The AMC 10 (American Mathematics Competition 10), organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and established in 1950, is one of the most influential secondary school mathematics competitions globally.
I. Introduction to AMC 10 Competition Rules
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or below worldwide, with age ≤ 17.5 years old on the day of the exam.
Exam Time: Held annually in November, divided into A and B versions (different content, similar difficulty); you may take one or both exams.
Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes. Bilingual Chinese-English test papers (Chinese translation available at some test centers). Both online and offline test centers are available.
II. Scoring and Awards (2025 Reference)
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Award
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Requirement
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2025 Cutoff Score (Example)
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|---|---|---|
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Distinguished Honor Roll (Global Top 1%)
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Top 1% globally
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A卷 136.5，B卷 133.5
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Honor Roll (Global Top 5%)
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Top 5% globally
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A卷 112.5，B卷 105
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Achievement Roll
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Grade 8 or below + ≥90 points
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—
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AIME Qualification
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Reach the qualification cutoff
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A卷 105，B卷 99
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Scoring Logic: 6 points per correct answer, 1.5 points for unanswered questions, 0 points for incorrect answers → total score 150 points. Answering 17–18 questions correctly ≈ top 5%; answering 22+ questions correctly ≈ top 1%.
III. Can Average Students Learn AMC 10? Of Course They Can!
AMC 10 ≠ exclusive to prodigies! It tests mathematical thinking + adaptability + time management, not just depth of knowledge.
Value for Average Students:
Reinforces in-school learning: Modules like algebra, geometry, and probability heavily overlap with IGCSE/IB/A-Level curricula.
Enhances logical thinking: Breaks the habit of "template application" and cultivates multi-angle problem-solving skills.
Builds academic confidence: Through systematic training, a score of 90–110 is entirely achievable, enough to become a highlight of your application.
Advice: If your child's in-school math is consistently at a B+/A level, they are absolutely worth trying for AMC 10. Start with a past paper as a diagnostic test, then decide whether to pursue systematic preparation.
IV. Why Do “Straight-A Students” Often Fail the AMC 10?
Many top students with excellent in-school grades perform poorly on their first attempt at the AMC 10, mainly for two reasons.
Reason 1: Rigid Thinking – Inability to Adapt to Flexible Question Types
Domestic training style: "Identify question type → apply template" (e.g., always draw auxiliary lines for geometry, always set up simultaneous equations).
AMC 10 logic: Intentionally breaks the patterns! For example:
A "geometry problem" might be solved faster using number theory and modular arithmetic.
An "algebra problem" might be solved intuitively by constructing a function graph.
Strategy: Train your "ability to identify the essence of a problem" – first ask, "What concept is this testing?" rather than "What type of problem is this?"
Reason 2: Time Pressure + Question-Reading Traps
Fast pace: Average ≤3 minutes per question; the last 5 questions often require 10+ minutes.
Complex wordings: Real-life scenarios (e.g., game rules, map paths) + lengthy text + hidden conditions.
Common mistakes:
Overlooking keywords like "positive integer," "distinct," etc.
Misreading units (miles vs. km) or chart axes.
Being overly cautious on easy questions, leaving no time for difficult ones.
Strategy:
Timed mock exams: At least one past paper per week, strictly 75 minutes.
Marking method for reading: Circle key conditions, units, and limiting words.
Learn to give up: If you have no idea on questions 21–25 after 5 minutes, skip them decisively to protect your accuracy on the first 20 questions.
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AMC10 Preparation Courses
Our instructors are graduates from top global universities. With precise curriculum planning and comprehensive learning tracking, we ensure your score improvement and award-winning success!
| Class Type | Hours | Class Size | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Break Class | 30H | 3–8 students | Consult teacher for details |
| Systematic Course | 20H | 1v1 / 3–8 students | Consult teacher for details |
| Problem-Solving Class | 20H | 1v1 / 3–8 students | Consult teacher for details |
