The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)
The objective of the American Mathematics Competitions of the MAA is to increase interest in mathematics and, through a friendly competition, improve problem solving. Teachers and schools benefit from the ability to challenge students at all levels of complexity with fascinating mathematical questions that are consistent with curriculum standards.
Furthermore, through competition with students in their school and around the world , students gain the opportunity to learn and achieve. The respective contests may be conducted by any student in any registered school who meets the respective age / grade limits for the AMC 8, AMC 1O and AMC 12.
After qualification, students will take the American Invitation Mathematics Examination (AIME) by being in the (approximately) top 2.5% of scorers on the AMC 10 and the (approximately) top 5% of scorers on the AMC 12. The USAMO is limited to students attending school in the United States or Canada and United States residents residing overseas by invitation. The only requirement for participation in the AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12 is registration by the participating school.
Students may start at any age that they feel they and their parent / teacher / mentor are prepared for the AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12, respectively. In the AMC competitions, students as young as 8 participated. The AMC 8 is a standalone contest (listed in the AMC 8 section of the FAQ) with benefits of its own. With either the AMC 10 or the AMC 12, the path to the USAMO and USAJMO begins. Approximately the top 2.5% of students in AMC 10 and the top 5% of students in AMC 12 qualify to take the AIME. Students are then invited to take the USAMO with approximately the best 270 10 * AIME + AMC 12 scores. The approximately 230 students are then invited to take the USAJMO with 1O*AIME + AMC 10 scores.