Website: http://www.maa.org/math-competitions
The AMC (American Math Competition) is sponsored by MAA, the Mathematical Association of America. Thousands of schools participate each year, with over 350,000 students competing. The AHS Math Club competes in the AMC 10/12 competition, with less experienced students taking the AMC 10 test, and more advanced students taking the AMC 12. Students that score particularly high on the AMC 10/12 could be invited to a series of higher level competitions. These include the AIME, USAMO/USAJMO, MOSP (summer program), and IMO. High scorers are also eligible for certain awards or other prizes. The AMC is given on two separate dates, about two weeks apart, in February. Students can take the test on either date and can actually take both tests. Below are some AMC 10, AMC 12, AIME, USAJMO, and USAMO practice tests from Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
Formats:
- AMC 10: 25 multiple choice questions, 75 minutes
- Mostly covers algebra and geometry concepts
- Intended for less advanced students
- Students scoring in top 2.5% (120/150 pts) are eligible for AIME
AMC 10 Practice Tests
- AMC 12: 25 multiple choice, questions, 75 minutes
- Includes pre-calculus concepts
- Intended for more experienced students
- Students scoring in top 5% (100/150 pts) are eligible for AIME
AMC 12 Practice Tests
- AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination): 15 questions, 3 hours
- Each answer is an integer between 0 and 999
- Questions are usually difficult to answer; very few answers can be obtained by guessing
- Uses pre-calculus concepts
- 2 dates in March; additional fee for taking test on the second date
AIME Practice Tests
- USAMO/USAJMO (United States of America (Junior) Mathematical Olympiad): six question, two-day, 9-hour essay/proof examinations
- Questions can be solved using pre-calculus methods
- Around 270 AMC 12 and 230 AMC 10 students are invited to take either USAMO or USAJMO
- 2 consecutive days in April
USAJMO Practice Test
USAMO Practice Test
- MOSP (Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program): 3-4 week intensive summer program to prepare students to be on team USA at the IMO
- Top 12 students are automatically invited to attend; non-seniors from the next 15-16 highest scoring participants are also invited
- Depending on available funding, AMC may invite additional groups of very promising students who have risen to the top on the American Mathematics Competitions
- Six-member team to represent the U.S. at IMO is selected during MOSP
- IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad): 2-day competition held every summer
- 4.5 hour, 3 questions essay exam
- Participating countries trade off in hosting the event, which usually lasts 10- 14 days
- In addition to the students, there is one team leader, one deputy leader, and observers
- Students are entertained by host nation
- Visit local points of interest in the host city, informal interaction among all participating teams