1. What is AMC 10?
Previously, we released an article discussing general information about the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). The AMC is an international mathematics competition sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Throughout the year, over 300,000 students participate annually from over 6,000 schools. 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. Other competitions are as follows:
Overall, students who performed exceptionally well in the AMC 10 or AMC 12 will be invited to participate in the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) (approximately the top 2.5% of AMC 10 students and top 5% of AMC 12 are qualified for AIME). The top scorers of AIME will compete in the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) for AMC 10 or the US Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) for AMC 12.
Approximately, the top 270 students with the 10*AIME + AMC 12 scores are then invited to take the USAMO. 230 students with the 10*AIME + AMC 10 scores are then invited to take the USAJMO. Finally, the top 12 USAMO scorers will be invited to compete in the Mathematical Olympiad Program for 3-4 weeks. After that, 6 students will be chosen to compete in the international Math Olympiad.
Here is the test date schedule for the qualifying exams:
- AMC 10/12 A: Nov 8, 2023
- AMC 10/12 B: Nov 14, 2023
- AIME I: Feb 1, 2024
- AIME II: Feb 7, 2024
- USAMO/JMO: March 19-20, 2024
- MOP: June 2024
- EGMO: April 11-17, 2024
- IMO: July 11-22, 2024
What is the exam comprised of?
The AMC 10 is an exam that allots 75 minutes for students to complete 25 questions geared towards challenging the mathematical abilities of grade 10 and below, covering high school curriculum up to 10th grade. The AMC 10 has 2 separate exams, AMC 10A and AMC 10B, each with its own distinctive sets of questions, with the only other difference being the dates of examination– only days apart within the same month.
The AMC 10 exam covers knowledge of elementary algebra; basic geometry knowledge including the Pythagorean Theorem, area and volume formulas; elementary number theory; and elementary probability. Trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded.
Who can take AMC 10?
AMC 10 is for grade 10 and below.
Can You Take AMC 10 A and B?
Students can take either or both of them so long as they meet the minimum grade and age requirements.
When is AMC 10?
The AMC 10 is administered in February of each year, with registrations starting in late summer and early fall of the previous year.
Here is the date for AMC 10 A and B:
AMC 10A: November 8,2023
AMC 10B: November 14, 2023
When to Register for AMC 10?
Registration is broken into 3 parts, with early bird registration in late August, regular registration in September, and late registration beginning in late October and closing out completely in early November.
Below is the detailed registration timeline:
AMC 10/12 A Early Bird Registration Deadline: Aug 18 – Sept 18, 2023
AMC 10/12 A Regular Registration Deadline: Sept 19 – Oct 26, 2023
AMC 10/12 A Late Registration Deadline: Oct 27 – Nov 3, 2023
AMC 10/12 A Competition Date: November 8, 2023 from 8:00 am ET to 11:59 pm ET
AMC 10/12 B Early Bird Registration Deadline: Aug 18 – Sept 25, 2023
AMC 10/12 B Regular Registration Deadline: Sept 26 – Nov 2, 2023
AMC 10/12 B Late Registration Deadline: Nov 3 – Nov 9, 2023
AMC 10/12 B Competition Date: November 14, 2023 from 8:00 am ET to 11:59 pm ET
When Will AMC 10 Results Come Out?
Testing results are typically released a few weeks after the 10A and 10B exams are completed. Students can expect to receive their scores via email or through their school’s designated coordinator.
2. Can I Take Both AMC 10 and 12?
Both the AMC 10 and 12 are accessible to students as long as they meet the eligible requirements. However, it is critical to keep in mind that the difficulty of the AMC 12 is at a higher level than the AMC 10 due to the fact that it covers all Math subjects from grade 12 and below.
3. How Is AMC 10 Scored?
The way the AMC scores are graded is unique, with no penalty counted towards students for incorrect answers. Each correct answer is one point; the total score is the sum of all the correct answers out of the 25 questions.
Where to Check AMC 10 Scores?
Students can obtain their scores in two ways: online through the Mathematical Association of America, MAA, website by creating an online account, or through their school’s designated coordinator.
4. How Hard is AMC 10?
In general, the AMC 10 is a challenging exam that was designed to test a student’s problem-solving skills and analytical abilities. It pushes students out of their comfort zone because growth can only happen when facing challenges and causing them to think outside the box.
5. How to Prepare for AMC 10?
Review topics covered in the exam.
For AMC 10, the exam will cover knowledge of elementary algebra; basic geometry knowledge.
Elementary Algebra: Focus on fundamental algebraic concepts such as equations, inequalities, and basic operations.
Basic Geometry: Familiarize yourself with geometric principles, including the Pythagorean Theorem, area, volume formulas, and basic geometric relationships.
Elementary Number Theory: Understand properties of integers, divisibility rules, prime numbers, and modular arithmetic.
Elementary Probability: Learn basic probability concepts, including probability calculations, combinations, and permutations.
It’s important to note that trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded from the exam. While school curriculums may vary, the topics covered in the AMC 10 remain consistent. Consider taking more advanced classes in these subjects to strengthen your understanding.
Review AMC practice exams
Practice makes perfect, and reviewing previous AMC 10 tests is essential for success. While specific questions may differ, the structure and style of the exam remain consistent. Make use of study guides, online problem-solving forums, and previous exam papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked.
By practicing previous test questions and participating in mock exams, you’ll become more comfortable with the format and pacing of the AMC 10. Additionally, analyzing your mistakes and understanding the solutions will enhance your problem-solving skills.
Participate in Other Math Competitions
Engaging in other math competitions can further sharpen your skills and expand your mathematical toolkit. Competitions such as Advantage Testing Foundation/Jane Street Math Prize for Girls, Caribou Contests, and other local or regional contests offer valuable opportunities to challenge yourself and gain experience in mathematical problem-solving.
Participating in these competitions exposes you to a variety of problem types and helps you develop strategies for approaching unfamiliar problems. Additionally, the camaraderie and sense of community fostered by math competitions can make the journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
6. What is the Difference Between AMC 8 and 10?
There is another exam called the AMC 8. However, the difficulty level between the AMC 8 and 10 is drastically different. The AMC 8 is only tested from grade 8 and below, mainly covering math subjects from middle school and below, whereas AMC 10 is tested at a high school level.
In addition to AMC and related qualifying exams, the MAA also hosts The Putnam Competition, which is an annual mathematics competition for undergraduate college students in the U.S. and Canada.
In conclusion, the AMC 10 is an excellent opportunity for high school students to test their mathematical abilities and compete on a national level. By understanding what the exam entails, how to prepare for it, and where to find resources, students can set themselves up for success and potentially qualify for further mathematical competitions and recognition.
High school students can also consider joining Aralia’s Math Competition Preparation for AMC10. The course helps students fill in the knowledge gaps required for the AMC10 competitions. Students will learn the problem-solving strategies of AMC10 and AMC12. Via practice questions, real exam questions from past years, students will be more confident and prepared for the upcoming competitions.
