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Before analyzing different AMC 8 score ranges, let’s first review the scoring system.

The AMC 8 has a total score of 25 points. There are 25 questions, and each correct answer earns 1 point. There is no penalty for wrong or unanswered questions. Therefore, the number of correct answers equals the final score.

What Do Different AMC 8 Scores Represent?

0–14 Points: Weak Foundation

Knowledge Foundation

Students at this level usually need to strengthen:

Common Weak Areas

15–18 Points: Passing Level

Knowledge Foundation

19–22 Points: Strong Level

Knowledge Foundation

23–24 Points: Top Level

Knowledge Foundation

25 Points: Perfect Score Level

Final Summary

Different AMC 8 score ranges reflect different levels of mathematical foundation, problem-solving ability and competition readiness.

Students scoring below 15 should focus on strengthening basic arithmetic, geometry and counting skills. Students scoring 15–18 should consolidate intermediate topics and improve accuracy. Students scoring 19–22 should focus on difficult problems and advanced strategies. Students scoring 23 or above are already at a highly competitive level and should prepare for higher-level math competitions such as AMC 10.

Introduction to the AMC 8 Math Competition

The AMC 8 is designed for students in grade 8 and below. It is the most foundational and beginner-friendly competition in the AMC series. In cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the AMC 8 is highly valued by many families and schools. It can also serve as a useful academic credential for students applying to competitive middle schools, including Shanghai’s “San Gong” schools.

The AMC 8 has a full score of 25 points. There are 25 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer earns 1 point, and there is no penalty for wrong or unanswered questions.

For younger students, the key is not to force every hard question, but to understand the problem-solving ideas behind them.

AMC 8 Historical Score Cutoffs

The most important award targets for upper elementary and middle school students are the top 5% and top 1% awards.

For students aiming for awards, the main targets should be the top 5% and top 1%.

Which Students Are Suitable for the AMC 8?

2027 AMC 8 Preparation Plan

For Grade 3 Students

Recommended preparation time: 1 year or more

Goal: Use Pre-AMC 8 preparation to strengthen school math and prerequisite knowledge. Students should gradually study AMC 8 foundational topics and core concepts, aiming to reach the top 1% by grade 4.

At this stage, students should focus on building number sense, reading comprehension, basic geometry, and mathematical confidence.

For Grade 4 Students

Recommended preparation cycle: 6–9 months

For Grade 5 Students

Recommended preparation cycle: 3–6 months

This stage is especially important for students aiming for competitive middle school applications.

Key AMC 8 Preparation Advice

AMC 8 preparation should not only focus on doing more questions. Students need to build a structured understanding of common topics, including number operations, algebra, geometry, counting and probability.

For younger students, the most important foundation is accuracy in basic questions. For students aiming for top awards, the key is to improve speed, reduce careless mistakes, and learn how to approach challenging problems efficiently.

A strong preparation plan should combine topic learning, past paper practice, timed mock tests and error analysis. With consistent training, students can gradually improve both mathematical ability and competition performance.

Preparation for the 2027 AMC 8 has officially become a priority for many students and parents. As a globally recognized international math competition for younger students, the AMC 8 is not only a valuable academic credential for middle school applications and student profiles, but also an effective way to develop mathematical thinking.

For students who plan to prepare for math competitions, now is the golden period to begin. With a scientific preparation plan, students can build a strong foundation early and gain a competitive advantage.

This article explains the AMC 8 preparation timeline and the academic value of the competition.

1. Golden Preparation Plan for AMC 8

AMC 8 preparation can be divided into three major stages: foundation building, topic strengthening, and final sprint.

AMC 8 Foundation Goals

At the foundation stage, students should become fluent in fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, exponents, and negative number operations.

They should also understand the basic problem-solving ideas behind the four major AMC 8 modules: number theory, algebra, geometry, and counting.

AMC 8 Topic Strengthening Goals

At this stage, students should build a systematic and structured knowledge framework across the four core modules.

They should be able to apply concepts within each module and solve medium-difficulty integrated problems.

AMC 8 Final Sprint Goals

During the final sprint stage, students should focus on combining knowledge across different modules to solve more complex problems.

Through intensive mock tests, students should significantly improve problem-solving speed, accuracy, and score stability.

Key AMC 8 Topics to Study

2. Why the AMC 8 Is Valuable

Why Choose the AMC 8?

The AMC 8 is not just a knowledge-based competition. It is a systematic thinking challenge designed for younger students.

The competition helps students develop interest in mathematics, experience the beauty of problem solving, and build an early advantage during a key stage of logical and mathematical development.

