A growing fear running not only in students but almost all the parents is that Olympiad exams are very difficult to crack. However, this is just a fear only! There are many aspirants who give up even before starting because they feel the same fear. As with hard work and proper study planning anything can be achieved. If you are one such fearful parents then don’t get demoralize, despite encourage your kids to face the exam.
Must Read: Participating in SOF Olympiads have plenty of benefits, check out the 7 must know benefits here.
When we talk about SOF Olympiads, understanding of the concepts well is the key to success in IMO, NSO, IEO, etc. Anyone who tries hard to understand the concepts well without mugging up can easily clear Olympiads. Preparation without understanding is futile and leads to unnecessary fear at the last minute. Here are few ways through which you can make your kids ready to face the Olympiad challenge and get surprised to know that Olympiad exams – it’s not as difficult as you think.
Also read: Myths About Olympiad Exams Debunked!
Understand the Exam Pattern
This is the first thing that you need to do before you even think of preparing for Olympiad exams. The pattern of SOF Olympiads are different from school exams. It is an objective type test of 60 minutes in which 35 multiple choice questions are asked for Class 1 to 4 and 50 objective-type questions for classes 5 to 12 (details available on Exam Pattern Questions and marking scheme).
Must Read: Top 9 questions Olympiad aspirants and their parents often ask
School Timetable and Home Study Schedule must be in Sync
Before you start your study, make sure you planned your time accordingly. A time table must be made in which the syllabus of school and Olympiads can be studied simultaneously. Study the topic taught by the teacher as soon as you come home from school, revise the topic and prepare revision notes. It makes your studies more organized hence helping you achieve your score easily and effectively.
Do you know studies for both School and Olympiads can go hand-in-hand? Here’s how:
Avoid Rote Learning and Focus on Basic Concepts!
Stay away from rote learning and develop a deep understanding of each and every topic as it helps you to remember the concepts for a very long period of time. Only a strong foundation of knowledge will take you places! And MTG’s Foundation Course Series is your ticket! The course help to strengthens the understanding of fundamental concepts for long-lasting and deep-rooted learning.
Develop Test Taking Skills
In school exams students are only tested for memory, but in Olympiads you need a good analytical and problem-solving skills. Besides the conceptual knowledge what SOF Olympiads demands is your ability to apply those concepts which you have learn in your syllabus on to the Olympiad level questions. So, it is imperative to focus more on how to develop your analytical and test taking skills instead of wasting your time in rote learning. Olympiad Skills Development System (OSDS) is the best resource in developing the exam-taking skills as children gets the chance to practice on OMR sheet. It is a downloadable test series of 8 papers and OMR sheet similar to the actual Olympiads. OSDS simulates the actual SOF Olympiad exam, except with different questions. Explore more on OSDS to boost your Olympiad skills.
Self-Evaluation is Very Critical
Once you are done with the concepts, make sure that you attempt questions based on that topic. You can explore Workbooks by MTG. It gives you a complete question practice and quick recap in chapter wise format with self-analysis for great performance in SOF Olympiads.
Clear Your Doubts
If you are having any doubt regarding any topic or subject, clarify that at the same time. Otherwise it may trouble you a lot in your preparation. You have your teachers, friends, mentors and previous aspirants, so turn to them when you find the need. Don’t be afraid to ask. This will not only clear your doubt but also help you to think in your own and innovative way.
Positive Approach Is Imperative
Your attitude decides your rank in Olympiad exams. If you possess a negative approach and keep saying that you can’t do it- It’s very difficult to crack Olympiad, then this won’t commit your success in the exams. A negative approach will only make you feel anxious and things difficult. The moment you start thinking positively, your brain will show greater activity. Hence, a right frame of mind and step by step Olympiad preparation guide is very imperative to crack these exams.
More Guidance on how to solve SOF Olympiad Questions: