Four mathletes qualify for USA(J)MO

After months of preparation, four students took the last tests of the AMC contest series — the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) — on April 29 and 30.

Sophomore Sean Shi qualified for the USAMO — typically given to upperclassmen — after qualifying for the USAJMO — given to underclassmen only — for two years in a row. Sophomores Celine Liang qualified for the USAJMO for the third time, while sophomore Kristine Zhang qualified for the USAJMO for the second time. Freshman Keshav Narayan qualified for the USAJMO for the first time. Like last year, all USAMO and USAJMO qualifiers are underclassmen.

The tests took place over a period of two days; students attempted three proof-based problems for four and a half hours each day.

“The USAJMO is difficult not just because of the complex math involved, but also because it requires a high level of focus for long periods of time,” Zhang said. “I think [working through the contest] is a great experience because it is a really good way to exercise and test out problem-solving skills.”

From the results of the USAJMO and USAMO, around 60 students nationwide will be chosen to participate in the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOP), which selects and trains the six members of the USA International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team.