#Preparing for competition

[jemar]

Top 10 Academic UK and US Competitions for International Students

Competetion Prep

Participating in international competitions can be a transformative experience for students like you, allowing you to showcase your wit, earn recognition from reputable institutions, and even secure scholarships. International competition participation can even bring additional benefits such as gaining global exposure and expanding horizons, depending on your field of interest. If you are interested in competing, here are some competitions you can join, the ideal time to start preparing, and the different educational platforms that can help you.

Top 10 Academic UK and US Competitions for International Students:

If you are an international student, there are plenty of competitions to choose from, ranging from academic challenges to creative contests. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): The IMO is the oldest and most prestigious international mathematics competition for high school students. First held in Romania in 1959, it has since grown to become a global event and aims to challenge students with advanced mathematical problems that require creativity, insight, and rigorous problem-solving skills. The IMO is also a platform for students to demonstrate their mathematical abilities on an international stage. Eligible for students 20 years old and below on the day of the second contest paper (typically in July), the competition accepts a team of up to six students from each participating country. The selection of students is often based on national mathematics competitions.

2. Model United Nations (MUN): In MUN, students simulate the workings of the United Nations, debate global issues, and try to draft resolutions. This competition hones public speaking, diplomacy, and negotiation skills. Participants are selected by local organizers or by their school. If your school does not participate in it, you may opt to register online or through your local organizer. 

3. John Locke Essay Competition: Held annually by the John Locke Institute, the John Locke Essay Competition encourages critical thinking by writing on philosophical, political, and economic issues. The competition is open to ages 14-18, with different categories for younger and older participants. Through this competition, young people are encouraged to engage with challenging intellectual questions in subjects such as philosophy, politics, economics, history, and law.

4. Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR AWC): Open to students between the ages of 13 to 18, this contest is an avenue for participants to showcase their research and writing skills on global issues and themes pre-chosen by the competition committee. The contest provides an opportunity to get published in HIR. 

5. Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI): FPSPI encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and propose innovative solutions to real-world problems. Founded in 1974, it has grown into a global competition involving thousands of students globally. The competition is divided into several components; the Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) where teams or individuals analyze a scenario related to a global issue and follow a six-step problem-solving process to propose solutions; the Community Problem Solving (CmPS) where students identify and address problems within their communities, creating and implementing action plans to solve them; Scenario writing where each participant write narratives set at least 20 years in the future, based on one of the year’s global topics and; the Scenario performance where similar to scenario writing but focuses on oral storytelling.

6. The Conrad Challenge: This competition is an annual, multi-disciplinary innovation competition for high school students to develop innovative solutions to global problems. Named after astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad, the competition seeks to inspire young people to think like entrepreneurs and use their creativity to address real-world challenges. The competition is divided into several phases where students will outline their innovative ideas, develop a business plan, and present their projects to a panel of judges at the Conrad Innovation Summit. 

7. National History Day (NHD): Founded in 1974 in Cleveland, Ohio, NHD aims to enhance research skills and understanding of history through research, writing, presentation, and critical thinking. There are 2 categories, the Junior Division (Grades 6-8) and the Senior Division (Grades 9-12). Students will have to choose a historical topic related to an annual theme and then conduct in-depth research using primary and secondary sources.

8. The World Scholar’s Cup (WSC): An academic team competition for students aged 11-18, the WSC combines debate, writing, and multiple-choice challenges. Founded in 2007, it aims to foster collaboration, public speaking, and creative thinking in students worldwide. In teams of three, students engage in debates on a variety of topics, individually write essays on different prompts, a multiple-choice quiz, and a fast-paced team quiz which all test students' knowledge across six subjects, including science, history, literature, art, music, and social studies.

9. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Founded by the Society for Science, ISEF is the world's largest pre-college science competition. Open to high school students from around the world (usually winners of affiliated fairs), ISEF provides scholarships, recognition, and networking opportunities with top scientists and universities through scientific research, presentation, and critical thinking. It also encourages students to tackle real-world problems using scientific methods and to present their findings to a global audience.

