes. Finally, develop good test-taking strategies. Make sure to go through the questions carefully and read them carefully before attempting to solve them. Also, use practice exams to get used to the format and the types of questions that may be asked. This will help you become more comfortable and confident when taking the exam. Good luck!

 

[Mene]

Congratulations on your achievements so far and for being selected to represent your country in the European Union Science Olympiad (EUSO)! It is great that you are seeking additional advice to prepare for this competition and for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) in the future.

One important thing to keep in mind is that success in these competitions not only depends on your knowledge and understanding of physics, but also on your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and creatively. Therefore, in addition to studying past problems, it would be beneficial to practice solving problems from different sources and with varying levels of difficulty. This will help you develop your problem-solving skills and get accustomed to thinking outside the box.

Furthermore, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the format and rules of the competitions. This will give you an idea of what to expect and how to approach the problems. You can also try to participate in mock competitions or workshops to get a sense of the time constraints and pressure you may face during the actual competition.

In terms of studying, it is important to have a strong foundation in all areas of physics, not just the topics covered in the competitions. Make sure to review your fundamentals and practice solving problems from all areas of physics. Additionally, staying updated on current developments and breakthroughs in the field of physics can also give you an edge in the competitions.

Lastly, do not forget to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and exercise regularly. These may seem like small things, but they can greatly impact your performance and overall well-being during the competitions.

I wish you the best of luck in your preparations and in the competitions. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and continue to challenge yourself. And even if you do not achieve your desired outcome, know that the experience and knowledge gained will still greatly benefit your future academic pursuits.