Category: Blog

I. 2026 AMC10 Key Timeline (Must Plan Ahead!)

Time	Event	Preparation Focus
September–October 2025	Registration Opens	Confirm test center, choose Version A/B, complete registration
November 6, 2025	AMC10 Version A Exam	Full mock exams + time allocation training
November 14, 2025	AMC10 Version B Exam	Review using Version A past papers, optimize strategy for Version B
December 2025	Results Released + Awards Announced	Check scores, confirm AIME qualification
February 2026	AIME Qualification Exam	If qualified, immediately start AIME special training

Recommendation: Systematic preparation should begin at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for students without a competition background.

II. How Difficult is AMC10?

Knowledge Coverage: ≈ 70% middle school mathematics + 30% high school required courses, with core modules: Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Combinatorics.

Content Beyond Syllabus:

Number theory (congruence, modular arithmetic, divisibility properties)

Combinatorics (inclusion–exclusion principle, recurrence counting, probability modeling)

→ These topics are rarely taught systematically in domestic or most international curricula.

Time Pressure: 25 questions in 75 minutes ≈ 3 minutes per question. The last 10 questions often require multi-step reasoning, and most students cannot complete all of them.

Practical Strategy:

Securing the first 20 questions correctly = foundation for awards

Answering the first 23 questions correctly = AIME qualification line (approx. 103.5 points)

III. Key Challenges and Analysis for Students from Different Curriculum Systems Preparing for AMC10

1. IGCSE Students

Advantages: IGCSE Additional Math highly overlaps with AMC10 algebra, functions, and basic geometry; quadratic equations, inequalities, coordinate geometry, etc., are already covered.

Key Challenges & Breakthrough Strategies:

Module	Issue	Action Measures
Geometry	IGCSE geometry focuses on calculation, lacking proof and construction training	Supplement: Power of a Point theorem, comprehensive similarity of triangles, auxiliary line techniques
Calculation Ability	Reliance on calculators → slow manual calculation, prone to errors	Daily timed calculation drills (e.g., quick squares, factorization)
Competition Thinking	Accustomed to "standard solutions," lacking flexible modeling ability	Focus on practicing questions 16–25, learn strategies such as "extreme case method," "symmetry," "reverse construction"

Action Suggestion: Use IGCSE math foundation to quickly go through the algebra module, focus on number theory + combinatorics + advanced geometry.

2. IB Students

Advantages: IB Math AA/AI covers a wide range of knowledge with strong logical training; HL students have already been exposed to some advanced content (e.g., complex numbers, calculus concepts).

Key Challenges & Window Period Strategies:

Academic Level	Challenge	Suggestion
SL Students	Lack of depth, number theory/combinatorics almost untouched	Need systematic supplementary lessons, focus on conquering the four major AMC10 modules
HL Students	Sufficient knowledge but tight schedule (IB workload is heavy)	Use summer break to intensively break through, avoid conflicts with IA in November

Note: IB does not teach "congruence," "recurrence counting," and other high-frequency AMC10 topics; special supplementary training is necessary.

3. AP Students

Core Dilemma: AP Calculus/Statistics has low alignment with AMC10; calculus is completely absent from AMC10, creating a knowledge gap.

Breakthrough Path:

Gap	Solution
Weak Algebra	Revisit middle/high school algebra: polynomials, Vieta's theorem, inequalities
Missing Geometry	Supplement plane geometry proofs, properties of circles, triangle centers
Number Theory/Combinatorics Gap	Learn from scratch: modular arithmetic, pigeonhole principle, classification counting
Probability Transfer	Transfer probability concepts from AP Statistics to combinatorial problems (e.g., expected value models)

Key Reminder: AP students need to rebuild their AMC10 knowledge system; it is recommended to start preparation 6 months in advance.

