I. About MAA AMC
The American Mathematical Competitions (AMC) were established by the American Mathematical Association in 1950. The questions range from easy to difficult, ensuring a challenge for students of all levels and helping to identify exceptionally gifted individuals. The AMC has become a talent pool for top American mathematics talent, and its scores are used to evaluate applicants' academic achievements in mathematics. Because AMC scores are internationally recognized, taking the AMC exam in different parts of the world is an important way for students to gain international competition experience, enhance their international learning and competition background, and improve their competitiveness for university admissions.
The MAA American Mathematics Competitions (MAA AMC) program enhances the mathematical skills of the next generation of problem solvers. Through classroom resources and friendly competition, it helps K-12 educators identify talent and cultivate a love of mathematics. The MAA AMC supports the development of analytical skills crucial for future careers in an innovative society.
Founded in 1950, the AMC is the premier math competition for K-12 students. Today, more than 300,000 students from all 50 states and over 30 countries participate in the AMC to boost their confidence and passion for mathematics.
—Empowering the Next Generation of Problem Solvers:
The AMC program is more than just a competition; it's a national effort to empower the mathematical abilities of our next generation of innovators. By challenging students with engaging problems, the AMC lays the foundation for lifelong mathematical exploration, discovery, and achievement.
—Who Can Participate in the AMC?
The AMC is proud to partner with a dedicated group of stakeholders, each vital to the success of our mathematics community:
Students: Young mathematicians in middle and high school are at the heart of the AMC. Their curiosity, passion, and problem-solving skills shape the future of mathematics.
Competition Managers: Educators and teachers in the mathematics community play a critical role in developing students' mathematical abilities and ensuring the smooth running of the AMC.
Parents: Their support and encouragement are essential as children embark on their journey of mathematical exploration and growth.
Want to learn more about the AMC? Here's how you can participate in this transformative experience:
Students: Learn how to register for the AMC, access preparation materials, and get started on the challenge.
Competition Managers: Learn how to organize an AMC competition in your school or institution, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents.
Parents: Learn about your child's enrollment details and how to support their math journey.
—Registration categories and requirements for competition venues
Schools and Colleges/Universities
Schools and colleges/universities should register under the appropriate institution category (elementary, middle, high school/middle, high school, college/university). The competition manager of a registered school or college/university must register using the school's email address and provide a link to the school's website. Unless approved by the MAA AMC office or in compliance with inclement weather and school cancellation policies, MAA AMCs must be held at the registered school or college/institution.
Math Circles
Math student circles and math teacher circles that are registered with the American Mathematical Association (AIM) and appear on the corresponding website can manage MAA AMCs. Materials for competitions managed by math circles cannot be mailed to residential addresses; they must be mailed to the competition location. Acceptable locations for managing MAA AMCs include schools, universities, libraries, or community centers. The competition manager of a registered math circle must demonstrate that the math circle is registered with the AIM, provide a link to the math circle's website, and provide an email address of the individual responsible for receiving competition materials at the competition location.
Learning Centers
Learning/Tutoring/Enrichment Centers must be able to provide a link to their learning/tutoring/enrichment center website and provide a valid tax form at the time of registration. Competition materials managed by the Learning/Tutoring/Enrichment Center cannot be mailed to residential addresses; they must be received at a business address. MAA AMC must be managed by a registered Learning/Tutoring/Enrichment Center.
—MAA's Mission
MAA's mission is to advance understanding of mathematics and its impact on our world.
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is the world's largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We learn more about our world through mathematics, as it drives society and shapes our lives.
—MAA's Vision
We envision a society that values the power and beauty of mathematics and fully realizes its potential to promote human prosperity.
—MAA's Core Values
Community
Fostering engagement in mathematics through outreach and collaboration.
Strengthening the community through collaborative activities for mathematics professionals, students, and enthusiasts at all levels.
Inclusion
Advocating for inclusion and celebrating diversity by promoting mathematics for all.
Expanding access to mathematics through initiatives that engage diverse audiences.
Communication
Advancing creative discoveries in mathematics and communicating them to the world.
Communicating the role of mathematics in an evolving society.
Teaching and Learning
Fostering open exchange of ideas about teaching and learning mathematics.
Develop and promote research-based teaching resources and practices.
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is one of the world's largest communities of mathematicians, educators, students, and mathematics enthusiasts united by their love of mathematics.
—MAA History to the Present
The origins of the Mathematical Association (MAA) can be traced back to a journal called *American Mathematical Monthly*. Its founder, Benjamin Finkel, aspired to make it "the most interesting and popular journal published in America." More than 125 years later, the publication has evolved into a vital platform for the mathematics community.
The journal's success highlighted a greater need—a dedicated space for mathematics professionals—from educators to engineers, and everyone in between—to connect through their shared passion for mathematics.
Over the years, the MAA has evolved into more than just a professional hub. The association has become a vibrant community where everyone can explore and revel in the art and science of mathematics.
Today, the MAA stands proudly at the heart of the mathematics community.