It also connects students with international academic standards and prepares them for future school interviews, academic competitions, and advanced math pathways.

A Powerful Platform for Number Sense and Geometric Intuition

One of the most valuable aspects of the AMC 8 is its ability to train number sense and geometric intuition in a way that regular classroom learning often cannot fully achieve.

Number Sense Training

AMC 8 problems involving number patterns, introductory number theory, and clever calculation strategies help students move beyond mechanical computation.

Students learn to understand relationships between numbers and develop practical mathematical thinking, including estimation, approximation, and reasonable assumptions.

Geometric and Proportional Thinking

AMC 8 geometry problems cover plane geometry, introductory solid geometry, symmetry, transformations, and proportional modeling.

Many problems require students to mentally rotate, decompose, and reconstruct shapes. This is excellent training for spatial imagination and geometric intuition.

These two abilities are not only central to mathematics, but also important foundations for future study in physics, engineering, computer science, architecture, and related fields.

Systematic Learning: Advanced but Not Excessive

The AMC 8 knowledge system covers core math content from elementary school through grade 8. However, its value is not simply in learning ahead.

The real value lies in helping students organize mathematical knowledge in a structured and integrated way.

AMC 8 content is highly compatible with mainstream math curricula in both domestic and international education systems. It deepens and expands school learning rather than replacing it.

The competition includes basic operations, word problems, logical reasoning, combinatorial thinking, and strategy-based problem solving.

Through a gradual preparation process, students can naturally build a complete mathematical thinking framework and prepare for more advanced study.

Global Recognition: A Truly International Math Credential

The AMC 8 is organized by the Mathematical Association of America. It is one of the oldest and most influential math competitions for middle school students worldwide.

Its value is reflected in several ways:

Final Thoughts

The AMC 8 is an ideal competition for students who want to build a strong foundation in mathematical thinking at an early age.

A well-planned preparation path can help students improve number sense, geometric intuition, logical reasoning, and problem-solving speed. More importantly, AMC 8 preparation helps students develop a structured way of thinking that will support future success in mathematics, science, engineering, and other STEM fields.

For students aiming for the 2027 AMC 8, early preparation is the key to building confidence, improving accuracy, and achieving stable high scores.

The AMC 8 has become increasingly popular among top-performing elementary and middle school students in Shanghai. Many high-achieving students are actively preparing for it, especially within the highly competitive “early admissions” and “elite school” pathways.

So why is AMC 8 so popular in Shanghai? And what is its real academic value? This article explains everything clearly.

What Is AMC 8?

AMC 8 is a mathematics competition organized as part of the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) system. It is designed for students in Grade 8 and below and focuses on mathematical reasoning rather than routine calculation.

• 25 multiple-choice questions
• 40-minute time limit
• Covers elementary school math, early middle school concepts, and Olympiad-style thinking

The exam is designed to evaluate mathematical thinking ability rather than memorized knowledge.

How Difficult Is AMC 8?

Although AMC 8 is designed for middle school level and below, it includes many extended and advanced concepts beyond standard school curriculum.

Key knowledge areas include:

Algebra

Integers, rational and irrational numbers, coordinate systems, equations, inequalities, sequences, and basic algebraic techniques.

Geometry

Plane geometry, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area and perimeter, and basic spatial geometry concepts.

Number Theory

Divisibility, primes, greatest common divisor, least common multiple, modular arithmetic.

Combinatorics and Probability

Counting methods, permutations and combinations, basic probability, Venn diagrams, factorials, and binomial patterns.

Although all questions are multiple choice, students often need strategies such as elimination, special value substitution, and pattern recognition.

Why Is AMC 8 So Valuable in Shanghai?

1. Proof of Mathematical Ability

AMC 8 results are widely used by selective schools in China as a reference for mathematical thinking ability. High scores, especially Top 1%, are often considered strong evidence of reasoning ability and problem-solving skills.

2. Recognition from International Schools

Many international schools in Shanghai highly recognize AMC 8 results. A strong performance can significantly improve admission chances, especially for transfer students or applicants to top-tier programs.

The structured system of the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) also helps students build a more systematic understanding of mathematics.

3. Entry Advantage for Top Domestic Schools

In Shanghai’s highly competitive “early admission” system, AMC 8 awards are often included in application materials.

For top public schools and elite programs (such as highly selective admissions pathways), AMC 8 is commonly used as a supporting academic indicator during screening.

4. Long-Term Academic Value

A Top 1% or Top 5% AMC 8 result indicates that a student has:

• Strong foundational math understanding
• Good ability to transfer knowledge to new problems
• Higher adaptability for AMC 10/12 and advanced competitions

It also helps students transition smoothly into middle school mathematics and maintain strong academic performance.

