Choosing between AMC 10 and AMC 12 is a critical decision for students aiming to qualify for AIME and strengthen their academic profile for competitive high school and university admissions. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of AMC 10 and AMC 12, along with grade-based recommendations and a structured long-term preparation strategy.
I. AMC 10 / AMC 12 Training Programs (Selected Courses)
AMC 10 Full Program
Class Size: 3–8 students
Schedule: February 7 – August 22, 2026 (Every Saturday, 10:00–12:00)
Instructor: Mr. Wang
AMC 10 Full Program
Class Size: 3–8 students
Schedule: February 22 – September 13, 2026 (Every Sunday, 10:10–12:10)
Instructor: Mr. Wang
AMC 12 Full English Program
Class Size: 3–8 students
Schedule: February 22 – September 31, 2026 (Every Sunday, 8:00–10:00)
Instructor: Mr. Wang
II. Overview of the AMC Competition System
-
IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)
The highest-level international mathematics competition for high school students, held annually and hosted by participating countries on a rotating basis. -
USA(J)MO (United States of America Mathematical Olympiad / Junior Mathematical Olympiad)
Top performers advance to the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP), from which the U.S. IMO team is selected. -
AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination)
An invitation-only exam with a higher difficulty level than AMC 10/12. High scorers may qualify for USAJMO or USAMO. -
AMC 10 / AMC 12 (American Mathematics Competitions)
National-level math competitions for middle and high school students. Strong performance can lead to AIME qualification. -
AMC 8
The introductory level of the AMC series, designed for younger students.
III. AMC 10 vs AMC 12: Key Comparison
Similarities
-
Exam Period: November each year (A and B versions held one week apart)
-
Exam Language: Bilingual (English and Chinese in mainland China)
-
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes
-
Scoring Rules:
-
Correct answer: +6 points
-
Incorrect answer: 0 points
-
Unanswered: +1.5 points
-
Differences
Eligibility
-
AMC 10: Grade 10 and below, under 17.5 years old on exam day
-
AMC 12: Grade 12 and below, under 19.5 years old on exam day
AIME Qualification Rate
-
AMC 10: Approximately top 2.5%
-
AMC 12: Approximately top 5%
Difficulty Level
-
AMC 10: Comparable to junior high-level mathematics competitions, with an emphasis on foundational concepts
-
AMC 12: Comparable to senior high-level competitions, requiring stronger abstraction and mathematical reasoning
Content Coverage
-
AMC 10 Topics:
Integers, fractions, decimals, basic geometry, area and volume, ratios, percentages, elementary number theory, probability, statistics, and logical reasoning. No trigonometry or calculus is required. -
Additional AMC 12 Topics:
Trigonometric identities, advanced sequences, binomial theorem, logarithms, and complex numbers (not covered in AMC 10).
Key Conclusions
-
AMC 12 is more challenging, but the AIME qualification threshold is lower.
-
AMC 12 results are generally more competitive and carry greater weight in elite university applications.
IV. AMC 10 / AMC 12 Selection Recommendations by Grade
-
Grades 5–7 (without advanced coursework):
AMC 10 is recommended due to limited exposure to required topics. -
Grades 8–10:
-
Goal: AIME qualification only → AMC 10
-
Goal: High score + AIME → AMC 12
-
Goal: Advanced competitions, summer programs, Ivy League or Oxbridge → AMC 12 (if foundation is strong)
-
-
Grades 11–12:
AMC 12 is the only option and should be approached with full commitment to achieving a high score.
V. Matching Competitions with Academic Goals
-
AMC 10:
Suitable for international high schools, strong foundation programs, and early demonstration of mathematical talent. -
AMC 12:
Strongly aligned with elite A-Level schools, advanced mathematics tracks, MIT, Cambridge, and other top-tier institutions.
VI. Dual-Registration Strategy: AMC 10 + AMC 12
Because the A and B exams are held approximately one week apart, students may register for multiple versions to increase their chances of success.
Recommended combinations include:
-
AMC 10A + AMC 10B
-
AMC 10A + AMC 12B
-
AMC 12A + AMC 12B
-
AMC 12A + AMC 10B
This strategy allows students to balance risk and opportunity.
VII. Long-Term AMC 10 / AMC 12 Preparation Strategy
Stage 1: Foundation Building (Now – June)
Focus on the four core modules:
-
Algebra (approximately 30%)
-
Geometry (approximately 25%)
-
Number Theory and Combinatorics (approximately 45%)
Allocate time based on individual strengths and weaknesses.
Stage 2: Past Paper Training (July – September)
Adopt a three-round practice method:
-
Full-length timed mock exams
-
Error analysis and topic-based review
-
Targeted practice on Questions 21–25
Stage 3: Final Review and Sprint (October – Exam Day)
-
Maintain a structured error log
-
Conduct weekly full mock exams
-
For top 1% candidates, incorporate AIME past papers to enhance advanced problem-solving skills
VIII. AMC Training Program Overview
-
Course Types: Foundation, Full Program, Intensive
-
Class Size: 3–8 students or one-on-one
-
Language Options: Chinese, English, or Full English
-
Format: Online instruction with replay access
Fast-Track Program
-
Tuition: RMB 8,800 (limited-time offer)
-
Includes:
-
20 hours of structured concept review
-
20 hours of intensive problem-solving sessions
-
Exam registration support
-
IX. Faculty Team (Selected Members)
-
Dr. Zhang – PhD in Pure Mathematics (University of Rochester), AMC-certified coach
-
Mr. Liu – MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of British Columbia)
-
Dr. Zhuang – PhD in Mathematical Logic, former U.S. university lecturer
X. Self-Developed Materials and Student Achievements
Proprietary AMC Textbooks
Designed by the teaching team to systematically organize AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME content into modular, exam-focused units.
Selected Results
-
Hundreds of AMC 10 students qualified for AIME
-
Multiple global Top 1% scorers and perfect scores
-
AMC 12 students reached USA(J)MO qualification thresholds