How to prepare for Math Prize for Girls

Where the points actually are

The paper sits at roughly AIME difficulty and above, with 150 minutes for 20 problems. That is generous time per problem by contest standards, which shifts the emphasis from speed toward depth and correctness.

Topic breakdown

01AIME-level algebra and combinatorics

The core of the paper. Preparation overlaps almost completely with AIME preparation.

02Olympiad geometry

Configurations that reward knowing named theorems rather than coordinate bashing.

03Proof writing

Only needed if you reach the Math Prize Olympiad round, but worth starting early.

A study plan that works backwards from the date

1. Autumn before Focus entirely on maximising your AMC score, since that is what determines selection.
2. Spring and summer Work through past AIME papers and past Math Prize papers, which are published free on the official site.
3. Month before Full past Math Prize papers under timed conditions. The longer format needs its own pacing practice.

Tips that come from the format itself

• Past Math Prize papers with solutions are published openly and are the single best predictor of the current year's style.
• 150 minutes for 20 problems means you can afford to verify. Use the time; do not rush as though it were an AMC.
• Selection is AMC-driven, so the highest-leverage preparation happens a full year before the competition.

Practice resources

• Math Prize for Girls official site with past problems Official · free

  Application details, eligibility, and a free archive of past papers and solutions.

• AoPS AIME archive Past problems · free

  The closest match in difficulty and style.

Past papers and official materials

• Math Prize past exams and solutions

  Published free by the Advantage Testing Foundation.

Skills this builds

• AIME-level problem solving
• Olympiad technique
• Endurance over a long paper
• Proof writing for the Olympiad round

Read what other students said about preparing