– How to get to the Mendeleev Olympiad? What is the recipe for success?
I think one of the most important aspects to prepare to the Mendeleev Olympiad is to actually focus on the specific traits of the olympiad: Understand the unique style of the test, the nuances in the problems, and be prepared to be surprised on the test. The IMChO is quite different than other olympiads, so in my opinion the key to achieve success is to do past exams, analyze the patterns that you encounter and approach each problem with curiosity and an open mind.
– What were your impressions of the 58th Mendeleev Olympiad?
It was great! I fell in love with Shenzhen MSU–BIT University. I also thought the theoretical exams were quite challenging, but also very fun to do. It is worth mentioning that the practical exams are also great, I find fascinating the way that the olympiad commitee always think of tasks that are somewhat interconnected.
– Where are you studying now? Can you estimate how much the Olympiad preparation helped you to cope with the academic load? What is the strength of an olympiadist?
I'm currently not in any university. I am taking some time off to choose between a career in physics and chemistry. I think I can't estimate how much it helped me. The best part of my journey was the lifestyle/philosophy that I learned studying for the olympiads: I became much more disciplined, I learned how to approach problems more effectively, I became much more self-aware and self-critical, and learned many other qualities.
– Have you wanted to study chemistry since you were a child? Or maybe later?
I would only discover chemistry at 15 years old, but I immediately fell in love with it and started studying for olympiads.
– Are you doing science now?
Yes, although I am not currently in any university, I'm engaged in research projects with Professor Samuel at Piaui Federal University.
– What advice do you have for a school student who is preparing to participate in the Olympiad?
Enjoy the process. To this day, my happiest days while studying chemistry were in the weeks before the 58th IMChO, where I would wake up thinking about solving chemistry problems and have fun exploring the past exams of IMChO for hours.
I think one of the most important aspects to prepare to the Mendeleev Olympiad is to actually focus on the specific traits of the olympiad: Understand the unique style of the test, the nuances in the problems, and be prepared to be surprised on the test. The IMChO is quite different than other olympiads, so in my opinion the key to achieve success is to do past exams, analyze the patterns that you encounter and approach each problem with curiosity and an open mind.
– What were your impressions of the 58th Mendeleev Olympiad?
It was great! I fell in love with Shenzhen MSU–BIT University. I also thought the theoretical exams were quite challenging, but also very fun to do. It is worth mentioning that the practical exams are also great, I find fascinating the way that the olympiad commitee always think of tasks that are somewhat interconnected.
– Where are you studying now? Can you estimate how much the Olympiad preparation helped you to cope with the academic load? What is the strength of an olympiadist?
I'm currently not in any university. I am taking some time off to choose between a career in physics and chemistry. I think I can't estimate how much it helped me. The best part of my journey was the lifestyle/philosophy that I learned studying for the olympiads: I became much more disciplined, I learned how to approach problems more effectively, I became much more self-aware and self-critical, and learned many other qualities.
– Have you wanted to study chemistry since you were a child? Or maybe later?
I would only discover chemistry at 15 years old, but I immediately fell in love with it and started studying for olympiads.
– Are you doing science now?
Yes, although I am not currently in any university, I'm engaged in research projects with Professor Samuel at Piaui Federal University.
– What advice do you have for a school student who is preparing to participate in the Olympiad?
Enjoy the process. To this day, my happiest days while studying chemistry were in the weeks before the 58th IMChO, where I would wake up thinking about solving chemistry problems and have fun exploring the past exams of IMChO for hours.