In the context of international math competitions, many parents' first reaction upon hearing the word "competition" is often "that's for geniuses." Especially events like the Euclid Mathematics Contest, organized by the University of Waterloo and highly recognized by prestigious schools, seem to come with an aura of mystery.
However, let's peel back that mysterious veil and discuss a very practical question: Is Euclid suitable for so-called "average students"? If your foundation is average, is it possible to "turn the tables" and aim for an award through preparation?
1. Demystifying: Is Euclid Really Only for "Geniuses"?
First, let’s define the "average student": In this context, it refers to students who excel in regular math classes, have decent logical thinking skills, but haven't undergone systematic Olympiad training.
The conclusion is: Euclid is very suitable for the "average student" to get started.
Three reasons:
Extremely gentle difficulty curve: Euclid consists of 10 long-answer questions. The first 5-6 questions are essentially at an advanced regular math level. As long as you have a solid grasp of high school math basics, scoring points is not difficult.
No "tricky, obscure, or overly difficult" bias: Unlike the occasional highly technical problems in the American AMC series, Euclid's questions are designed to be very "gentle." It values your depth of understanding of concepts and logical expression, rather than testing your IQ ceiling.
Broad award coverage: As long as you rank in the top 25% globally (usually scoring around 60-70 points), you will receive a Certificate of Distinction. For an average student, achieving this certificate through effort offers great value for money.
2. The "Three Major Hurdles" for Average Students Preparing for Euclid
Although suitable, average students aiming for a high score (85+) in Euclid must overcome three major hurdles:
1. The "Context Barrier" of English Proficiency
Euclid is not purely about mathematical calculations; it includes extensive background descriptions. If you don’t understand the logical qualifiers in the questions (e.g., "exactly," "distinct," "at most"), even strong math skills will be useless.
2. The Logical Writing of "Full Solutions"
This is the area average students find most unfamiliar. The later parts of Euclid require writing complete solution steps. Students accustomed to Chinese multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions that "only look at the final answer" often lose significant points due to imprecise steps.
3. The "Breadth" of Knowledge Points
Euclid involves some topics that are not deeply explored in regular Chinese high school curricula, such as advanced trigonometric identities, basic number theory, and recurrence relations.
3. From Beginner to Award Winner: A Four-Step Preparation Method
If you decide to participate in the Euclid contest for the 2026 season, it is recommended to follow this pace for your preparation and improvement:
Phase 1: Eliminate Knowledge Gaps (Solidify Your Foundation)
Average students should not start by tackling the last two questions.
Key areas to focus on: Geometry (properties of circles, applications of trigonometric functions), Algebra (polynomial theorems, logarithms and exponents), and Combinatorics.
Action: Use past syllabi to fill in any missing knowledge points. Ensure you can achieve 100% accuracy on the first six questions during practice.
Phase 2: Targeted Attack (Elevate Your Thinking)
Once you can consistently solve the first six questions, set your sights on questions 7-9.
Core Training: Try solving the same problem using different methods. Euclid favors testing the intersection of knowledge points, such as using geometric methods to solve algebraic optimization problems.
Action: Practice "translating" mathematical language and learn to construct rigorous English solution processes using logical connectors like "Because/Therefore."
Phase 3: Timed "Mock" Tests with Past Papers (Exam Hall Experience)
The Euclid exam duration is 150 minutes, which truly tests your endurance.
Action: Use past papers from the last 10 years and simulate the exam under strict timing. Learn how to allocate your physical and mental energy within the 150 minutes.
Review: Focus on the official "Full Solutions." Compare your steps with the official ones and learn their logic of expression.
Phase 4: Strategic "Reinforcement" and "Letting Go"
For average students, the final part of question 10 is typically reserved for the global top 1%.
Action: In the week before the exam, review formula sheets and memorize high-frequency academic vocabulary. In the exam hall, if you have no idea about question 10, spend your time checking the details of the first eight questions to ensure you "don't lose a single point you deserve."
4. The Value After Winning an Award: The Path to "Gilding" for Average Students
For average students, Euclid results serve two major purposes:
An "Admission Ticket" to the University of Waterloo: As long as you apply to Waterloo's Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering programs, Euclid is a mandatory entry requirement. An excellent score significantly increases your chances of admission and qualifies you for substantial entrance scholarships.
"Hard Currency" for Profile Enhancement: Compared to the fiercely competitive AMC, a Euclid certificate effectively demonstrates your logical expression abilities and academic potential when applying to prestigious Commonwealth universities (such as the University of Toronto, McGill, and even Oxford/Cambridge/G5).
Scan the QR Code to Get Free Past Paper Solutions from 1998-2025 + Essential Formulas + Categorized Question Banks!
1998-2025 Past Papers
Categorized Question Booklets + Preparation Books
