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C711 - C715 USACO Contest Sprint

36 hours of in-person or online learning + 6 hours of Q&A and contest mock simulation

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Date & Time

  • September - November/December

  • 2 hours per lesson, 2 lessons per week (C711) or 1 lesson per week (C712), additional lessons are on demand

 

Location:

  • Burlington Classroom

  • Newton Classroom

  • Or Online

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Prerequisite:

  • C701, or Strong Programming Experience​​​​​

Course Description:

The USACO is a competitive programming contest designed for pre-college students who are new or experienced to algorithmic problem-solving. In this course, you’ll learn fundamental concepts, advanced programming skills, algorithms, and tackle a variety of interesting problems. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to solidify your understanding, USACO is a great starting point.

Key Topics Covered

  • Basic Algorithms: Dive into essential algorithms such as sorting, searching, and basic data structures (arrays, lists, etc.).

  • Greedy Algorithms: Learn how to make optimal choices at each step to maximize overall gain.

  • Simulation Problems: Practice modeling real-world scenarios using code.

  • Graph Theory: Explore graph algorithms like breadth-first search (BFS) and depth-first search (DFS).

  • Dynamic Programming: Understand the concept of memoization and solve problems efficiently.

  • Mathematics: Brush up on number theory, modular arithmetic, and combinatorics.


Course Structure:

  • Lectures: Engage in interactive lectures covering theory, examples, and problem-solving techniques.

  • Practice Sessions: Work on a wide range of problems to reinforce your understanding.

  • Contests: Participate in mock contests to simulate the actual USACO experience.


Goals:
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Solve the USACO problems confidently.

  • Understand common algorithms and their applications.

  • Approach new problems systematically.

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Please note that our total sessions include the holidays listed below. No classes will be held on these holidays.

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Holiday Schedule:

  • Thanksgiving Week

  • Christmas Week

  • New Year's Day

  • Chinese New Year Day

Massachusetts Public School February and April Breaks:

  • February Break Week

  • April Break Week

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Enroll a Class

  • C711 - USACO Contest - Bronze (Two Lessons per week)

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  • C712 - USACO Contest - Bronze (One Lesson per Week)

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  • C713 - USACO Contest - Sliver (Contact us for detailed timing arrangement)

  • C714 - USACO Contest - Gold (Contact us for detailed timing arrangement)

  • C715 - USACO Contest - Platinum (Contact us for detailed timing arrangement)​

  • What is USACO?
    The USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) is a prestigious online competitive programming contest for pre-college students. It's held four times per academic year (December through March) and is considered one of the most respected programming competitions in the world. The contest features four divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Bronze being the entry level.
  • Who can take this course?
    This course requires completion of C602, C604, or strong programming experience. Students should have intermediate knowledge in at least one programming language (Python, Java, or C++) and show aptitude for creative problem-solving. The course is designed for students who want to participate in USACO contests and improve their algorithmic thinking skills.
  • What programming language should I use?
    For Bronze level, Python is often recommended as it's expressive and compact, making it easier to write solutions quickly. Java and C++ are also excellent choices. While C++ is considered the gold standard for higher divisions due to its speed, beginners can start with any of these three languages and transition later.
  • How much time commitment is required?
    The course includes 30 hours of in-person learning plus 12 hours of Q&A and contest mock simulation. For effective USACO preparation, students typically need 5-10 hours per week of additional practice outside of class. Success in USACO requires consistent practice and dedication.
  • Do I need to attend every contest during the season?
    No, you don't need to register separately for contests - just having a USACO account is sufficient. However, participating in every contest you can is highly recommended for improvement. There's no penalty for poor performance, and you can never be "demoted" to a lower division.
  • Can I start the course even if I haven't completed the entire curriculum?
    Yes! It's recommended that students participate in contests even before completing all the material. The experience helps familiarize you with the contest format and reduces stress. There's no downside to trying, and contests provide valuable learning opportunities.
  • How do USACO contests work?
    Contests run for 4 hours (5 hours for the US Open) and typically feature 3 problems. You can start anytime during a Friday-to-Monday contest window. Problems are scored automatically, with each test case you pass contributing to your total score out of 1000 points. You can resubmit solutions, with only the last submission counting.
  • What score do I need to advance to the next division?
    Generally, you need a score of 750 or above to be promoted to the next division. Students with perfect scores (1000 points) are automatically promoted during the contest and can immediately attempt the next division.
  • What happens if I don't perform well in a contest?
    There are no negative consequences for poor performance. You cannot be demoted to a lower division once promoted, and there's no penalty for trying. Each contest is a learning opportunity, regardless of your score.
  • How should I prepare for contests?
    Focus on quality practice over quantity. Learn fundamental algorithms like sorting, searching, greedy algorithms, graph theory (BFS/DFS), and dynamic programming. Practice with historical USACO problems and participate in mock contests during the course. The USACO Guide and Codeforces are excellent practice resources.
  • Can I use references during the contest?
    Yes, you can look up small methods or syntax you might have forgotten, but you cannot search for complete solutions or data structures/algorithms. The focus should be on problem-solving skills you've already learned.
  • What if I can't solve any problems during my first contest?
    This is completely normal for beginners. The goal of your first contest should be to get familiar with the format and submission system rather than solving everything. Even experienced students often solve only a subset of problems in each contest.
  • What will I learn in this course?
    You'll master essential algorithms including basic algorithms, greedy approaches, simulation problems, graph theory, dynamic programming, and mathematical concepts. Beyond technical skills, you'll develop systematic problem-solving approaches and learn to work under time pressure.
  • How will this help with college applications?
    USACO participation is viewed positively by colleges, especially for computer science programs. While USACO achievements alone don't guarantee admission, they demonstrate serious commitment to computer science and strong problem-solving abilities when combined with solid grades and other accomplishments.
  • What's the difference between this course and regular programming classes?
    This course focuses specifically on competitive programming skills rather than software development practices. You'll learn to solve problems quickly and correctly under time pressure, which requires different techniques than typical programming coursework. The emphasis is on algorithmic thinking and efficient implementation.
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