1. What is the AMC ?
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.
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. It is divided into three levels: AMC 8, 10, and 12.
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.
Besides AMC 8, 10, 12, there are three other competitions under MAA American Mathematics Competitions:
2. So, why is AMC attracting so many students from all over the world?
Founded in 1950, American Mathematics Contest has the mission to increase interest in mathematics and develop problem-solving skills. American Mathematics Competitions is a highly valued competition across top colleges in America. 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. However, a high score for AMC and AIME will help you stand out in the college applications.
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.
3. How to prepare for 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: Link 1 – Link 2
Practice, practice, and practice is the key to be successful in the AMC. 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.
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. During his time in university, he was admitted as an honor student by MIT and participated in many conceptual mathematic lectures and linguistics seminars at MIT.
Due to high demand, our class only admits 4-7 students. Qualified students who show passion and potential in mathematics should register to take the course. If this sounds like you, please read more information about course registration below.
4. AMC registration time
The term A and B in the AMC refer to two sets of exams per year, AMC 10A and AMC 10B & AMC 12A and AMC 12B. The only difference between the two is the competition date, because AMC 10B/12B gives students a second chance to qualify for AIME. Entering the fall semester, the registration time for the AMC competition is approaching. For the majority of high school students, the registration times for AMC10/12 are (based on last year’s deadline):
- AMC10/12A Examination time: Nov 8, 2024
- AMC10/12B Examination time: Nov 14, 2024
- AIME I: Feb 1, 2025
- AIME II: Feb 7, 2025
For more detailed information about the timeline: (https://www.maa.org/math-competitions/about-amc/events-calendar)
5. AMC Preparation Program Feedback
I really appreciate the tutor's patience. My kid said the teacher was very nice, and we really want to encourage her to be interested in participating in the AMC Contest. I also want to thank the Aralia team's course coordinator for helping us communicate with the teacher. Thank you!
6. AMC Preparation Program
Aralia's Courses
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.
Further reading:
