SMO study plan: eight weeks for SASMO and olympiad practice
An eight-week SMO study plan covering SASMO and SMO Junior / Senior — diagnose, repair, mock and taper before contest dates.
A realistic SMO study plan works backwards from confirmed dates. SMO Round 1 often clusters in early June; SASMO windows vary by organiser.
Weeks 1–2: choose the band and diagnose
Confirm SASMO versus SMO Junior versus SMO Senior with the school. Sit a diagnostic under approximate timing and tag misses by family and cause.
Weeks 3–6: repair and mix for SMO preparation
- Two closed-book problem sessions weekly on the weakest family.
- One mixed timed block to force method selection.
- Short written solutions for a few items each week if Round 1 includes short answers.
Weeks 7–8: rehearse and taper
Complete a full-band timed sit, review thoroughly, then reduce volume. Keep sleep and school routines stable in contest week.