Guides for STEM competitions & admissions
BIAA Blog
Practical, evergreen guides on STEM competitions, study roadmaps and admissions profile building — written by BIAA coaches.
10 Beginner Robotics Projects for Kids
Ten hands-on starter robotics projects for kids — from a line-following robot to an obstacle avoider — with the skills each one teaches.
Python vs C++ for Competitive Programming
Should a student use Python or C++ for competitive programming? A practical comparison by level, with a clear recommendation.
How to Keep a Winning VEX Engineering Notebook
Judges reward documented process. Here's what to put in a VEX engineering notebook — design decisions, testing, iteration and team roles.
Is Competitive Math Right for My Child?
Wondering if competitive math is worth it for your child? BIAA breaks down how contests like the AMC work, the real benefits, and signs your child is ready.
From AMC 8 to AMC 10: The Transition
How to move from AMC 8 to AMC 10 — the new topics, the jump in difficulty, and a realistic timeline for middle schoolers.
How to Prepare for AMC 10: An 8-Week Plan
A practical 8-week AMC 10 preparation plan — topic focus, timing strategy, scoring tactics and how to aim for AIME qualification.
USACO Silver to Gold: The Plan
A focused roadmap to promote from USACO Silver to Gold — the exact algorithms, an 8-week plan and the mistakes that stall most students.
Machine Learning Projects for Teens: 6 Beginner Ideas
Looking for machine learning projects for teens? BIAA shares six beginner-friendly first ML projects, the tools to use, and how to turn them into a portfolio.
How to Find a Research Mentor in High School
Learn how to find a research mentor in high school: where to look, how to cold email professors, and how BIAA helps students launch real research projects.
A Strategic Roadmap to Grade 11 STEM Competitions
A focused roadmap to grade 11 STEM competitions across math, CS, robotics, and research. BIAA shows how juniors prioritize, qualify, and build for college.
STEM Profile Building That Actually Works
How ambitious students build a STEM admissions profile that stands out — beyond a long list of activities — with research, competitions and projects.
A Grade 9 STEM Competition Roadmap: Where to Begin and How to Grow
A clear roadmap to grade 9 STEM competitions in math, coding, and robotics. BIAA shows ambitious students and parents how to pick, plan, and progress with purpose.
Binary Search for Competitive Programming
Master binary search for competitive programming with BIAA: learn the monotonic predicate pattern, binary search on the answer, STL helpers, and how to avoid bugs.
Graph Algorithms for Competitive Programming: A Student's Roadmap
A clear roadmap to graph algorithms for competitive programming, from BFS to flow networks. BIAA shows how each maps to USACO divisions and contest skill.
AMC 10 vs AMC 12: Which Should You Take?
A clear breakdown of AMC 10 vs AMC 12 — eligibility, content, AIME qualification cutoffs and how to choose the right one.
Dynamic Programming Explained for Competitions
Learn dynamic programming for competitive programming with BIAA: optimal substructure, memoization vs tabulation, classic patterns, and how DP shows up in contests.
What Is CSP-J/S Informatics? A Complete Beginner's Guide
CSP-J/S informatics is China's entry-level coding certification by the CCF. BIAA explains its two divisions, two rounds, eligibility, and pathway to NOI.
What Is FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)?
What is FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)? BIAA explains the grades 7-12 robotics competition, alliance matches, engineering portfolio, and how students advance.
USACO Bronze to Silver in One Season
A practical roadmap to promote from USACO Bronze to Silver: the exact topics, a weekly plan, and the mistakes that keep students stuck.
FLL Innovation Project Ideas That Judges Notice
Looking for FLL innovation project ideas? BIAA breaks down how the FIRST LEGO League Innovation Project works, how to pick a strong problem, and how teams win.
What Is FIRST LEGO League?
What is FIRST LEGO League? BIAA explains the divisions, robot game, innovation project, and Core Values so students and parents know how this STEM program works.
VEX Robotics Preparation: How to Get Ready for the Season
A clear VEX robotics preparation guide for students and parents: program levels, match format, the engineering notebook, and a season plan from BIAA coaches.
