The AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) is widely regarded as a key “academic credential” for international admissions, especially for applicants targeting STEM programs in US and UK universities. This article breaks down the competition system from four core perspectives: level structure, A/B exam differences, preparation strategy, and progression pathways, helping students accurately match their grade level and ability while avoiding common mistakes.
2026 AMC 8 Major Reform: Dual Exam Tracks and Expanded Award Bands
The 2026 AMC 8 in China introduces a historic structural change. For the first time, the competition adopts a dual-exam system with independent papers and separate scoring standards. A new Top 25% award band has also been added globally.
This change aims to improve fairness and eliminate risks such as time-zone-related leakage, resulting in an independent testing and evaluation system for the China region.
Over the past three years, cutoff scores across all award levels have steadily increased, reflecting intensifying competition and significantly higher difficulty in achieving top distinctions.
2026 AMC 8 Score Cutoffs by Region
| Region | Top 1% | Top 5% | Top 10% | Top 25% | Achievement Roll (≤ Grade 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 24 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 |
| ASDAN China | 24 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 |
| China Committee | 22 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 15 |
| Taiwan | 20 | 18 | — | — | 15 |
2026 AIME Score Cutoffs
The AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) serves as the next stage after AMC competitions.
| Award Level | Top 1% | Top 2.5% | Top 5% | Top 10% | Top 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 |
AMC Competition Structure Overview
The AMC system includes multiple levels designed for different grade groups:
- AMC 8
- AMC 10
- AMC 12
- AIME (advanced qualifying round)
Recommended Grade Levels
AMC 8: Grade 8 and below (under 15.5 years old)
AMC 10: Grade 10 and below (under 17.5 years old)
AMC 12: Grade 12 and below (under 19.5 years old)
AMC 8 Overview
AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute competition designed for middle school students and below. It covers core topics such as counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, basic geometry (including the Pythagorean theorem), spatial visualization, and data interpretation. Some early algebra topics such as linear functions, quadratic functions, and coordinate geometry may also appear.
AMC 10 Overview
AMC 10 is a 25-question, 75-minute exam designed for Grade 10 and below. It covers algebra, basic geometry, area and volume formulas, introductory number theory, and basic probability. Advanced topics such as trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are not included.
AMC 10 is offered in two versions, A and B, allowing schools or test centers to choose different testing dates or allow students to take both versions.
AMC 12 Overview
AMC 12 is also a 25-question, 75-minute exam for Grade 12 and below students. It covers the full high school mathematics curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry, but excluding calculus.
Like AMC 10, AMC 12 is offered in both A and B versions, giving institutions flexibility in scheduling.
Award System Updates
Starting in 2025 and continuing into 2026, two new honor bands have been introduced:
Top 10% Honor Roll (global top 10%)
Top 25% Honor Roll (global top 25%)
Other awards remain unchanged:
Perfect Score: 25/25
Honor Roll of Distinction: Top 1% globally
Distinction: Top 5% globally
Achievement Roll:
- AMC 10: Grade 8 and below scoring 90+
- AMC 12: Grade 10 and below scoring 100+
Hanlin Test Center Benefits
| Eligible Students | Hanlin Rewards |
| Students who register for and attend the 2026 AMC 10/12 exam through Hanlin (no absence) | • Top 5% scorers receive a 2-hour AIME group course (valued at ¥1500) • Top 1% scorers receive a 2-hour 1-on-1 session (choose between AIME prep or summer school application guidance, valued at ¥3000) |
Important Notes
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Hanlin is an authorized AMC-China test center.
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Full refund available before October 10, 2026. After this date, once seats are locked, no refunds will be issued for cancellations or absences.
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Students who meet the requirements (no missed exams) can contact a Hanlin advisor to claim rewards after score release.
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Final interpretation rights of the registration and benefits belong to Hanlin.
2026 AMC 10/12 China Exam Information
| Item | Details |
| Exam Format | In-person |
| Exam Language | English (tentative) |
| Exam Dates | AMC 10/12 A: First week of November 2026 AMC 10/12 B: Second week of November 2026 |
| Registration Methods | ① School Test Center: If your school is an authorized center, contact your math or academic office ② Hanlin Test Center: Register directly through a Hanlin advisor |
| Test Center Scale | Hanlin has arranged AMC exams for 7,000+ students |
| Registration Fee | $120 per exam (official fee) |
