The Comprehensive Guide to AMC: American Mathematics Competitions

In this guide, we have everything you need to know about AMC: American Mathematics Competitions (AMC10 & AMC12) for both domestic and international students. AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) is an international mathematics competition sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Its full name is the American Mathematics Competition. The AMC is the first of a series of competitions in secondary school mathematics that determine the United States team for the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Mission and Prestige of the AMC

Founded in 1950, American Mathematics Contest has the mission to increase interest in mathematics and develop problem-solving skills. As one of the most popular high school competitions in North America, AMC attracts more than 300,000 students in the North America competition each year. It is one of the most prestigious math competitions and attracts a vast pool of participants. American Mathematics Competitions is a highly valued competition across top colleges in America.

Competition Levels

The competition is divided into three levels based on student grade:

• AMC 8 is for students in grade 8 and below.
• AMC 10 is for students in grade 10 and below.
• AMC 12 is for students in grade 12 and below.

Impact on College Applications

Applying to the world’s top universities, students need to prepare for various standardized tests and participate in competitions. For example, math competitions, business competitions, volunteering, and other activities will reflect your involvement outside of the classroom setting. Especially for students with an interest to pursue science and engineering (STEM), the results will be the best proof and showcase of your potential to succeed in college. Top universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (CalTech), and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) specifically ask for AMC/AIME scores in their application materials. A high score for AMC and AIME will help you stand out in the college applications.

Advancing to AIME and USAJMO

If you score in the top 2.5% of AMC 10 and top 5% of AMC 12, you are then invited to participate in AIME (American Invitation Mathematics Examination). A perfect score for both AMC and AIME will earn you a spot in the USAJMO (United States of America Mathematical Olympiad), then eventually the International Mathematical Olympiad. Note: If you’re an international student studying in America, you can’t participate on the US team for the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Preparation and Coaching

Practice, practice, and practice is the key to be successful in the AMC. If you’re interested in participating in the AMC 10/12, it’s recommended that you should practice questions to be familiar with the problems and format. If your school offers AMC tests or has a Math club, be proactive, and ask your math teacher for coaching sessions. They will provide you with resources and help mentor you through the process.

Available Preparation Programs

If you need additional classes outside of regular class time to practice, consider signing up for one of Aralia Education’s AMC 10 and AMC 12 Preparation Programs:

• The AMC 10 program: provides a total of 10 lessons, 90 minutes per lesson, and 1 lesson/week.
• The AMC 12 program: provides a total of 9 lessons, 90 minutes per lesson, and 1 lesson/week.

Our teacher has a master’s degree in mathematics from Tufts University, specializing in mathematical analysis, abstract algebra, geometry, and topology. Due to high demand, our class only admits 4-7 students.