Scratch vs Python for Kids: Which Should Come First?
Scratch vs Python for kids explained: how each works, the right age for each, and how BIAA helps students move from blocks to real code and competitions.
What Is VEX Robotics?
What is VEX robotics? BIAA explains VEX IQ, V5, and VEX U programs, how matches and alliances work, judged awards, and how students reach the World Championship.
Build a Chatbot With Python: A Beginner Project
Learn how to build a chatbot with Python step by step. BIAA breaks down rule-based, NLP, and AI approaches in a beginner-friendly project for K-12 students.
What Is the US Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)?
A clear guide to the USNCO chemistry olympiad: its three stages, eligibility, exam format, and how the US IChO team is chosen. BIAA explains how to prepare.
First Computer Vision Project Ideas for Teens
Looking for a first computer vision project for students? BIAA shares beginner-friendly ideas, free tools, and a step-by-step path for ambitious teens.
What Is USABO, the USA Biology Olympiad?
A clear guide to the USABO biology olympiad: its three rounds, eligibility, and how students advance. BIAA explains what ambitious K-12 biology students should know.
How Much Do STEM Competitions Cost?
Wondering about STEM competition cost? BIAA breaks down registration, equipment, travel, and coaching fees so parents can budget confidently for K-12 contests.
What Is the Physics Bowl Exam?
What is the Physics Bowl exam? BIAA explains the AAPT contest format, Division 1 vs 2, scoring, eligibility, and how high school students can prepare and compete.
Choosing a STEM Program for Kids: A Parent Checklist
Choosing a STEM program for kids? Use this BIAA parent checklist to weigh curriculum, instructors, competition pathways, and fit so you pick the right program.
What Is USAPhO, the US Physics Olympiad?
A clear guide to the USAPhO physics olympiad: the F=ma exam, format, eligibility, and how to reach the US Physics Team. BIAA explains how it all works.
When Should Kids Start Coding? A Realistic Guide for Parents
When should kids start coding? BIAA breaks down the right age by readiness, from block-based play to text-based languages and competition pathways for K-12.
Summer STEM Programs Worth Doing for High School Students
A practical guide to summer STEM programs high school students should target, from RSI to research and CS tracks. BIAA shows you how to choose well.
F=ma Exam Preparation: How to Qualify for USAPhO
A practical F=ma exam preparation guide from BIAA: format, eligibility, mechanics topics, and a study plan to qualify for the USA Physics Olympiad.
What Is the F=ma Exam? A Complete Guide
What is the F=ma exam? BIAA explains the format, eligibility, topics, and how this AAPT physics contest qualifies students for the USA Physics Olympiad.
How to Write Your First Research Paper in High School
A clear, step-by-step guide to writing your first high school research paper, from topic to publication. BIAA shows ambitious students how to start strong.
How to Choose a High School Research Topic
Learn how to choose a high school research topic that is focused, original, and feasible. BIAA's step-by-step guide for ambitious K-12 STEM students and parents.
What Is the Math Kangaroo Competition?
A clear parent and student guide to the Math Kangaroo competition: format, grade levels, scoring, and how it works. BIAA explains how to prepare and what to expect.
Research vs Competitions: What Matters for Admissions
Research vs competitions admissions: how selective colleges weigh academic contests and original research, and how BIAA students build a focused, credible profile.
What Is MATHCOUNTS? A Parent and Student Guide
What is MATHCOUNTS? BIAA explains the middle school math competition's four rounds, levels, and eligibility, plus how students can prepare and advance.
How to Build a STEM Spike for College Admissions
Learn how to build a STEM spike for college admissions: depth over breadth, the right competitions, and projects. BIAA's step-by-step guide for families.
The Best AMC Resources: Books, Practice Tools, and a Smart Study Plan
Discover the best AMC resources to prepare for AMC 8, 10, and 12. BIAA breaks down top books, practice tools, and a smart study plan for ambitious students.
Grade 12 STEM Competitions: A Senior-Year Roadmap
A practical roadmap to grade 12 STEM competitions in math, computing, research, and robotics. BIAA shows seniors which contests to enter and how to prioritize them.