How Students in Different Grades Should Prepare

Grades 1–2: Not Recommended for Formal Preparation

At this stage, students should focus on foundational math skills such as basic arithmetic, fractions, and simple geometry.

Recommended approach:

• Participate in introductory competitions like Math Kangaroo
• Build interest and confidence in problem-solving

Grades 3–4: Early Exposure Stage

Students can begin structured exposure to AMC 8 concepts.

Focus areas:

• Strengthening elementary math foundations
• Gradually introducing competition-style problems
• Building toward basic AMC 8 knowledge

Preparation goal:

• Master questions 1–20
• Begin training for harder problems (21–25)
• Aim for Top 5% or Top 1% in the future

Grade 5: Key Transition and Final Preparation Stage

Grade 5 is often the most critical stage for AMC 8 success, especially for students targeting competitive school admissions in Shanghai.

At this stage, students should:

• Systematically review AMC 8 knowledge
• Strengthen problem-solving strategies
• Focus on timed practice and accuracy

For many students, this is the last major opportunity to achieve a high AMC 8 score before transitioning to middle school or preparing for other academic exams.

Final Conclusion

AMC 8 is not just a competition—it is a widely recognized academic benchmark, especially in competitive education systems like Shanghai.

It helps evaluate mathematical thinking, supports school admissions, and builds a strong foundation for future academic challenges.

For many students, AMC 8 is the first step into a broader path of mathematical development and international competition readiness.

In today’s highly competitive academic environment, where early planning and diverse admission pathways matter more than ever, there is one competition that stands out across all grade levels—from elementary school to high school. It strengthens mathematical foundations, builds logical thinking, and supports both domestic and international admissions. That competition is the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions).

With such a wide grade span from Grades 4 to 11, how should students choose the right AMC level? And how can they prepare efficiently without wasting time? This guide provides a complete breakdown—from beginner entry to long-term planning.

Why Is AMC Considered So Versatile?

Calling AMC an “all-purpose competition” is not an exaggeration. For younger students, it develops thinking skills and builds a strong math foundation. For older students, it helps achieve competitive awards and strengthens academic profiles.

It supports students at every stage:

• Improving school math performance
• Preparing for selective school admissions
• Enhancing international university applications

Academic Advantages

Domestic School Admissions

For middle school and high school admissions in China, AMC 8 scores are often used as key evaluation criteria by top schools. In cities like Shanghai and Beijing, prestigious schools increasingly consider AMC results in their selection process.

For advanced high school programs, AMC 10/12 Top 5% awards or qualification for the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) are often viewed as strong academic indicators.

International Applications

For US college applications, strong performance in AMC 10/12 (Top 1% or AIME qualification) is widely recognized as evidence of mathematical ability by top universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Stanford University.

For UK applications, AMC results can complement competitions like UKMT and support applications to leading universities such as University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, especially for math and engineering programs.

Developing Mathematical Thinking

Many parents believe math competitions are about learning advanced content early. In reality, AMC focuses on problem-solving ability in unfamiliar situations.

Rather than repetitive calculations, AMC emphasizes:

• Number theory
• Combinatorics
• Geometric reasoning

Students learn to approach problems from first principles instead of relying on memorized methods.

Additionally, the time constraint—25 questions in 75 minutes for AMC 10/12—helps develop decision-making skills and problem-solving speed, which are transferable to other STEM subjects like physics and chemistry.

AMC Competition Overview

The AMC series is organized by the Mathematical Association of America and includes three main levels:

AMC 8 Rules

Eligibility: Grade 8 and below, under 14.5 years old
Exam Date: Mid-January each year (2026: January 23)
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes
Scoring: 1 point per correct answer, no penalty for incorrect answers

Content includes integers, fractions, percentages, ratios, number theory, basic geometry (area and volume), probability, and logical reasoning.

Awards:

• Perfect Score: 25
• Top 1%: typically 23+
• Top 5%: typically 21+
• Achievement Roll: 15+ (Grade 6 and below)

AMC 10 Rules

Eligibility: Grade 10 and below, under 17.5 years old
Exam Date: Mid-November (A and B versions)
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes
Scoring: 6 points per correct answer, 1.5 points for unanswered, no penalty for incorrect answers

Content includes algebra, basic geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.

Awards:

• Perfect Score: 150
• Top 1%: typically 120+
• Top 5%: typically 100+
• Achievement Roll: 90+ (Grade 8 and below)

AMC 12 Rules

Eligibility: Grade 12 and below, under 19.5 years old
Exam Date: Mid-November (A and B versions)
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes
Scoring: same as AMC 10

Content includes trigonometry, advanced algebra, and higher-level geometry (excluding calculus).

