#149 Boosting STEM Student Success Through Math Contests with Vida John

Flourish Coaching

Nov 19, 2024

In this episode, Lisa and Vida discuss:

How math contests can be a strategy for STEM-focused teens providing an edge with college applications and other opportunities.
Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through math contests.
How to get involved in math competitions, how contests work, and the best ways to prepare.
What you and your teen need to know about test prep, expectations, and acceleration.

Key Takeaways:

Sports are excellent, but they are not the only competition available to your teen. Participating in mathematics competitions, science olympiads, essay contests, or other academic competitions can help your teen to better understand their academic subjects.
Due to high school grade inflation, external measures are often a better assessment of your student’s academic achievement.
Finding AMC math test locations can be difficult, but the test is open to anyone to try.
Academically talented students attend both state schools and elective colleges.

“I like it a lot because it does double duty. It helps them demonstrate their skills while they’re in high school and get into the colleges that they want to get into. But then further, it helps them succeed once they get there.” – Vida John

About Vida John:

Vida John is an expert on math competitions for students of all ages. A graduate of Stanford University School of Engineering, after working in technical fields and at start-ups, she retired to homeschool her daughters with an emphasis on rigorous academic instruction. With both kids attending Stanford, she returned to teaching students who are studying math at Art of Problem Solving and preparing them for math contests.

Episode References:

American Mathematics Competition: https://maa.org/student-programs/amc/
Math Kangaroo: https://mathkangaroo.org/mks/
American Regions Math League: https://arml3.com/
The Art of Problem Solving: https://artofproblemsolving.com/
AIME: https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/American_Invitational_Mathematics_Examination
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#142 SAT, ACT, and Test-Optional Admissions: What Parents Need to Know with David Blobaum

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career…(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

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