10. American Regions Mathematics League (ARML): ARML is an international math competition where teams of high school students compete in challenging mathematics problems that are open to high school students globally, with teams often including students from international schools. It aims to foster a love for mathematics among high school students, promote teamwork, and challenge participants with complex mathematical problems.

What do you need to prepare for a competition?

Time is crucial when it comes to competition preparation. Ideally, you should start preparing at least six months in advance, especially for highly competitive and challenging competitions. 

Aside from early preparation, here are other 5 tips to consider:

Follow the guidelines - Each competition has a different guideline. For example, essay writing competitions have a required citation format. Some competitions have a theme, like the HIR AWC. Make sure you follow this to ensure that your submission is impeccable. 

Practice - For academic Olympiads, participating in timed mock tests will help simulate the competition environment. Reviewing and solving the previous years' problems can also build your familiarity and knowledge when doing tests. 

Focus on honing skills - For essay competitions, you need to spend ample time refining your writing and research skills. You must choose a topic early on, conduct extensive research, and draft multiple versions of your essay to ensure it's polished and well-argued. To be at ease, you may avail of writing exercise services to make sure that your essay is polished to perfection. For public speaking or debate competitions, pronunciation exercises can help you get comfortable and enhance your confidence leading up to the competition.

Stay consistent and manage stress - In any competition, consistency is key. Set a study schedule and stick to it, even if it's just a little progress each day. Managing stress is also crucial—balance your preparation with relaxation and activities to avoid burnout.

Use Available Resources - Use educational platforms, books, and past papers to deepen your understanding. You may also avail one-on-one tutoring sessions with experts who specialize in your competition area. By attending online tutoring sessions, you have the chance to be more prepared for any competition you’ll join.

What are the benefits of online tutoring services?

Several online tutoring services provide tailored tutoring services to help you maximize your potential so you can excel in competitions. Here’s how:

1. Personalized Coaching - Online tutoring services offer one-on-one coaching sessions that are optimized to your specific competition needs. Whether you’re preparing for the IMO or the John Locke Essay Competition, the plethora of expert tutors from different fields can guide you through the process.

2. Comprehensive Resources - Online tutoring services provide access to numerous application tools and other relevant resources like practice tests. These are designed to equip you with the right knowledge and give you an edge during the competition.

3. Confidence Building - Preparing for competitions can be daunting, but online tutoring services help build confidence through constructive and personalized feedback. You will also identify and address your specific areas of weaknesses well before the competition starts.

4. Flexible Scheduling - Online tutoring services offer flexible tutoring sessions, allowing you to attend sessions at your convenience. You can even pick a tutor who matches your learning style and needs.

Preparing for an international competition can feel overwhelming but by starting early and following these steps, you can significantly boost your chances of winning. With focused preparation, you’ll not only deepen your knowledge and improve your skills but also gain the confidence to stand out among the best. So, if you’re planning to enter a competition, the time to start is today!

[mutenisnotcool]

YURI

[tblsomedoodles]

Baby Dee: I want to sing the pokemon theme song for the singing competition!

Also Baby Dee: *Immediately gets stage fright and makes his papa sing it instead*

Anyways! @tmntaucompetition 's loosing bracket has started. You can vote on Adopted Donnie's poll OVER HERE!

[luthienne]

making choices. idk if they're good choices or the right choices. but they are choices

[moonagedaydreamsofrhiannon]

*muttering incoherently while rocking back and forth on the floor of my padded cell, ripping out chunks of my own hair*

jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels jackieshauna elena ferrante parallels

[blacknwhitemood]

Kids

[kuntya]

This may be a moment of weakness, but I'm starting to have more sympathy with female separatists.

"Women are people and deserve the same rights as you" didn't work. The first generation of men to see first-hand that equal rights means they won't get a wife/mommy/slave went hard right.

50% of marriages end in divorce. 70% of divorces are initiated by women. For every 2 divorced men who want to remarry, there's only 1 divorced woman who wants to remarry. 1/3 of men 18 - 24 haven't had sex in the last year.