Awards:

• Perfect Score: 150
• Top 1%: typically 130+
• Top 5%: typically 105+
• Achievement Roll: 90+ (Grade 10 and below)

AMC Preparation Plan by Grade (4–11)

AMC 8 (Grades 4–8)

Grades 4–6: Foundation Stage
Start with basic arithmetic and geometry. Use engaging problems and mock tests to build interest. Many students begin exposure through competitions like Math Kangaroo before transitioning to AMC 8. With structured learning in Grade 5, students can aim for Top 5% in Grade 6.

Grades 7–8: Intensive Stage
Focus on advanced topics such as number theory and combinatorics. The goal is to reach Top 1%.

AMC 10/12 (Grades 7–11)

Grades 7–8: Knowledge Building
Strengthen algebra and geometry fundamentals while expanding into number theory and combinatorics. Students can begin AMC 10 preparation early and aim to qualify for AIME by Grade 9.

Grades 9–10: Peak Performance Stage
Identify weak areas and conduct targeted practice. The goal is Top 1% or high AIME scores.

Final Thoughts

AMC competitions offer a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value. Whether a student is just starting in Grade 4 or aiming for top university admissions in Grade 11, AMC provides a structured pathway for both skill development and academic distinction.

The key is not just early participation, but smart, stage-based preparation aligned with the student’s goals and abilities.

As registration for the 2026 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) gradually opens, many parents have similar questions during consultation. This article summarizes the most common concerns to help families better understand whether AMC is suitable for their child and how to prepare in a more informed and realistic way.

Q1: What kind of competition is AMC? Is it suitable for all students?

The AMC is an international mathematics competition organized by the Australian Mathematics Trust, first established in 1978. It is currently one of the largest and most widely participated math competitions in the world.

AMC is not a purely selective competition. Its main purpose is to evaluate students’ mathematical understanding, logical reasoning, and problem-solving ability through a structured, level-based exam.

Therefore, AMC is not limited to top-performing math students. It is suitable for any student who wants to understand their math level and experience an international-style assessment.

Q2: Can students with no competition experience participate?

Yes. AMC is often the first international math competition for many students.

The questions are designed in a progressive structure, ranging from basic to advanced. Even first-time participants can complete a portion of the exam and gain meaningful feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

For beginners, AMC is more of a diagnostic learning experience rather than a competition focused solely on winning awards.

Q3: What does AMC test? Is it difficult?

AMC covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, probability and statistics, and logical reasoning.

Compared with school exams, AMC places greater emphasis on:

• Understanding problem statements
• Mathematical reasoning and thinking process
• Applying knowledge in unfamiliar contexts

The difficulty is tiered: early questions are foundational, while later questions are designed to differentiate higher-level thinking skills.

Q4: When and how is the 2026 AMC exam conducted?

The 2026 AMC will be held from August 4 to August 6.

The exam is a written individual test consisting mainly of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, with no penalty for wrong answers.

Specific time limits and calculator policies vary by grade level, but the overall structure remains stable and allows students to prepare in advance.

Q5: Are AMC scores and awards meaningful?

AMC uses a global percentile-based ranking system, where students compete within their own grade group.

The results are meaningful in several ways:

• They reflect a student’s math level in an international context
• They help determine readiness for higher-level competitions
• They provide guidance for identifying mathematical strengths

Even if a student does not achieve a high award level, the score itself still serves as a valuable diagnostic reference.

Q6: What is the difference between Australian AMC and American AMC?

The Australian AMC is more of a skill assessment competition, suitable as an entry point for students across a wide range of grades.

In contrast, the American AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) system (including AMC 8, 10, and 12) is more selective and emphasizes speed, strategy, and progression toward advanced competitions.

Many students follow a progression path:
Start with Australian AMC to build foundational thinking skills, then transition to the American AMC system for more advanced competition experience.

Q7: Is formal training or preparation necessary?

Whether structured preparation is needed depends on the student’s background and goals.

Preparation is especially helpful if the student:

• Is participating for the first time
• Is unfamiliar with competition-style questions
• Wants to improve consistency and performance stability

Effective preparation should focus less on rote practice and more on building problem-solving strategies and mathematical expression skills.

Q8: If the result is average, is it still worth continuing competition math?

The value of AMC is not limited to awards.

For some students, results can help parents determine:

• Whether to focus more on strengthening school math foundations
• Whether to adjust learning strategies
• Whether to continue progressing in math competitions

Therefore, AMC can serve both as a starting point for competition math and as a diagnostic tool for academic planning.

