Q: What is the MAA American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)?
A: The AMC program, organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), is an excellent way for students to develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills through classroom resources and friendly competitions.
Q: What are the benefits of participating in the MAA AMC?
A: Participating in AMC helps students:
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Develop essential problem-solving and analytical skills
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Gain an advantage in college applications
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Prepare for various STEM career paths
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Practice core math concepts in a fun and supportive environment
Q: How can I prepare for the AMC as a student or teacher?
A: The MAA provides a variety of resources to help students prepare:
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M-Powered: Access problem-solving activities, interactive exercises, and curriculum resources designed to develop critical thinking and mathematical understanding.
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MAA Curriculum Inspirations: A series of videos that turn AMC problems into rich lesson plans for teachers and parents to help students practice.
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Fun Math: A curated collection of engaging math topics suitable for students of all ages.
Q: I’m not familiar with the AMC. What are the different competitions?
A: The MAA AMC program aims to spark interest in mathematics and develop problem-solving skills through engaging competitions. Schools and teachers present students with interesting math problems that align with various curriculum standards. Students also have the opportunity to learn and achieve by competing with peers locally and globally.
Q: All the problems look very difficult. How can I learn to solve them?
A: We recommend reviewing past competition problems and solutions, which are available on the AMC Past Problems and Solutions page.
Q: Who can participate in AMC competitions?
A: Any student enrolled in a registered school who meets the grade and age requirements for AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12 can participate.
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High scorers on AMC 10 (top ~2.5%) and AMC 12 (top ~5%) qualify for AIME.
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USAMO is limited to students studying in the U.S. or Canada or U.S. citizens living abroad.
The only requirement to participate in AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12 is that the student is registered through a school or test center.
Q: At what age can students start participating in AMC competitions?
A: Students may begin at any age that they and their parents, teachers, or mentors feel ready for AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12. Some students as young as 8 years old have already participated in AMC.
Q: What exams are required for USAMO and USAJMO?
A:
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AMC 8 is a standalone competition with its own benefits (see AMC 8 FAQ).
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The path to USAMO and USAJMO begins with AMC 10 or AMC 12:
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Top ~2.5% of AMC 10 students and top ~5% of AMC 12 students qualify for the AIME.
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Approximately the top 270 students based on 10 × AIME + AMC 12 score are invited to USAMO.
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Approximately the top 230 students based on 10 × AIME + AMC 10 score are invited to USAJMO.
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Q: What if my school doesn’t offer the AMC?
A: You can encourage your principal, math teacher, or school coordinator to register your school for the competition. If your school does not currently offer AMC, you may:
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Offer to pay the registration and material fees
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Organize or use an existing math club to sponsor participation
All materials must be sent directly to the school. Some colleges and universities also host AMC competitions, especially for AMC 10/12 “B” dates.
Q: How can I obtain past scores if my school hasn’t kept them?
A: Submit a written or email request to the AMC office at:
American Mathematics Competitions
1529 Eighteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036, USA
Q: How can our organization (homeschool, learning center, test center, etc.) participate in AMC competitions?
A: AMC primarily provides competitions for public schools, select accredited private schools, colleges, and universities. Other organizations must first provide detailed information about their academic structure for review.
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Allow 4–6 weeks for research and decision-making.
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AMC will respond via email once the review is complete.