Men are better off with you barefoot and pregnant. And they know it.

The incentives and opportunities for men to enslave women are just too strong. I don't know what to do about this.

[comparatist]

14th June, 2024

Updates:

1. I joined a research project about academic social responsibility.

2. I am regularly taking care of my skin and my food intakes are all on time.

3. I'm practising through the second paper of a competitive exam. I still have a lot to read in the first paper.

Exam is on 18th. Wish me luck!

[autumnlake]

hey! I am trying to start my competitive exam journey and hope this blog will help me stay consistent. so am gonna post updates regularly even if no one sees them.

for my lovely future self <3

source: pinterest

[13eyond13]

I think the moment Light's crush on L first smacked him in the manga (like when it finally rooted and started blooming in his guts) was when L was like "you're my first ever friend" whilst smirking into his teacup. And not because Light fully believed he was being sincere about being friends, but because he KNEW L was slyly teasing him and speaking to him on more than one level at once. Nothing more unexpected funny flattering and intriguing than that for him right then

[nikothebookdragon]

COMPETITION OF ALL TIME TRULY

ILIA????? WHAT THE FUCK?????? H O W

yes his pcs was Hella inflated but technically, FAIR ENOUGH!!! and his short was decent performance wise!!!

YUMA ABSOLUTELY SLAYED!! I feel a little sad for him that he didn't get the title, but that was still brilliant

and ADAM!!!! I HAVE NO WORDS. That was a performance I'll NEVER forget, and to from 19th to THIRD???!!!! backflipping onto the podium and laughing in the faces of the judges, iconic doesn't begin to cover it.

[theemployees]

Hm. I heard you wanted to know about HoneiSukle, Yes? The only bee capital inside the hidden city's territory, a maze that you will have to learn the directions of based on word of mouth and experience. But I suppose I can tell you all about it.

Tall, golden, imposing, covered in plants buildings with a grand white castle at the center with tall walls surrounding the kingdom, alongside the tall and dense forest around is what a person would see for the first time will say about them.

But as a bee yokai living inside the hive? Well, You take notice of the intricacies of how everything is built.

You notice the barely visibly patterns of hexagons embedded into the material that makes up the buildings. The special designs, symbols, and spells hidden, stitched, and marked into banners, signs, glass, and even the glistening white outerwalls.

You see how the forest has many hidden sigils and posts hidden inside the dense canopy of leaves above the past along with inside the thicker trees themselves. Those yokai are very territorial if you were about to ask.

You notice the golden arches that always look oh so complicated yet so simple.

You notice how the plants flourish in the environment and how much care gets put into where they get placed, you see the gardeners tend to the plants and make sure that they do not die under their care.

You see all the different signs, made with a dark wood or stone and usually written on with bright colors, each color meticulously representing what establishment and business the building was being used for.

The gardens are such a sacred thing, did you know? They say that the gardens hold ancient and magical properties, some people do not come out for hours at time but claim they've only been inside for only half that time... Others say that when a terribly ill person visits the gardens, they come out mostly healed. Not all the way no, but it's improves a person's health and heightens their chance of survival or being healed.

One thing is for certain, These special and sacred gardens are heavily guarded areas due to some distasteful Yokai coming in and trying to vandalize them and destroy the ancient and often extinct flora and plants inside.

Of course, these perks only apply to the giant gardens and the Castle Gardens. The parks dotted around the hive have a much lower chance at reducing a yokai's trouble, but constant exposure had been shown to benefit a person's mental health.

... But of course, These are rumors that have been debunked by the Bee, Bear, and some other trusted yokai by the Bees.

You see how they act, yes? Hesitant and wary of any outsiders who have not 'proven' themselves. There is even a schedule on when outsiders can visit or not. First half of the week and very certain sacred holidays forbid the entry of anyone who is not trusted. Politicians alike have tried to fight against the rules, but they get reminded that the Queens of the past had bought the land they reside. They bought the entire forest and a little ways from it.

It's only nature that they are paranoid, especially after the great war. They don't want to lose the hive again after all, so why trust outsiders?

