guidance help please =S

[kurt.math]

Hello Everyone.

I seam to be in a bit of a predicament. I am currently finishing my 3rd last year at high school, ie from the start of next year i have that year and the next until i officially finish high school. Through acceleration and self teaching i have learnt all the mathematics in high school. Due to a flaw in my exam methodology, in my recent Olympiad i didnt do too well (eg i lost about 7 marks in silly calculation errors or failing to read the question exactly, as well i lost 5 points for not putting down my proof for the last question which was right... i have no idea why i didn't...).

I really would like to make it to the IMO, and i think that it is an achievable goal whence i improve on my exam methodology. Further more there is a high chance i will make the 2011 IPhO. But i am between a rock and a hard place because their is also the possibility of me pursuing University study in pure mathematics for next year. What should i do??? Out of curiosity, just say i talked on a regular basis with a university professor whom was giving me work to do and helping me out, would that make me not able to participate in the IMO/IPhO? Should i continue with mathematics competitions or start university mathematics "officially"?


I would really appreciate all comments =)

[fedja]

[Kent Merryfield]

I am personally aware of U.S. students who were enrolled in university mathematics courses - in some cases, graduate level mathematics courses - in the same year in which they competed at the IMO. That's all perfectly legal, as long as they were still officially enrolled in high school, which they were.

[Ihatepie]

Is it legal to go to two international olympiads in the same year?

[jmerry]

Yes, if you can find and qualify for two that don't have time conflicts or other rules imposed by your country. See here.

[kurt.math]