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

I. Core Differences Comparison Table

Dimension	AMC8	AMC10
Target Audience	Grade 8 and below, ≤14.5 years old	Grade 10 and below, ≤17.5 years old
Exam Date	January each year	November each year (A/B versions)
Exam Duration	40 minutes	75 minutes
Questions & Format	25 multiple-choice questions	25 multiple-choice questions
Scoring Criteria	+1 point for correct answer, 0 for incorrect/blank, max 25 points	+6 points for correct answer, +1.5 points for blank, 0 for incorrect, max 150 points
Difficulty Level	≈ Grade 5 Chinese Elementary School Math Olympiad level (some questions reach Grade 7)	≈ Chinese Junior High School Math League level (covers Grade 9 to Grade 10)
Core Competencies Tested	Calculation accuracy, basic application, attention to detail	Depth of mathematical thinking, breadth of knowledge, flexible modeling ability

II. Content Scope and Depth Comparison

AMC8 Focus Areas

Basic Calculations: Integer operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios

Elementary Geometry: Pythagorean theorem, area/perimeter, angles, simple solid figures

Counting and Probability: Basic permutations and combinations, classical probability

Word Problems: Modeling everyday situations such as distance, work, concentration

Data Interpretation: Chart reading, mean, median

Limited Extensions: Simple linear equations, coordinate systems, quadratic function graph recognition

Characteristics: Emphasizes fundamentals, speed, and attention to detail. The first 15 questions are mostly extensions of in-school content, while the last 10 questions begin to show differentiation in thinking.

AMC10 Focus Areas

Advanced Algebra: Quadratic equations, inequalities, function properties, sequences

Advanced Geometry: Similar triangles, circle properties, coordinate geometry, trigonometric identities (excluding trigonometry)

Introduction to Number Theory: Prime factorization, modular arithmetic, GCD/LCM

Probability and Statistics: Conditional probability, expected value, combinatorial counting (including Inclusion–Exclusion Principle)

Logic and Strategy: Game theory, optimization, recurrence relations

Note: Does not test advanced high school topics such as trigonometry, calculus, complex numbers, or vectors, but places extremely high demands on logical reasoning and the integration of multiple knowledge points.

III. How to Transition Smoothly from AMC8 to AMC10?

The transition from AMC8 to AMC10 is not an "upgrade" but a "leap." It requires completing three major transformations during winter or summer break:

1. Broaden Knowledge Base – Supplement Core Middle School Modules

Key areas to supplement:

Quadratic functions and graphical analysis

Geometric properties of circles (chords, tangents, inscribed angles)

Basic number theory (congruence, concept of Fermat's Little Theorem)

Advanced combinatorial counting (permutations vs. combinations, case analysis)

2. Upgrade Thinking – From "Calculating Correctly" to "Thinking Thoroughly"

AMC8: Know the formula → Substitute and calculate

AMC10: Understand the essence of the problem → Build a model → Choose the optimal solution

Example: AMC10 often tests strategies such as "simplification using symmetry," "extreme case analysis," and "reverse construction."

3. Practice with Past Papers – Familiarize Yourself with the Style of A/B Versions

AMC10 offers Version A and Version B each year. The difficulty fluctuates slightly, but the question types are consistent.

Recommendation: Complete 2 sets each from the A and B versions of the past 5 years, and summarize high-frequency test points (e.g., Question 23 of the 2024 B version tested recursive sequences + modular arithmetic).

IV. AMC8 or AMC10? Precise Selection by Grade Level

Grade Level	Recommendation	Reason
Grade 6 and below	Focus on AMC8	AMC10 involves a large amount of algebra and geometry proofs, which younger students lack the knowledge foundation for, potentially hurting their confidence. The AMC8 top 1% (Honor Roll) already carries significant weight.
Grades 7–8	Decide based on circumstances: Solid math foundation + plans to study abroad → Directly aim for AMC10 Average foundation / focus on thinking development → Build foundation with AMC8 first, then transition	Grades 7–8 are a critical window period. If a student can consistently score 20+ points on AMC8, they can attempt AMC10; otherwise, it is recommended to solidify the foundation first.
Grades 9–10	Must take AMC10	Exceeds the age limit for AMC8, and AMC10 scores directly affect eligibility for AIME invitation (top 2.5%), serving as an important credential for applying to STEM programs at US universities.

Decision Tool:

Conduct an AMC8/10 placement test (25 questions, timed simulation) and make a decision based on the score:

AMC8 test ≥20 points → Can challenge AMC10

AMC10 test ≤80 points → Recommended to strengthen foundation before competing

V. Value of Participation: More Than Just a Competition – A Springboard for Academic Advancement

AMC8:

Suitable for upper elementary students to build math confidence

Reference for international school admission/placement

Lays the foundation in calculation and thinking for AMC10

AMC10:

Global Top 2.5% receive AIME invitation – the first step toward USAMO

Recognized proof of STEM ability by Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League, G5, and Top 30 US universities

Reference for scholarships at top Canadian universities such as Waterloo, University of Toronto, and UBC

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