Pre-Release
USACO Guide
A free collection of curated, high-quality resources to take you from Bronze to Platinum and beyond.
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About This Guide
Not Just Another Resource.
This is more than "just another resource." This is a comprehensive, organized roadmap carefully designed and crafted for USACO contestants – available to everyone, for free.
This guide is not an official syllabus. Topics on this guide reflect past problems, not future problems.
Experienced Authors
This guide is written by top USACO contestants, including two-time IOI winner and USACO Problemsetter Benjamin Qi.
Calibrated Difficulty
This guide is targeted towards all contestants, regardless of their division. You'll find problems suitable for you.
Improve Faster
Stop wasting time learning topics you already know. Skip over easy topics or delve deeper into difficult ones; the choice is yours.
Stay Motivated
Use our progress-tracking tools to track your progress in the Guide and stay motivated.
Unsure how to get started?
Overwhelmed by too many resources?
Looking to take your CP skills to the next level?
This is the guide for you.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this an official syllabus?
No, USACO does not have an official syllabus. This guide merely lists topics that have historically appeared in USACO contests; it makes no guarantees about the topics in future USACO contests.
- How can I report a problem?
If you encounter an issue while using the guide (website bug, typo, broken link, unclear explanation, etc), use the "Contact Us" button on the bottom left of the screen, or contact the guide coordinator directly.
- How can I contribute?
To learn more about contributing, please visit this page. We appreciate any and all contributions!
- Is this open source?
Yes! Check out our Github Repository.
- Is this guide for non-USACO competitive programmers?
Of course! While we structure our content around USACO, feel free to use this guide even if you don't do USACO. You will still learn a lot from it!
- How can I get help?
If you get stuck, feel free to ask for help by clicking the "Contact Us" button on the bottom left of the screen. It may take some time for your question to be addressed.
- Who should I contact?
If you have any questions related to this guide, please contact us at usacoguide@gmail.com.
Authors you can trust.
Coordinator & WebmasterNathan WangNathan Wang is a two-time USACO Finalist and web development enthusiast.
Content DirectorBenjamin QiBenjamin Qi is a two-time IOI winner, USACO Problemsetter, and part of the MIT Class of 2023.
Content AuthorMichael CaoMichael Cao is a USACO Platinum competitor and USACO problemsetter.
Content AuthorDarren YaoDarren Yao is a USACO Platinum competitor and author of the textbook "An Introduction to USACO."
Content AuthorNathan ChenNathan Chen is a two-time USACO Finalist who competes in both Java and C++ fluently.
Content AuthorAndrew WangAndrew Wang is a USACO competitor who competes in multiple languages fluently.
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