The AMC10 (American Mathematics Competition 10), sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and founded in 1950, is one of the most influential middle school mathematics competitions in the world.
I. Introduction to AMC10 Exam Rules
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or below worldwide, and age ≤ 17.5 years on the day of the exam.
Exam Date: Held annually in November, with Version A and Version B (different content, similar difficulty); candidates may take one or both.
Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes, bilingual Chinese-English test papers (some test centers provide Chinese translation); both online and offline test centers are available.
II. Scoring and Awards (2025 Reference)
| Award | Requirement | 2025 Cutoff Score (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Honor Roll | Top 1% globally | Version A: 136.5, Version B: 133.5 |
| Honor Roll | Top 5% globally | Version A: 112.5, Version B: 105 |
| Achievement Roll | Grade 8 or below + ≥90 points | — |
| AIME Qualification | Reach the cutoff line | Version A: 105, Version B: 99 |
Scoring Logic: Each correct answer: +6 points, omitted: +1.5 points, incorrect: 0 points → Total score: 150 points.
Getting 17–18 correct answers ≈ Top 5%; getting 22+ correct answers ≈ Top 1%.
III. Can Average Students Learn AMC10? Absolutely!
AMC10 is not exclusively for geniuses! It assesses mathematical thinking + adaptability + time management, not simply the depth of knowledge.
Value for average students:
Reinforces in-school learning: Modules such as algebra, geometry, and probability highly overlap with IGCSE/IB/A-Level.
Enhances logical thinking: Breaks the habit of "template memorization" and cultivates multi-angle problem-solving abilities.
Builds academic confidence: Through systematic training, scores of 90–110 are completely achievable, enough to become a highlight in applications.
Recommendation: If your child consistently achieves B+/A in school mathematics, it is definitely worth trying AMC10. First, take a past paper as a pre-test, then decide whether to systematically prepare.
IV. Why Do "Top Students" Frequently Stumble in AMC10?
Many top students at school perform mediocrely in their first attempt. There are two main reasons:
Reason 1: Rigid Thinking, Inability to Adapt to Flexible Question Types
Domestic training model: "Identify the question type → Apply a template" (e.g., geometry must draw auxiliary lines, equations must be solved by simultaneous equations).
AMC10 question design logic: Deliberately breaks the pattern! For example:
A "geometry problem" might be solved faster using number theory congruence;
An "algebra problem" might be intuitively judged by constructing a function graph.
Coping strategy: Train the ability to "identify the essence of the problem"—first ask "What concept is this problem testing?" rather than "What type of question is this?"
Reason 2: Time Pressure + Reading Comprehension Traps
Fast pace: Average ≤3 minutes per question; the last 5 questions often require over 10 minutes each.
Complex problem statements: Real-life scenarios (e.g., game rules, map paths) + long text + hidden conditions.
Common mistakes:
Ignoring keywords such as "positive integer" or "distinct";
Misreading units (miles vs km), chart axes;
Being overly cautious on easy questions, leaving no time to think about difficult ones.
Coping strategies:
Timed mock exams: At least one set of past papers per week, strictly within 75 minutes.
Highlighting during reading: Circle key conditions, units, and qualifiers.
Learn to give up: For questions 21–25, if no idea emerges after 5 minutes, decisively skip them to ensure accuracy on the first 20 questions.
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 |
