Science & Math Olympiad Top Ranker Interview with Akshita Kashyap

In the world of competitive exams, excelling in multiple Olympiads is no small feat. Careers360 interviewed Akshita Kashyap, a prodigious student of ALLEN Online, Class 6, who has not only secured top ranks in various Olympiads but has also demonstrated an exceptional understanding of science and mathematics through national and international competitions.

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For the SilverZone Science and Math Olympiad, she obtained a perfect score and an Olympiad Rank of 4. She also participated in the SOF Level 1 National Science Olympiad (NSO) and International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), securing International Ranks of 19 and 31, respectively. Her dedication and strategic approach have also led her to zonal excellence awards in SOF Level 2 Olympiads, among other accolades.

In this exclusive interview with Careers360, Akshita shares her preparation strategies, the challenges she faced, and her insights into what it takes to succeed in high-level Olympiads. She also discusses the importance of problem-solving skills, balancing academics with competitions, and her aspirations for future Olympiads.

Q1. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements! How does it feel to be ranked among the top students in multiple Olympiads?

Akshita Kashyap: It feels really nice. After continuing the journey with patience and all the hard work put in, it feels nice to see that I have been able to set a benchmark.

Q2. Among all the Olympiads you have participated in, which one was the most challenging, and which one did you enjoy the most?

Akshita Kashyap: When it comes to the preparation aspect for any Olympiad, the most challenging portion is Level 2 and Level 3 of Olympiads. Preparing for it is also the best thing as I get to tackle many different questions, practice a lot and learn a lot.

Q3. You achieved a perfect score in the SilverZone Science and Math Olympiad. What was your strategy for preparing so well?

Akshita Kashyap: When it comes to any Olympiad be it SilverZone or SOF, for that we have to make sure that our concepts are clear. We should have practised enough. Most of the time we concentrate on the theory aspect only. The actual strategy is to solve as many questions as possible.

Q4. You secured an impressive International Rank of 19 in NSO and 31 in IMO. How was the difficulty level of these Olympiads compared to your school syllabus?

Akshita Kashyap: The School syllabus focuses more on the theory aspect. The problem-solving skills are not focussed upon much. We are asked some basic questions which even junior students can answer many times. But, when it comes to Olympiads, they focus on developing our critical thinking skills. The type of questions posed in Olympiads are such that one can get easily confused while answering them. But if the concepts are clear, one can answer easily. Questions are tricky and we are assessed on how much correct knowledge we hold and if we are practically able to apply it.

Q5. Between SOF and SilverZone Olympiads, which one did you find tougher and why?

Akshita Kashyap: I found the SOF Level 2 portion more difficult. SOF Level 2 focuses more on practical situations. It is a bit challenging part because we have to keep theory and practical aspects hand in hand.

Q6. You have performed exceptionally well in both science and math competitions. Do you have a favourite subject, and what advice would you give to students who want to follow in your footsteps?

Akshita Kashyap: Everybody has some strengths and weaknesses. Recognising personal strengths is important. To recognise where we hold our strength, we should get into the habit of practising more and more. We should reflect on areas of weakness as well. Revising, and practising again and again is crucial. When it comes to Science subject, one needs to study more than their regular school syllabus. The exam pattern and questions are very different from regular school academics. I practised exclusively a bit more for level 2 and level 3 of the Olympiads.

Q7. What was your study plan for preparing for Level 2 of the SOF Olympiad?

Akshita Kashyap: Appearing for Level 2 is a nice experience. Different kinds of questions are asked in the exam and I reviewed my weak points thoroughly. I practised a lot. ALLEN Modules helped me a lot. These Modules help with the foundational understanding of a lot of basics. Apart from this, I practised solving questions a lot from books and other study materials.

Also, check - SOF Level 2 Results Here

Q8. Balancing school academics and Olympiads together can be tough. Did preparing for these Olympiads help improve your school performance, or was it challenging to manage both?

Akshita Kashyap: It rather helped me improve my school performance. When we prepare for Olympiads, we automatically cover much of the school syllabus. However, it helps only up to a point. It can sometimes be challenging, especially in subjects like language studies. This, however, can be managed easily if we pay attention in school and maintain a proper, balanced routine at home. With this approach, one can manage easily.

Q9. What are your future goals? Do you plan to continue participating in higher-level Olympiads?

Akshita Kashyap: Yes, I will continue to participate in higher-level Olympiads. If we stay limited to the school's academic curriculum, it will not improve our critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities much. It gives me more happiness to gain knowledge and practice a lot. I am excited and ready to participate in more Olympiads which will open when I am at a higher grade.

Also, Check:

• SilverZone Olympiad Prizes