<p>Hello! To what extent does Harvard organize the training of its Putnam team? Are most math majors who are interested in the Putnam pretty much on their own in terms of preparation?</p>
<p>All 55’ers take the Putnam as well as a number of other math majors of all years. Most of these kids have extensive IMO experience and know how to train. I don’t think there is a “coach”*or formal training pre se, but I’ll ask my S. </p>
<p>However. given the strength of the team (only three students per school “count” for that school’s score), if you aren’t an IMO medalist and doing 55 or higher as a freshman, the chances are very slim that you will be on the team–you of course are welcome and encouraged to take the Putnam for an individual score.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response, etondad. I was thinking of “team” in the looser sense of Harvard undergraduates interested in preparing seriously for the Putnam–I certainly don’t expect to be a top three scorer. </p>
<p>I’ve heard (maybe even from you in an older post!) that there is a split among math majors between the problem solvers and those who focus on theory. Right now I’d be considered more of a theory guy, as I didn’t qualify for the USAMO but I’m thinking about trying 55 next fall. </p>
<p>Since most of the curriculum is centered around learning new theory, I’m wondering if there is much opportunity for someone like me to overcome lack of experience with high school competitions and become decent at the Putnam. As you said, it seems that success for many Putnam stars comes from practice with olympiads rather than training at Harvard.</p>