As the AIME examination enters its most critical final preparation phase, students who have advanced from AMC 10/12 are fully focused on this prestigious mathematics competition—often regarded as a key stepping stone toward Ivy League and top-tier STEM programs.
As an advanced stage of the AMC competition pathway and a required qualifier for USA(J)MO, every single point on the AIME carries significant academic weight. With a global average score of only 3–5 points, achieving 8 or above places students in the global top 10%, making AIME performance a core reference for Ivy League admissions and elite mathematics summer programs.
Final Sprint: Key Preparation Focus and Exam Strategies
Core Topics to Master
The AIME assesses knowledge across arithmetic, algebra, combinatorics, geometry, number theory, and probability, with calculus strictly prohibited. Compared with AMC competitions, AIME significantly increases both the breadth and depth of tested concepts.
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Algebra
Emphasis on polynomial theory (Vieta’s formulas, factorization techniques), complex numbers (geometric interpretation, roots of unity), logarithms, trigonometric functions, sequences, and inequalities. -
Geometry
Advanced geometric theorems such as Menelaus’ Theorem, Ceva’s Theorem, Stewart’s Theorem, triangle centers, power of a point, and applications of coordinate geometry. -
Number Theory
Intensive focus on congruences, the Chinese Remainder Theorem, divisibility theory, and prime-related results including applications of Fermat’s Little Theorem and Euler’s Theorem. -
Combinatorics and Probability
Training in the Principle of Inclusion–Exclusion, recurrence relations, foundational graph theory, and probability and expected value calculations, with emphasis on structural analysis.
Difficulty Progression and Time Management
AIME problems increase in difficulty sequentially:
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Problems 1–5: Moderate difficulty
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Problems 6–10: Significantly more challenging
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Problems 11–15: Highly demanding, designed to distinguish top performers
With only 12 minutes per problem on average, time pressure is substantial.
Recommended time allocation:
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Complete Problems 1–5 within 30 minutes to secure foundational points
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Allocate 60 minutes to Problems 6–10, the primary scoring zone
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Attempt Problems 11–15 selectively based on individual strengths
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Reserve 15 minutes at the end for answer verification and form completion
Preparation goals:
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Students aiming to barely qualify should prioritize accuracy in the first 10 problems, targeting 7+ points
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High-scoring AMC qualifiers should expand depth and breadth, focusing strategically on the final five high-difficulty problems
In-Exam Techniques and Mental Readiness
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Problem Reading
AIME problems are concise but information-dense. Identify the mathematical domain and potential solution paths carefully. Use the bilingual (Chinese–English) exam paper strategically to resolve ambiguities. -
Computation
Maintain clear and organized scratch work. AIME problems often involve heavy computation, requiring both patience and calculation efficiency. Common numerical results should be fully memorized. -
Answer Format
All answers must be integers between 0 and 999, with no units or extra symbols. -
Mindset
When encountering difficult problems, adjust strategy promptly to avoid excessive time loss. Trust the preparation process and remain composed.
After the Exam: Score Release and Cutoff Insights
Score Release Channels
AIME scores are typically released approximately four weeks after the exam. Chinese students may check results via:
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China Organizing Committee
Students receive an email notification and can log into the official score system at
https://math-table.com/
(Select Personal Center → Scores, then enter the registered phone number and verification code.) -
ASDAN Organizing Committee
Historical Score Benchmarks and Competitiveness
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Maximum Score: 15
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Historical Average: ~5
Score interpretations:
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7+ points: Strong performance, competitive for U.S. Top 30 universities
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Around 9 points: Key credential for elite math summer programs such as ROSS, SUMaC, and PROMYS
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10+ points: Top 7.2% globally, highly advantageous for Top 20 university applications
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12+ points: Significantly increases chances of qualifying for USAMO (though Chinese students cannot participate due to nationality restrictions), representing exceptional mathematical ability
Qualification score formulas:
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USAMO Index = AMC 12 Score + 10 × AIME Score
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USAJMO Index = AMC 10 Score + 10 × AIME Score
In recent years, competition has intensified as international students are limited to AIME II, driving cutoff scores higher. For example, the 2025 AIME II USAMO cutoff (AMC 12B) reached 251.5, the highest on record. This makes a strong AIME score increasingly critical, especially for students with lower AMC results.
Post-AIME Planning: Next Steps by Score Range
Regardless of outcome, AIME is a valuable academic experience. Students should plan strategically based on performance:
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5 points or below
Consider competitions emphasizing foundational skills and mathematical reasoning, such as the Euclid Mathematics Contest, to strengthen algebra and geometry. -
5–8 points
With solid fundamentals, students may pursue applied mathematics challenges like HiMCM, developing mathematical modeling and academic writing skills. -
9 points and above
Strongly recommended to apply for elite mathematics summer programs such as ROSS, PROMYS, and SUMaC, which offer exceptional academic value and access to top-tier mentors. -
10 points and above
Representing the top 7.2% worldwide, students at this level should also consider advanced competitions or in-depth research projects to build a strong foundation for top STEM university applications.