While yes, a Bee Yokai alone may be the sweetest thing you've ever met... But an entire group of them? They can be the most bitter yokai around if you say or do the wrong thing around them.

But can you really blame them? They have a shakey alliance with the Wasp Yokai because 4 generations ago, one of them killed the King of HoneiSukle. An act like that is unforgivable but the Bees are trying to repair it. Even if it's shakey....

Unlike with the Butterflies, Most of them can be quite rude to the bees and will not show any kindness towards them. It's only reasonable that the Bee Yokai are rude back, Because you mess with one, you mess with all of them.

They do however, have a nice and stable relationship with the Ursine. The Bear and Bee Yokai usually always have a good bond, The Bees provide Honey and the Bears provide protection. It's why the Bears have free reign over the schedule unlike other yokai species, it's because the Bears are fair to the Bees. They act as good bodyguards and well... Would you want to fight a bear?

What you don't see is that the entire city is accessible to the disabled too, Elevators, Professional buses that have wheelchair accessible closest to the doors and not just the front... Basically, everyone inside is treated equally and fairly unless given reason to otherwise.

And the more you stay, the more you know how to properly navigate the maze and customs that is in HoneiSukle Hive, The Hidden City's only Bee City.

......

Well, how about I show you a paper I found that advertises HoneiSukle, hm? The second part seems to be targeted about the two week Flower festival every mid spring.

Ahem.

'The HoneiSukle district was a section of the city that was surrounded by forest with all types of trees and protected by the Hardworking bees. Tall standing buildings that shimmered like gold with hexagonal patterns all around.

HoneiSukle is home to one of the largest family of hardworking bees. These bees all had different jobs they had to tend to, from saleswomen to CEOs, This Colony is the most prosperous from all the hardwork they put into making their 'Hive'.

The HoneiSukle District is home to the tastiest honey known to Yokai kind and the most elaborate and perfect beeswax candles. Their Luscious and colorful gardens are known to be tourist attractions and genuine places where tourists could watch worker bees take care of the flower and some even taking the pollen!

Every Spring, when everybee has regained their energy, There is a festival that lasts for two weeks to celebrate the new blooming flowers and the new year. Many are allowed to come to this festival and celebrate along the bees, and you can hear everyone happy. Children are laughing and running around, Elders are over to the side gossiping about all the different gossip they have picken up, both young and old are participating in different games and are letting the world know they are having fun. The Queens' happily look over the events from atop their throne that is infront of the giant sakura tree that had been there for centuries.

Every Friday during the festival, Yokai will come along and dance around with their lovers and close ones as Cherry Blossoms fall around them to 'strengthen' their love for eachother, as the bees believe that Friday is the day of love for both platonic and romantic. It does not matter who you bring along, just as long as you are respectful and only wear white or pastel colors!'

Now, you may wonder why they specified that you wear white, yes?

Well, It's because during the floral parades, bees on floats and on their wings and feet will start throwing washable pigments and colored water at the crowd, staining their clothes and skin/fur/scales with an array of colors.

I mentioned the city being user accessible before, Have I? Well, this festival is no exception. They have performers on the ground who dance and cover the ground below, other bees pull up those who cannot use or do not have their wings with a swing so they can experience flying and throwing pigment at the crowd. Fan dancers all around with white and light blue fans to mimic wings.

I think I have a photo of the festival.. Along with one of the area normally...

ah yes, here it is.

Hmm...

Well, if you ask more questions I'm sure I'll be able to answer them.

— ???

(ty to @disgracedghostprincess for the last two drawings, and if you are gonna ask about HoneiSukle pls add hsh first thing for our sake—)

@tmntaucompetition

[axolotlworld]

The turn Lavos gets trolled in the 2019 Smogon classic tournament recreated with the text from the resulting forum post

[mortellanarts]

Gnawing at the bars of my enclosure I want to draw for 999 week but alas I have a job now qwq

[unmechanism]

please do expand in the tags or in the comments !! I love gathering data, data is my passion ♡

[y0imiy9]

modern!mizu working in the f&b industry:

(source)