AIME Preparation: How to Prepare for the AIME
A clear AIME preparation guide for students and parents: format, qualification, study strategy, and how BIAA helps you train for the AIME and beyond.
The Grade 10 STEM Competition Roadmap
A clear roadmap to grade 10 STEM competitions in math, coding, robotics, and research. BIAA shows how 10th graders pick the right contests and build momentum.
What Is the AIME? A Clear Guide for Students and Parents
What is AIME? BIAA explains the American Invitational Mathematics Examination format, how to qualify through the AMC, and where it leads in math competitions.
A STEM Competition Roadmap for Grade 8
A practical roadmap to grade 8 STEM competitions in math, coding, robotics and science. BIAA shows parents and students how to plan a strong, balanced year.
What Is AMC 12? Everything You Need to Know
What is AMC 12? BIAA explains the format, eligibility, scoring, AMC 12A vs 12B, and how it leads to the AIME and USAMO for ambitious high school students.
A STEM Competition Roadmap for Grade 7
A practical roadmap to grade 7 STEM competitions in math, robotics, coding and science. BIAA shows parents and students how to choose, prepare and progress.
What Is AMC 8? Format, Topics and Tips
What is AMC 8? Learn the format, topics, eligibility, and scoring of this middle school math contest, plus prep tips from BIAA to help your student succeed.
Essential Data Structures for Competitive Programming
A clear guide to the essential data structures competitive programming students need, from arrays to segment trees. BIAA maps each one to real contest skills.
Common USACO Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid the most common USACO mistakes that cost students points and promotions. BIAA breaks down the format, scoring traps, and habits that build top scores.
Number Theory for Competitive Programming: A Student's Roadmap
A clear guide to number theory for competitive programming: GCD, primes, modular arithmetic, and inverses. Build the math toolkit BIAA students use to climb the ranks.
Prefix Sums and Difference Arrays Explained
Learn prefix sums for competitive programming and the difference array trick for fast range queries and updates. A clear, practical BIAA guide for students.
The Best USACO Resources and Books, By Division
A practical guide to the best USACO resources and books, organized by division. BIAA shows parents and students how to train smart from Bronze to Platinum.
Recursion and Backtracking for Competitive Programming
Learn recursion backtracking competitive programming techniques: how they work, where they appear in contests, and how BIAA students train to master them.
What Is USACO? A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is USACO? BIAA explains the USA Computing Olympiad's four divisions, contest format, scoring, and eligibility so beginners and parents can start strong.
Greedy Algorithms for Competitive Programming
Learn how greedy algorithms work in competitive programming, when they're correct, and how to prove it. A practical guide from BIAA for ambitious K-12 coders.
What Is the NOIP Informatics Olympiad?
A clear BIAA guide to the NOIP informatics olympiad: what it is, its format, levels, eligibility, and how it fits China's path to NOI and the IOI.
The Complete Robotics Engineering Notebook Guide
A clear robotics engineering notebook guide for parents and students: what judges look for, required sections, and how BIAA helps teams document like real engineers.
How to Prepare for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
A practical FTC preparation guide for parents and students: how FIRST Tech Challenge works, building a team and robot, the engineering portfolio, and how BIAA helps.
FIRST LEGO League Core Values, Explained
FLL core values explained for parents and students: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork and Fun, plus how BIAA helps teams live them out.
VEX vs FIRST LEGO League: Which to Choose
VEX vs FIRST LEGO League compared by age, robot, format, and judging. BIAA helps parents and students pick the right robotics program and competition path.
How to Prepare for the US Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
A clear USNCO preparation guide for students and parents: exam tiers, eligibility, and a smart study plan from BIAA to advance through the Chemistry Olympiad.
How to Prepare for USABO: A Practical Guide
A clear USABO preparation guide from BIAA covering exam rounds, eligibility, the syllabus, study resources, and a realistic timeline for ambitious students.
USAPhO Preparation: How to Prepare and Qualify
A clear USAPhO preparation roadmap from BIAA: understand the F=ma and USAPhO exams, build the right physics skills, and structure your study plan to qualify.