Q9: How should parents interpret AMC overall?

From a parent’s perspective, AMC can be viewed as an international mathematics ability assessment.

It does not require students to “win,” but rather helps families understand:

• The current level of mathematical ability
• The gap compared to peers globally
• Possible future learning directions

Conclusion

AMC is not a competition designed for elimination, but a structured international assessment that helps students understand their mathematical ability.

If parents want their child to experience math competition in a more rational and low-pressure way, while gaining clear and objective feedback, the 2026 AMC is a valuable option worth considering.

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

2026 AIME Score Cutoffs

The AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) serves as the next stage after AMC competitions.

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+

2026 AMC 10/12 Registration Now Open

Hanlin is an officially authorized test center of AMC-China!

Hanlin Test Center Benefits

(Eligible if you meet any of the following conditions)

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

• Hanlin is an authorized AMC-China test center.
• Full refund available before October 10, 2026. After this date, once seats are locked, no refunds will be issued for cancellations or absences.
• Students who meet the requirements (no missed exams) can contact a Hanlin advisor to claim rewards after score release.
• 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)

For detailed registration and event information, please contact Hanlin advisor.

Scan the QR code to register now!

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), organized by the Mathematical Association of America, is one of the most influential math competition systems for middle and high school students worldwide. It’s not only a stage to showcase mathematical talent but also a strong academic credential for top university applications.

If you're unsure whether to choose AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12, here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.

1. Overview of the AMC Competition System

The AMC series includes:

• AMC 8
• AMC 10
• AMC 12
• AIME

Progression path:
AMC 8 → AMC 10/12 → AIME → USA Mathematical Olympiad → International Mathematical Olympiad

This pathway represents a step-by-step climb from foundational problem-solving to elite global competition.

2. AMC 8: The Entry Point

• Target students: Grade 4–8 (under 14.5 years old)
• Focus: Building interest and foundational problem-solving skills
• Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes
• Scoring: +1 per correct answer, no penalty

Key Features

• Covers elementary math + early middle school topics
• Emphasizes logical thinking and creativity
• Ideal for younger students starting competition math

Goal Strategy
Aim for:

• Top 5% (≈17+) or
• Top 1% (≈22+)

This builds confidence and sets up future AMC success.

3. AMC 10: The Critical Transition

• Target students: Grade 7–10 (under 17.5 years old)
• Focus: Bridge to advanced competition math
• Format: 25 questions, 75 minutes
• Scoring: +6 correct / +1.5 blank / 0 incorrect

Core Topics

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Number Theory
• Combinatorics

Why it matters
Top performers qualify for AIME — a major milestone.

Best for students who:

• Have mastered middle school math
• Can solve challenging exam problems independently
• Want to build a strong academic profile early

4. AMC 12: The “Elite-Level” Benchmark

• Target students: Grade 10–12 (under 19.5 years old)
• Difficulty: Highest among AMC exams (pre-calculus level)

Additional Topics Beyond AMC 10

• Trigonometry
• Logarithms
• Complex numbers

Why it stands out

• Highly recognized by top universities
• Strong AMC 12 scores (Top 1% or AIME qualification) are major academic signals

Advancing from AMC 12 → AIME → USA Mathematical Olympiad significantly boosts competitiveness for elite schools.

5. How to Choose Based on Grade

Grades 4–7

Start with AMC 8

• Focus: Interest + foundational skills
• Target: Top 5% → Top 1%

Grades 8–10

Move to AMC 10

• If strong in algebra/geometry, start early
• Goal: Qualify for AIME

Grades 10–12

Choose AMC 12

• Best for students with solid high school math
• Goal: Top 5% or Top 1% + AIME qualification

6. Key Takeaways

• AMC 8 → Build interest and thinking
• AMC 10 → Develop competitive strength & aim for AIME
• AMC 12 → Demonstrate elite math ability for top universities

If you're planning long-term:

• Start early (AMC 8)
• Transition strategically (AMC 10)
• Peak at AMC 12 → AIME → beyond

2026 AMC 10/12 Registration Now Open

Hanlin is an officially authorized test center of AMC-China!

Hanlin Test Center Benefits

(Eligible if you meet any of the following conditions)

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

• Hanlin is an authorized AMC-China test center.
• Full refund available before October 10, 2026. After this date, once seats are locked, no refunds will be issued for cancellations or absences.
• Students who meet the requirements (no missed exams) can contact a Hanlin advisor to claim rewards after score release.
• 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)

For detailed registration and event information, please contact Hanlin advisor.

Scan the QR code to register now!