The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) are the first of a series of competitions in middle school and high school mathematics that lead to the United States team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
AMC has three levels:
The AMCs lead to International Math Olympiad (IMO), world's most prestigious math contest at school level. The basic route is as follows
| INFO | AMC 8 | AMC 10 | AMC 12 |
| When? | A Tuesday in November | A Tuesday in February or 15 days later | A Tuesday in February or 15 days later |
| Problems | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Time (min) | 40 | 75 | 75 |
| Score | Correct +1 Incorrect 0 Not Attempted 0 |
Correct +6 Incorrect 0 Not Attempted +1.5 |
Correct +6 Incorrect 0 Not Attempted +1.5 |
| Next Level | Only awards, no next level | AIME if scores 120+ | AIME if scores 100+ |
The American Math Contest is designed to encourage independent and critical thinking in young mind. Hence the problems are non-standard in nature. Hence key factors of AMC training are
All problems in AMC (or other Math olympiads) can be (and should be) solved without calculus. Though most problems are interdisciplinary in nature (that is use several concepts from secondary mathematics) 33% problems are from Geometry making it the single most important topic in AMC. The trend actually continues at all higher level olympiads, For example in IMO, 2 out of 6 problems are from Geometry.
We suggest two types of books/resources for AMC preparation. The first kind is for concept building. The second is for problem solving. Nothing beats the old Russian books as far as Math Olympiads are concerned. In fact American Math Olympiads are largely 'copies' of Russian Math Olympiads and Math Circles.
Starting Point
Both of these are outstanding books for concept building as well as problem solving. Lines and Curves present a novel method to introduce geometry to young people. Mathematical Circles covers most of the topics asked at AMC (or even higher levels). They are two light weight books for a great beginning.
Next Level
Challenges and Thrills of Pre College Mathematics covers all the necessary topics of AMC. Hall and Knight's work are classics. They are useful for conceptual strengthening of skills in Algebra
Our Courses use several other resources in conjunction with these basic books. For example the outstanding articles of 'Quant', Mathematical Gems (Dolciani Series), Excursions into Mathematics or books by Martin Gardener are regularly used in a selective manner. Nowadays, thanks to internet, resource for math olympiad is unlimited. Hence the critical task is to point at selective few resources and fully utilize them.
There can be no quick-fix book for Math Olympiads. It is better to avoid undue sales gimmick and focus on classics. The sole purpose of math olympiads is to facilitate deep mathematical learning in young minds. This depth cannot be achieved in one day.
The only way to understand whether you are ready for AMC (8, 10 or 12), or figure out your strengths and weaknesses, is to give a diagnosis test (AMC like test). You may either take an original AMC or take our diagnosis test. We will send you a report on the basis of this test with a review of your strengths and weaknesses.
You may request for a diagnosis test here (fill in the form).
