Recently, the official website for the AMC Mathematics Competition announced the schedule for the 2026-2027 season of the AMC8, AMC10, and AMC12 series:
AMC8 Exam Date: January 22, 2027
AMC10/12 Exam A Date: November 5, 2026
AMC10/12 Exam B Date: November 13, 2026
Participated in by over 300,000 students worldwide, this mathematics competition is highly regarded by top universities such as the Ivy League and G5 as a crucial validation of students’ mathematical abilities. With the new season approaching, many parents and students are asking: How are the AMC8, AMC10, and AMC12 structured? How should students at different stages prepare?
1. Comprehensive Guide to the AMC8 Mathematics Competition
The AMC8 is open to students in Grade 8 and below, with an age limit of 15.5 years or younger on the day of the competition. It is generally recommended for students in Grades 5-8 to participate after mastering the relevant concepts.
1. Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options.
2. Scoring Rules: 1 point per question, for a maximum score of 25. Incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points. The time limit is 40 minutes.
3. Tested Content: Arithmetic, foundational algebra, geometric figures, introductory number theory, and basic combinatorics and probability. The exam emphasizes real-world application problems and extends upon elementary and middle school curricula.
4. Award Categories:
- Perfect Score: Achieving a full score of 25.
- Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR): Top 1% globally.
- Honor Roll (HR): Top 5% globally.
- Achievement Roll: Students in Grade 6 and below who score 15 or higher.
2. Comprehensive Guide to the AMC10 Mathematics Competition
The AMC10 is open to students in Grade 10 and below, with an age limit of 17.5 years or younger on the day of the competition. It is generally recommended for students in Grades 8-10 to participate after mastering the relevant concepts.
1. Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options.
2. Scoring Rules: 6 points per question, for a maximum score of 150. Incorrect answers receive 0 points, while unanswered questions receive 1.5 points. The time limit is 75 minutes.
3. Tested Content: Middle and high school algebra, plane geometry, elementary number theory, permutations, combinations, and probability, with a small portion on sequences and functions. The difficulty aligns with Grade 10 mathematics and physics knowledge.
4. Award Categories:
- Perfect Score: Achieving a full score of 150.
- Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR): Top 1% globally.
- Honor Roll (HR): Top 5% globally.
- AIME Qualification: Meeting the annual specific cutoff score to advance to the AIME.
- Global Top 10% and Top 25%: Recognized for high performance.
3. Comprehensive Guide to the AMC12 Mathematics Competition
The AMC12 is open to students in Grade 12 and below, with an age limit of 19.5 years or younger on the day of the competition. It is generally recommended for students in Grades 10-12 to participate after mastering the relevant concepts.
1. Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options.
2. Scoring Rules: 6 points per question, for a maximum score of 150. Incorrect answers receive 0 points, while unanswered questions receive 1.5 points. The time limit is 75 minutes.
3. Tested Content: Builds upon the AMC10 syllabus by adding trigonometry, complex numbers, advanced sequences and inequalities, and solid geometry. The topics cover key and challenging high school mathematics concepts.
4. Award Categories:
Identical to the AMC10 award structure.
4. Strategic Preparation Plan for AMC8/10/12
Grades 3-6: Focus on AMC8
- Grades 1-3: Solidify elementary school mathematics foundations while expanding into basic number theory and combinatorics.
- Grades 4-6: Register for the AMC8 to familiarize yourself with the exam format and aim for foundational awards.
Grades 7-9: Sprint AMC8, Transition to AMC10
- Grade 7: Prioritize achieving a high score in the AMC8.
- Grade 8: Systematically study bridging mathematics between middle and high school, and take the AMC10 as a trial run.
- Grade 9: Focus heavily on the AMC10 with the goal of qualifying for the AIME.
Grades 10-12: Deepen AMC10, Prepare for AMC12
- Grade 10: Consolidate high school algebra and geometry, aiming for distinguished awards in the AMC10.
- Grade 11: Advance into trigonometry and complex numbers, dedicating full effort to AMC12 preparation to strengthen college application profiles.
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