The MAA's more than 20,000 members stay connected through MAA's Special Interest Groups (SIGMAA), attend local chapters, and gather at our annual MAA MathFest. Between in-person events, the MAA Connect community fosters year-round interaction by engaging members through volunteering and other community activities.
MAA's work cultivates the next generation of mathematics educators and professionals through initiatives like MAA Project NExT and leads prestigious mathematics competitions such as the American Mathematical Olympiad and the Putnam Mathematics Contest.
Our offerings have expanded to include more publications than ever before—from our blog, Math Values, to our comprehensive range of journals and vibrant book programs. At MAA, members expand their mathematical knowledge and keep pace with the advancements in mathematical science.
II. Which students are suitable to participate in the AMC competition?
AMC 8
The AMC 8 is a math competition designed for students in grade 8 and below. Participants must be under 14.5 years old on the day of the competition. AMC 8 questions primarily cover middle school math, serving as a starting point for many students' entry into math competitions.
AMC 10
The AMC 10 is suitable for students in grade 10 and below, covering high school curriculum up to grade 10 content. Participants must be in grade 10 or below on the day of the competition and under 17.5 years old. AMC 10 questions are more challenging, covering a wider range of mathematical knowledge, and are an important step for students transitioning to higher-level math competitions.
AMC 12
The AMC 12 covers the entire high school math curriculum, including trigonometry, higher algebra, and higher geometry, but excluding calculus. Students in grade 12 or below and under 19.5 years old on the day of the competition can participate in AMC 12. AMC 12 questions are even more difficult, suitable for older students.
AIME
The American Invitational Mathematics Competition (AIME) is an invitational competition for students who excel in the AMC 10 and AMC 12. AIME problems are highly challenging, designed to select students with exceptional mathematical abilities and provide them with opportunities for higher-level mathematical challenges.
USA (J)MO
The USA (J)MO is the United States Junior Mathematical Olympiad, inviting the highest-scoring participants from the AMC 12 and AMC 10. Selection is based on a combined score from the AMC and AIME. U.S. citizens and students studying in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to participate in the USAMO and USAJMO if they achieve the qualifying score. The USA (J)MO provides a platform for students to showcase their mathematical talents and lays the foundation for their participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Competition Format
| Competition Category | Competition Format |
| AMC8 | The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice exam. |
| AMC 10/12 （A） | AMC 10/12A are both high school mathematics exams consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions over 75 minutes. |
| AMC 10/12 （B） | It has the same exam format as AMC 10/12A. |
| AIME | AIME is a 15-question, 3-hour exam. |
| USA (J)MO | The USA (J)MO is a six-question, two-day, nine-hour essay/proofreading exam. |
Examination Syllabus
The following are topics covered in every US math competition test.
| theme |
| Arithmetic |
| Algebra |
| Probability |
| Number Theory |
| Geometry |
| Combinatorics |
III. Your Math Journey: From AMC to IMO
The AMC series of competitions is a series of mathematics competitions organized by the Mathematical Association of America (AMAC) to inspire students' interest in mathematics and enhance their mathematical abilities. This series offers students a multi-level challenge, from basic to advanced, including AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, USAMO/USAJMO, MOP, and IMO.
AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12
AMC 8: Suitable for students in grade 8 and below, it serves as a starting point for students entering the world of mathematics competitions. AMC 8 problems primarily involve middle school mathematics, aiming to cultivate students' mathematical interest and basic skills.
AMC 10: Suitable for students in grade 10 and below, covering high school curriculum up to grade 10. AMC 10 provides students with more challenging mathematical problems, serving as an important step towards higher-level competitions.
AMC 12: Suitable for students in grade 12 and below, covering the entire high school mathematics curriculum, including trigonometry, higher algebra, and higher geometry. AMC 12 problems are even more challenging, providing students with a platform to showcase their mathematical abilities.
American Invitational Mathematics Competition (AIME)
The AIME is an invitational competition for students who excel in the AMC 10 and AMC 12. AIME problems are more challenging and designed to test students' problem-solving abilities and mathematical originality. Only students who achieve outstanding results in the AMC 10 or AMC 12 are eligible to participate in the AIME.
United States Mathematical Olympiad and United States Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO/USAJMO)
The USAMO and USAJMO are advanced competitions for students who achieve high scores in the AIME and AMC 10/12. These competitions focus on proof-based problems and aim to select the nation's top mathematical talents. The USAMO and USAJMO not only test students' mathematical knowledge but also require them to possess strong logical reasoning and proof skills.
Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP)
Students who excel in the USAMO or USAJMO may be invited to participate in the MOP (Mathematical Olympiad Program). MOP is an intensive training camp designed to prepare the best young mathematicians for international competitions. Students participating in MOP receive intensive mathematical training to enhance their competitive abilities.
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
Students who excel in MOP will have the opportunity to join the elite team representing the United States at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The IMO is the pinnacle of global pre-college mathematics competitions, where participants will compete against outstanding students from around the world and challenge themselves.