The first IPST camp, also called TSTST in the US, is an important step for students in Thailand. It connects those who pass the National Olympiad (TMO) with more advanced training in the second IPST camp.
I had always dreamed of getting into the second IPST camp, so I prepared very hard. I focused a lot on **Combinatorics**, which becomes harder in advanced stages, even though it doesn’t introduce many new concepts. I also focused on **Inequalities**, as this topic is almost always included in the exam. There is usually at least one inequality problem each year to test students’ understanding.
The selection exam for the first IPST camp is very tough and is similar to the **IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)** format. The exam lasts for four days, with each day being 4.5 hours long and having three problems, for a total of 12 problems. The problems start easy and get more challenging, testing how well students can think and solve problems step by step.
The difficulty of these problems is similar to the first problem in the IMO or slightly easier. However, the problems on the last day are often harder and more stressful, especially for first-time participants. In my first year, I solved only 7 out of 12 problems. But with more practice and hard work, I improved in my second year, solving 11 out of 12 problems.
IPST camp exams often include problems from the IMO Shortlist or problems inspired by international competitions. These problems are complex, challenging, and require deep thinking. To prepare, students can find past IPST problems on websites like Infinity Dot , which is a great resource.
For my preparation, I didn’t just focus on solving a lot of problems but also on understanding the ideas behind each one. I carefully studied the solutions and wrote down my own thought process in detail. Writing clear and organized explanations helped me review and understand my methods better later.
The experience at the first IPST camp was both challenging and rewarding. It helped me improve my math skills and taught me how to handle pressure and think creatively to solve difficult problems.
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