It is undeniable that people who have participated in math competitions, especially those with excellent grades, have great advantages in the study of math majors. All the examples around me illustrate this point. Although there are great differences in the contents of mathematics between high school and university, the competition emphasizes more on some mathematical skills and is universal. Therefore, after entering the university, the students who take part in the math competition can focus on the improvement of math thinking and the understanding of math concepts in textbooks, because they have learned the skills. Students who have not participated in the competition will learn quite a lot of proof skills while understanding the theorem, which will be more difficult. On the other hand, there are many competition questions taught by university professors, which have more or less infiltrated the ideas of university mathematics, which means that students in the competition also have the opportunity to get in touch with these concepts in advance.
But on the other hand, students in math competitions also spend a lot of time in high school math learning, not just relying on talent. At the same time, they may get better math study habits and be easier to use. No pains, no gains. It is reasonable for them to study well in college. But you can do what they can, it's just a matter of input and effort! Moreover, in the long run, taking part in the math contest has little to do with the success of the university. Four years' study in college is enough to erase all past achievements. Learning is a long-distance running. As long as we persist in the initial backwardness, we will surely win the final victory.