The F=ma Syllabus: Topics, Format, and What to Study
A clear guide to the F=ma syllabus: every mechanics topic, the exam format, eligibility, and how it qualifies you for USAPhO. Study smarter with BIAA.
Math Kangaroo Preparation: How to Prepare for the Competition
A practical Math Kangaroo preparation guide from BIAA: learn the format, levels, and a step-by-step study plan to help your student build confidence and excel.
How to Prepare for MATHCOUNTS: A Practical Guide
A clear MATHCOUNTS preparation guide for parents and students: format, rounds, eligibility, and a study plan. Build problem-solving skills with BIAA.
The Best AIME Books and Resources: A Study Guide
Discover the best AIME resources, from AoPS books to past papers and topic drills. BIAA breaks down a proven study plan for AMC 10/12 qualifiers.
Common AMC Mistakes to Avoid on the AMC 8, 10, and 12
Avoid the most common AMC mistakes that cost students points, from careless arithmetic to bad guessing. BIAA breaks down what trips up AMC 8, 10, and 12 students.
The AMC Syllabus: A Complete Topic Checklist for AMC 8, 10 and 12
A clear AMC syllabus and topic checklist for AMC 8, 10 and 12, from BIAA. Learn what math is tested, eligibility, format and how to build a smart study plan.
How to Prepare for the AMC 12
A practical AMC 12 preparation guide from BIAA: master the format, build problem-solving speed, and follow a study plan to qualify for the AIME.
How to Prepare for the AMC 8
A practical AMC 8 preparation guide from BIAA covering the contest format, key topics, a study plan, and test-day strategy for ambitious middle schoolers.
How to Document a STEM Project Well
Learn how to document a STEM project the right way: engineering notebooks, logbooks, code repos, and judging-ready records. A practical BIAA guide for students.
First Data Science Project Ideas for Students
Discover beginner-friendly data science projects for students, the free tools to use, and how BIAA helps young learners turn data into real skills.
Beginner Arduino Projects for Students
Discover the best beginner Arduino projects for students, from blinking LEDs to sensors. BIAA explains the tools, code basics, and how to start building today.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for Olympiad Training
Wondering if your child is ready for olympiad training? BIAA breaks down the real readiness signs in math, coding, and robotics, plus how to start the right way.
Small Group vs 1-on-1 Tutoring for STEM: How to Choose
Small group vs 1 on 1 tutoring for STEM: compare cost, attention, peer learning and pacing so you can choose the right format for your child at BIAA.
How to Motivate a Reluctant STEM Learner
Practical, research-backed ways to motivate kids in STEM when they push back. BIAA shares how to rebuild confidence, spark curiosity, and find the right starting point.
Balancing GPA, Competitions and Research the Smart Way
Learn the smart way of balancing GPA, competitions and research without burning out. BIAA shares how ambitious students build standout, sustainable profiles.
How to Present a Science Fair Project
Practical science fair presentation tips from BIAA: build a clear display board, prep your judge interview, and explain your project with confidence.
STEM Summer Camp vs Online: How to Choose the Right Format
STEM summer camp vs online programs: compare cost, hands-on learning, and outcomes so you can pick the right fit. BIAA breaks down what works for K-12 students.
How to Publish High School Research: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to publish high school research the right way. BIAA explains journals, peer review, mentors, and a step-by-step path from project to publication.
A STEM Competition Roadmap for Grade 6
A clear roadmap of grade 6 STEM competitions in robotics, math, and science. BIAA shows parents and students how to start early and build momentum the smart way.
AP CSA vs USACO: Which Coding Path Fits Your Student?
AP CSA vs USACO compared by format, difficulty, languages, and college value. BIAA breaks down which path fits your K-12 student's coding goals.
Math Olympiad vs Informatics Olympiad: How to Choose
Math olympiad vs informatics: BIAA compares formats, skills, and qualification paths so parents and students can pick the right competition track.
Bitmask Competitive Programming: A Practical Guide
Learn bitmask competitive programming with BIAA: bitwise tricks, subset enumeration, and bitmask DP for USACO Gold, with practical tips for students.
