The AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) is one of the most influential mathematics contests for middle and high school students worldwide. It is not only a well-recognized academic credential for top universities such as MIT and Yale, but also an excellent pathway for developing logical reasoning and advanced problem-solving skills.
Scoring 110+ in AMC 10 or AMC 12 cannot be achieved through blind problem drilling alone. What truly matters is a well-structured study plan and long-term, strategic preparation. In this article, we have compiled a complete set of AMC 10/12 preparation materials along with a highly practical and executable study roadmap to help you prepare efficiently.
Why Is the AMC Competition So Important?
Strong Academic and Admissions Value
Recognition by Top Universities
World-class institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford highly value AMC performance. MIT explicitly recommends applicants submit AMC and AIME scores, while Stanford has been known to invite high-scoring AMC students to exclusive summer programs.
Advantages in Domestic Admissions
In China and other regions, AMC-style problems account for 30%–50% of entrance exams at top international schools. AMC awards are also valuable credentials for admission pathways such as the Strong Foundation Program and Comprehensive Evaluation admissions.
Authoritative Proof of Academic Ability
Comprehensive Skill Assessment
AMC problems emphasize logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving ability rather than rote memorization. Strong results demonstrate a student’s potential to handle rigorous academic challenges, particularly in mathematics, physics, computer science, and economics.
Global Benchmarking
With participants from over 30 countries and regions, AMC allows students to objectively evaluate their mathematical standing among peers worldwide and showcase international competitiveness.
High Educational Value for Skill Development
Advanced Thinking Training
AMC problems are known for their flexible design and cross-topic integration. Preparation helps students master advanced strategies such as reverse thinking and answer substitution, strengthening mathematical resilience and adaptability.
Strong Curriculum Alignment
Approximately 75% of AMC content overlaps with AP, IB, and A-Level curricula. Preparing for AMC significantly reinforces in-school learning and deepens conceptual understanding.
AMC mathematics competitions are not just “admission boosters,” but globally recognized platforms for cultivating advanced mathematical thinking and academic excellence.
AMC 10 Preparation Materials
1. Textbooks
These textbooks explain AMC concepts through diagrams, worked examples, and progressive exercises. After each example, students are given practice problems that gradually increase in difficulty, making them highly effective for systematic preparation.
2. Formula Sheet
AMC 10 frequently tests core formulas across four major areas: algebra, number theory, counting, and geometry. Mastery of approximately 19 high-frequency formulas is essential.
3. Past Papers
Past AMC problems are the most critical preparation resource. They help students understand competition-style thinking and significantly improve problem-solving ability.
To support preparation for the 2026 AMC 10, we have compiled AMC 10 past papers from 2000 to 2025, including official answers. Printable PDF versions are available upon request.
AMC 12 Preparation Materials
1. Textbooks
AMC 12 covers a wider range of mathematical fields and requires familiarity with advanced formulas and theorems.
Recommended resources include AoPS textbooks such as First Steps for Math Olympians and Dr. John Chung’s AMC 10/12 Prep. These books systematically introduce algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, and number theory, with difficulty increasing gradually and a strong focus on mathematical reasoning.
2. Formula Sheet
Similar to AMC 10, AMC 12 emphasizes key formulas from algebra, number theory, counting, and geometry. Thorough mastery of these formulas is essential for high scores.
3. Past Papers
For students preparing for the 2026 AMC 12, we have organized AMC 12 past papers from 2010 to 2023, including bilingual versions and full solutions. These materials are available for download.
Efficient AMC 10/12 Preparation Plan for 2026
Foundation Stage (January–March)
-
Learn core concepts in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics by module
-
Build a solid knowledge framework
-
Complete textbook examples and introductory practice (AMC 10/12 Problems 1–8)
Systematic Development (April–June)
-
Focus on high-frequency theorems such as Vieta’s formulas and triangle similarity
-
Apply concepts through classic problems
-
Start a mistake log and review errors weekly
Consolidation Phase (July–August)
-
Systematically review all four major modules
-
Master high-frequency theorems such as the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality and Power of a Point
-
Complete classified training for the first 15 problems from the past five years
-
Refine the mistake log to identify thinking gaps
Targeted Strengthening (September–October)
-
Reinforce weak areas (e.g., congruences in number theory, recursive counting in combinatorics)
-
Complete one full mock exam per week using recent past papers
-
Analyze recurring mistakes and address conceptual weaknesses
Final Sprint (November)
-
Full-length timed mock exams, reducing time to 70 minutes per paper
-
Focus on Problems 21–25, including advanced topics such as complex numbers and trigonometric combinations (AMC 12)
-
Strengthen advanced techniques such as proof by contradiction and mathematical induction