I got introduced to AwesomeMath a few years back when a colleague recommended them to me. After solving several of the problems in Mathematical Reflections, I became intrigued by AwesomeMath and especially the summer program. Since then, I have worked through many of their books and I became a much more experienced problem solver.
When I first saw the title, AwesomeMath Admission Tests - The First Nine Years I couldn't believe it. I had often wondered what the admissions tests were like and wished I had the opportunity to take one. I was happy to finally get this opportunity. The first few pages go over the story of how the AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP) came to be and the prestigious program it has grown into. It then goes straight into the admissions tests.
Each test covers all of the four traditional areas of competition math: Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory and Combinatorics. However, there are other problems that don't fall under any one subject, but require cleverness and creativity. As I have worked through them, I compared my solutions to the solutions given. Doing this made me uncover problem solving techniques I didn't know existed, giving me more experience as a problem solver. I found the solutions fascinating. Additionally, the problems don't just vary by subject, but by technique as well. For example, one problem might ask you to compute the value of an expression, while others ask you to write a proof.
This book is amazing to me because it provides a wide variety of problems all in one place. I'm able to get practice with the areas I am comfortable with while tackling problems in the areas I need to work on. All of the problems are challenging, offering a rich and worthwhile experience in problem solving! Not only is it an excellent resource for those preparing for AMSP 2022, but it gives other math enthusiasts, like myself, a chance to benefit from the AMSP. I am grateful this book was written and for all I'm learning from it!