String Algorithms for Competitive Programming: A Practical Guide
A practical BIAA guide to string algorithms for competitive programming: hashing, KMP, Z-algorithm, tries and suffix arrays, with USACO study tips.
Two Pointers and Sliding Window Explained
Learn the two pointers sliding window pattern: how it cuts O(n²) brute force to O(n), when to use each, and how BIAA students master it for USACO and contests.
Segment Trees Explained for Competitive Programming
Learn the segment tree for competitive programming: range queries, point and range updates, and lazy propagation, explained step by step by BIAA coaches.
How to Prepare for CSP-J/S: A Complete Roadmap
A clear, practical guide to CSP-J/S preparation for students and parents. BIAA breaks down the divisions, two-round format, study plan, and pitfalls to avoid.
What Is FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)?
A clear guide to FRC robotics (FIRST Robotics Competition): the format, eligibility, build season, and championship path. BIAA explains how it works for students.
FTC vs FRC: Which FIRST Program Is Right for Your Student?
FTC vs FRC compared: grades, team size, robots, cost, and season format. BIAA helps families choose the right FIRST robotics path for your student.
FLL Preparation: How to Prepare for FIRST LEGO League
A clear, practical FLL preparation guide for parents and students. BIAA breaks down the robot game, innovation project, and core values so your team can plan a strong season.
VEX Awards Judging Explained: How Teams Win Recognition
VEX awards judging explained: how Excellence, Design, and performance awards work, plus the engineering notebook and interview tips BIAA shares with families.
Physics Bowl Preparation: How to Get Ready
A clear, practical guide to Physics Bowl preparation from BIAA: understand the AAPT format, divisions, and scoring, then follow a study plan that actually works.
USNCO Syllabus: Your Guide to the US National Chemistry Olympiad
A clear guide to the USNCO syllabus, exam tiers, eligibility, and topics tested. BIAA breaks down how the US National Chemistry Olympiad works for students and parents.
The Best USABO Resources: A Complete Study Guide
Discover the best USABO resources, from Campbell Biology to past exams and study habits. BIAA's guide helps students prepare for the USA Biology Olympiad with confidence.
USAPhO Syllabus and Topics: What Students Need to Know
A clear breakdown of the USAPhO syllabus, topics, and exam format. BIAA explains how the F=ma exam, semifinal, and physics team selection actually work.
Best F=ma Exam Resources and Books
Looking for the best F=ma resources? BIAA breaks down the top books, past exams, and study strategy to qualify for USAPhO and master mechanics fast.
The Best Math Kangaroo Resources for K-12 Students
Discover the best Math Kangaroo resources, from official past papers to study strategies. BIAA's guide helps K-12 students prepare with confidence and clarity.
MATHCOUNTS Syllabus and Format: A Complete Guide
A clear guide to the MATHCOUNTS syllabus, rounds, levels, and eligibility. Learn how the competition works and how BIAA helps students prepare with confidence.
Common AIME Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the most common AIME mistakes that cost qualified students points. BIAA breaks down pacing, accuracy, and prep errors plus how to fix each one.
AIME Syllabus and Topic Breakdown
A clear breakdown of the AIME syllabus, exam format, and topics covered. BIAA explains what to study to move from AMC qualification toward the USAMO and USAJMO.
Do AMC Scores Help College Admissions?
Wondering whether AMC college admissions value is real? BIAA explains how AMC, AIME and USAMO results signal math talent and where they fit in your application.
AMC Preparation Timeline by Grade
A grade-by-grade AMC preparation timeline for K-12 students, from AMC 8 to AIME. BIAA shows parents and students how to plan ahead and build skills steadily.
USACO vs Codeforces: Where Should You Practice?
USACO vs Codeforces compared: format, divisions, scoring, and goals. BIAA helps K-12 students pick the right competitive programming path and train smart.
USACO Preparation Timeline by Grade
A practical USACO preparation timeline by grade for K-12 families. Learn how the four divisions work and how BIAA students build skills toward Gold and Platinum.
USACO Syllabus: Topics by Division
A clear breakdown of the USACO syllabus by division, covering Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum topics. BIAA explains what each level tests and how to prepare.