Winning physics/math competitions

[Hioj]

I recently found out that I really love physics and math. But in order to propel myself forward most efficiently, I need to have a goal in mind, and that goal has to be worthwhile. It's too late for me to participate in the IPhO/IMO, unfortunately.

Which goals would you recommend I set for myself?

I was thinking of going for the top spot at a physics and/or math competition (thus the title of this post). How would winning such a competition help me in my career goals, personal goals etc.? What prestige follows from winning such a competition?

I haven't been able to find that many competitions available to undergrads, can you lead me to any?

I hope you can help.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I don't think winning a competition will have much of an effect at all on your career goals. I know a lot of physicists. I don't know any who have won such a competition, which most likely means that it's not much talked about.

 

[eri]

If you want to stand out as an undergrad, the way to do it is by getting involved in original research and getting a publication or two. This is common among undergrads applying to grad school; while some conferences might give research awards, for the most part competitions like that are for high school students.

 

[Msh1]

Your own university should have math and physics competitions for its own undergrads. Usually if you are among the top 5 in your own university math competition you can compete in the Putnam competition in which students from across the North America compete. However, if you have never been involved in such competitions in high school, you are going to have to put an enormous amount of effort to be even in the top 100 of the Putnam or similar physics competitions. Even that (being in the top 100) is not very helpful in graduate school admissions, if that is your goal. I think unless you are in the top 15 of the Putnam competition or similar physics competition, it is not really worth focusing on these competitions. As everyone said try to get good grades and a publication.

 

[ECmathstudent]

Even that (being in the top 100) is not very helpful in graduate school admissions, if that is your goal. I think unless you are in the top 15 of the Putnam competition or similar physics competition, it is not really worth focusing on these competitions. As everyone said try to get good grades and a publication.

This is something I've wondered about, a few guys I've talked to have said people put their Putnam results onto their resumes and grad schools applications. Does it really have any effect? I've half-thought of writing it, I was able to get a couple of questions when I looked over the one this year, but I don't want to risk getting a 0 haha.

Also, wouldn't top 100 in the Putnam be pretty awesome?

 

[Frion]

If you do very well on the Putnam, it would help. I've no idea how graduate admissions would view it, but I've heard hedge funds eat those awards up. Also, the wikipedia page for the Putnam says one of the Putnam Fellows gets a scholarship to Harvard, I personally never heard about that, though. I don't know you so I don't know your chances, but I can tell you that the top 5 spots usually people who went to IMO 1 or more times while in high school and the next and most of the next 20 people have similar qualifications.

Personally, I don't expect to win these competitions. I may get to top 100 of the Putnam by senior year if I'm lucky. I will probably never even get to represent my university for ACM. But I still participate in these competitions because they're fun. They are like sports for nerds.