With roughly a month left before SOF IMO, trying to cover new content is usually the wrong priority. The highest-leverage use of this time is sharpening speed and accuracy on what's already been learned.
Week 1–2: Diagnostic and Gap-Filling
Work through past IMO papers under real time conditions to identify specific weak areas — not vague "I'm not great at geometry" impressions, but the exact question types being missed. Spend this period closing those specific gaps.
Week 3: Timed Practice
Shift fully to timed, full-length mock papers. The goal now is pacing and exam-day comfort, not new learning — a student who knows the content but hasn't practiced under time pressure often underperforms relative to their real ability.
Week 4: Light Revision and Confidence-Building
In the final week, taper intensity. Light review of previously-identified weak areas, without cramming new material, keeps the student sharp without inducing exam-week fatigue or anxiety.
What to Avoid in the Final Month
- Starting entirely new topics this late — it's rarely worth the time relative to sharpening existing strengths.
- Skipping timed practice in favor of only untimed problem-solving — pacing under real conditions is exactly what a rushed prep window can't skip.
- Increasing intensity right up to exam day — a tapered final week generally produces better exam-day performance than a crammed one.