Ultimate Guide to AMC 10 Competition: Problems, Scores, Dates

The AMC 10 is a leading math competition for high schoolers who want to test their problem-solving abilities and distinguish themselves in STEM fields. It challenges students with creative logic-based questions that are beyond the standard classroom curriculum.

This guide provides all the essential information you need to succeed in this program. We'll explain the exam format, the scoring system, and brilliant tips to prepare for the contest. You'll also find out what it takes to be eligible for the AMC 10 and how to register.  

What is the AMC 10 Competition? 

The American Mathematics Competition 10 (AMC 10) is a national math contest for high school students in grade 10 and below. It helps to develop students’ problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning skills. Since 1950, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) has managed the AMC series which includes: AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12.

Now, what makes the AMC 10 competition different from the other two? Target audience.

Students with high scores in either the AMC 10 or AMC 12 receive invitations to participate in the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

Exam Format and Structure

The AMC 10 math competition consists of 25 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 75 minutes. Each question comes with five possible answers from A to E, but among these choices only one answer is correct. The exam starts with manageable problems but progresses to more complex challenges as you reach the final questions. This makes pacing and strategy essential. 

The AMC 10 topics are what a 10th grader typically learns at school. These include courses like algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Calculus is not included but the AMC 10 questions are known for their clever setups and logical twists.

There are two versions of the test: The AMC 10 A and AMC 10 B. Both examinations occur on different dates and feature unique problem sets. You can take either one version or both versions of the test in the same year. Taking both tests increases your chance of advancing to the next round: AIME.

High school students competing during the American Mathematics Competition 

How AMC 10 Scores are Calculated

Here's how the AMC 10 scoring system works:

• 6 points for a correct answer 
• 1.5 points for an unanswered question
• 0 points for incorrect answers. 

With 25 questions total, the highest score achievable on the exam is 150. This scoring system encourages students to leave questions unanswered instead of making random guesses when they are uncertain.

So, what counts as a “good” score? That depends on your goals. A score over 100 indicates strong performance but students targeting the AIME need to score higher. The score needed to qualify for the AIME changes yearly but remains within the range of 103 to 120. The cutoffs for AMC 10 A and AMC 10 B are established separately and may vary slightly depending on students’ overall performance.

High scorers are also recognized with awards. Students who rank in the top 5% receive Honor Roll recognition. Those ranking in the top 1% receive Distinguished Honor Roll recognition. Qualifying for the AIME and receiving these awards is an impressive achievement that colleges and employers frequently consider as evidence of mathematical talent.

Where Does the AMC 10 Take Place? 

The AMC 10 test locations are spread across schools, universities, and MAA-registered test centers. Specialized educational centers such as AlphaStar Academy and Think Academy are also used to organize in-person exams. Every test location appoints a Competition Manager to supervise and administer the examination.

Students whose schools do not host the contest can contact math teachers at local high schools to see if they will permit outside students to participate. They can also approach their school's math teachers or principal to discuss the possibility of becoming a hosting site.

Is the AMC 10 Prestigious?

​Yes, the AMC 10 exam is widely regarded as a prestigious mathematics competition. Organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) it attracts some of the most talented young math students across the country. 

Students who perform well in the exam stand out in college admissions, especially at leading STEM colleges including MIT, Caltech, and Stanford. If you're looking to get into an Ivy League, a strong AMC 10 performance can boost your academic profile. These schools regard the AMC as a stronger measure of student's analytical thinking and creative skills compared to standard tests like the SAT. 

Since its inception in 1950, the AMC series has grown to serve over 300,000 students from more than 4,000 schools each year. The contest served as a launching pad for numerous mathematicians who have gained distinction in academia.

One example is Aaron Pixton, a renowned mathematician specializing in enumerative geometry. Aaron scored perfectly on both the AMC 10 and AMC 12 tests multiple times throughout his high school years. He earned gold medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in both 2003 and 2004 before completing his Ph.D. at Princeton University. 

Another notable example is Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to receive the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics.

Who Can Participate? 

The AMC 10 is open to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:​

• Grade Level: Students must be in grade 10 or below.​
• Age Requirement: Participants must be under 17.5 years of age on the day of the competition. ​

Key Dates

The AMC 10 2025 dates for registration have not been officially published, but it usually falls in October. The association offers two versions of the test: AMC 10A and AMC 10B. 

Although the AMC 10 test dates for 2025 have not been announced either, it usually falls in November, one month after registration. Both versions of the contest (AMC 10A and 10B) are usually spaced one week apart. 

Students who qualify for these contests may be invited to compete in subsequent rounds. 

Here are the Invitational Dates For the 2024/2025 contest: 

• AIME I – February 6, 2025
• AIME II – February 12, 2025
• USAMO/USAJMO – March 19–20, 2025

Consult your school or test center coordinator to get updated registration dates and testing schedules when they become available.

