Category: Blog

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)

Award	Requirement	2025 Cutoff Score (Example)
Distinguished Honor Roll (Global Top 1%)	Top 1% globally	A卷 136.5，B卷 133.5
Honor Roll (Global Top 5%)	Top 5% globally	A卷 112.5，B卷 105
Achievement Roll	Grade 8 or below + ≥90 points	—
AIME Qualification	Reach the qualification cutoff	A卷 105，B卷 99

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.

Scan to enter the AMC 10 exclusive learning community and access a wealth of preparation materials and trial courses!

Scan for free 2010–2025 AMC 10 past papers + solutions + book list + formulas, and trial course details!

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. Who is AMC 10 For?

Student Type	Characteristics & Advantages	Recommended Path
Students Who Performed Well on the AMC 8	Characteristics: Scored around 20 on the January AMC 8, indicating a solid math foundation. Advantage: Already possess good calculation accuracy and basic logic, enabling faster adaptation to the breadth and depth of AMC 10 knowledge.	Directly advance to advanced study of Algebra and Geometry modules, strengthen Number Theory and Combinatorics skills.
Students Preparing to Apply to International Schools	Target Groups: Prestigious schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc. Advantage: AMC 10 scores are an important reference for international school entrance exams, especially providing a significant advantage in "elementary to middle school" and "transfer" admissions.	Systematically prepare half a year to one year in advance, ensuring you achieve your desired score before the entrance exams.
Students in Grades 7–10 Wanting to Improve Their Math Foundation	Characteristics: Hope to use the competition to reinforce in-school knowledge and enhance mathematical thinking. Advantage: AMC 10 covers all math knowledge points from middle school to high school and focuses on logical thinking, effectively compensating for the shortcomings of in-school teaching.	Start with basic questions and gradually transition to intermediate difficulty, cultivating problem-solving skills and time management abilities.

II. Analysis of AMC 10 Difficulty Trends

Trend Dimension	Changes Observed	Coping Strategies
Algebra Remains the Core	No longer just testing basic operations; greater emphasis on deep understanding and flexible application of concepts.	Thoroughly understand the essence of algebra, master advanced applications of equations, functions, sequences, etc.
Geometry: Increased Share and Computation	The proportion of geometry problems continues to increase, with higher demands on calculation precision and speed.	Practice more classic problem types like auxiliary line construction, similar triangles, and the power of a point theorem to improve proficiency and accuracy.
Number Theory and Combinatorics Cannot Be Ignored	Although the number of Number Theory problems has decreased, it remains crucial for AIME. Probability and Combinatorics problems cover a wide range and require long-term accumulation.	Systematically summarize basic Number Theory theorems (e.g., prime factorization, congruence properties) and gain experience through extensive practice.

III. AMC 10 Preparation Strategies: Scientific Planning to Sprint for the Top 1%

Three Principles for Efficient Preparation

Principle	Key Points and Implementation
1. Enhance Competition Skills	Advantage for Domestic Students: There is significant overlap between in-school knowledge and AMC 10, allowing you to leverage your school foundation for a quick start. Competition-Specific Techniques: Learn auxiliary line construction, number theory problem-solving techniques, etc., to achieve mutual improvement in both in-school and competition performance.
2. Targeted Practice with Past Papers	Practice Strategy: Repeatedly practice AMC 10 past papers from 2010–2024, categorized by module. Basic Questions: Ensure all are correct, solidifying your foundation. Intermediate Questions: Strengthen problem-solving speed, improve efficiency. Difficult Questions: Summarize problem-solving models, organize a mistake notebook, and target weak areas for breakthroughs.
3. Improve Test-Taking Skills	Essential Formulas and Theorems: Memorize common tools like geometry area formulas, number theory congruence properties. Reading in English: Master essential math vocabulary to improve English reading efficiency. Mock Exams: Through multiple mock exams, get familiar with the answering rhythm, allocate time reasonably, and avoid losing points due to time pressure.

IV. Quality Courses to Help You Improve Efficiently

Course	Target Audience	Course Structure
Pre-AMC 10 Direct Train	Students in grades 6–8 or those with no prior competition experience	20 hours Pre-AMC 10 Algebra Basics, 50 hours fundamental knowledge points by chapter, 30 hours topic-specific explanations, 30 hours gap-filling and past paper mock exam review. Goal: Help students solidify their AMC 10 math foundation and bridge the knowledge gap between AMC 8 and AMC 10.
AMC 10 Direct Train	Students in grades 9–10 or those needing systematic learning	Foundation (50 hours): Fundamental knowledge points by chapter. Enhancement (30 hours): Advanced AMC 10 course covering Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Probability. Sprint (30 hours): Gap-filling, past paper mock exam review, test-taking tips.

Course Selection Advice: Students with zero foundation are advised to start with Pre-AMC 10 and progress step by step. Students with some foundation can directly enter the foundation or enhancement level, targeting weak modules for intensive training.

Scan the QR code to join the AMC 10 exclusive learning community, where you can access a wealth of preparation materials and trial courses!

Scan for free 2010-2025 AMC 10 past papers + solutions + book list + formulas, and trial course details!

AMC 10 Tutoring Courses: Our instructors are graduates of top universities worldwide, providing precise curriculum planning and full-course learning tracking to ensure you improve and win awards!

Class Type	Hours	Class Size	Start Date
Winter Break Class	30H	3-8 students	Consult teacher for details
Systematic Course	20H	1v1 / 3-8 student class
Problem-Solving Class	20H	1v1 / 3-8 student class

Scan the QR code to learn more about AMC 10/12 competition courses and receive a free self-developed intensive textbook.

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