Hello everyone, I finally reached specialist after 34 contests! I just wanted to write this quick blog to motivate others and inform newbies/pupils some tips (probably most of which are unoriginal). There were a few contests that I almost made specialist, but it just so happens I made it in a div4 contest.

Here is a list of topics that I believe are helpful:

Once you are familiar with a topic, maybe do a practice problem related to that topic and continue solving random problems (within a reasonable rating range). I suggest spending at least 45 minutes on a problem, and if you cannot solve it, either read the editorial (I save this for somewhat easier problems) or look at it next week.

I also want to share a list of problems I enjoyed and recommend solving:

Personally, I do not have a strict schedule for practicing CP, but I try to log on at least once every two days. I will continue to study theory and practice plenty of problems.

Big thanks to MikeMirzayanov for Codeforces and BigBadBully because why not.