Registration Fees

Registration fees for the AMC 10 math competition vary depending on when you start the enrollment process: 

• Early bird fee: $33 
• Regular fee: $76
• Late registration fee: $116

Organizations and schools that register multiple students can take advantage of special pricing options through competition bundles:

• AMC 10A or 10B bundle includes 10 student licenses for $27.
• A/B Double Bundle includes 10 licenses for both version A and version B at a combined cost of $50.

How to Register for AMC 10

You can register for the contest through your school or online, on the official competition site. Here’s how to register for AMC 10: 

• Identify a Competition Manager (CM): Your school's teacher or administrator usually takes on the role of competition manager. Schools that have not participated yet can have their faculty members apply to be Competition Managers through the MAA's registration site.
• Access the MAA Registration Portal: The competition manager needs to access the official MAA registration portal at https://maa.org/amcreg to start the registration process.
• Select the Appropriate Competition: The CM must select participation in either AMC 10A or AMC 10B competitions or sign up for both options. They can also buy registration packages covering 10 student entries.
• Complete the Registration: Enter the required information which should include the school's details and the total count of participating students. Payment is required to finalize the registration. 

After completing registration the CM will receive the competition materials and instructions for managing the event. 

How to Prepare for The Competition

Success in this test starts with smart, focused preparation. Here's how to prepare for AMC 10: 

1. Get the Right Study Materials

Having the right resources is the first step to succeeding in the AMC Math Competition 2025. Top-performing students frequently use The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) books especially Introduction to Algebra, Introduction to Geometry, and Counting and Probability. These books challenge you to think creatively which mirrors the AMC 10's demands. 

You also need to get enough AMC 10 practice problems. These practice questions help familiarize you with the exam formats and question styles. This page holds all the AMC 10 practice test questions for the past 24 years. You can also use websites like AoPS and Khan Academy to explore video lessons and practice sets.

2. Practice Strategically and Review Thoroughly 

Now you have the right resources, how do you make the most of them? Strategic practice. While you practice AMC 10 past questions, it's important to time your performance so that it mirrors the 75-minute duration of the test. Start your preparation by attempting to complete the test without haste, even though you may not answer all 25 questions on your first attempt. Gradually increase your speed and maintain accuracy. 

It's essential to evaluate your answers after the test. Pay attention to the questions you answered incorrectly or omitted. Don’t just read the AMC 10 answers on the solution page, rework the problem yourself and reflect on why your approach failed. Find out which subject areas you struggle with the most and concentrate your efforts on mastering them.

3. Join Math Circles and Engage With Online Communities

Studying doesn’t have to be a solo journey. You can work collaboratively in math circles to solve problems and receive guidance from mentors. Group participation demands that you articulate your thought process. This helps you understand concepts better and enhances your communication abilities. 

If you can't access local math circles, consider online communities as an alternative. Online communities contain archived discussions and solution threads. You'll also find peers who are studying for similar exams. You'll probably learn new techniques and shortcuts, or even find an AMC 10 cheat sheet on one of these platforms. Forum members can also keep you motivated during your preparation.

4. Get Personalized Support with a Tutor and Coach

Some students benefit from more personalized instruction, especially when striving for excellent performance. Tutoring services can help such students by filling their learning gaps and establishing a study framework. But where can you find a good tutor or coach? Online academies and math enrichment centers are great places to look. In these places, you may find coaching programs that focus specifically on AMC preparation.

Having a coach means you'll receive weekly lessons, problem sets, and mock tests that help you improve. Even students preparing independently can benefit from hiring a tutor. A few sessions to review test results and uncover areas of improvement can be worthwhile. Coaching is optional for success but it helps you progress faster and develop a competitive advantage.

Beyond the AMC 10: What’s Next? 

​Students who finish the AMC 10 tend to explore further opportunities in mathematics. Those who do exceedingly well qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). But what does it take to qualify? The top scores for the year's competition.

Students who score above the qualification threshold will participate in the AIME. And if they ace it too, they proceed to the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

Beyond the AMC series, several other prestigious math competitions can further improve a student's skills. One example is the Kangaroo Math Competition. The Kangaroo Math is a global competition that engages students with fun problems that develop their logical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. 

Another distinguished program is the Mathworks Mathematical Modeling Challenge (M3). The M3 challenge focuses on real-world applications of mathematical concepts. In this competition, students work together to build mathematical models which they apply to analyze and resolve important social problems.

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FAQs 

1. When is AMC 10 2025? 

The official AMC 10 dates for 2025 have not been announced yet. They’re usually scheduled in November and released by the MAA a few months in advance. 

2. Where can I find AMC 10 past tests to practice with?

You can access official AMC 10 past tests through the MAA website. It's also available on several math forums and educator websites.

3. When are the official AMC 10 dates announced each year?

AMC 10 dates are typically released by the MAA in the summer or early fall. This gives you several months to prepare.

4. How are AMC scores calculated for the AMC 10?

AMC scores are based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns you 6 points, unanswered questions give you 1.5 points, and incorrect answers score 0. 

5. Do I need to memorize specific AMC 10 formulas for the test?

Yes, the AMC 10 does not provide a formula sheet, so it’s important to memorize essential algebra, geometry, and number theory formulas.

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