Category: Blog

Reason 1: Rigid Thinking, Inability to Adapt to Flexible Question Types

Domestic training style: "Identify problem type → Apply template" (e.g., geometry always requires auxiliary lines, equations always require elimination).
AMC10 problem design: Deliberately breaks conventions! For example:
- A "geometry problem" might be solved more efficiently using number theory congruence.
- An "algebra problem" might be solved intuitively by constructing a function graph.
Coping strategy: Train the ability to identify the essence of a problem — ask "What idea does this problem test?" rather than "What type of problem is this?"

Reason 2: Time Pressure + Reading Traps

Extremely fast pace: Average ≤ 3 minutes per question, with the last 5 questions often requiring 10+ minutes each.
Complex problem statements: Real-life scenarios (e.g., game rules, map paths) + long text + hidden conditions.
Common mistakes:
- Overlooking keywords such as "positive integer" or "distinct".
- Misreading units (miles vs km) or graph axes.
- Being overly cautious on easy questions, leaving insufficient time for difficult ones.

Coping strategies:
- Timed mock exams: At least 1 full set of past papers per week, strictly timed to 75 minutes.
- Marking method during reading: Circle key conditions, units, and limiting words.
- Learn to skip: If no idea after 5 minutes on questions 21–25, decisively move on to protect accuracy on the first 20 questions.

1. Students Who Performed Well in AMC8

Characteristics: Scored around 20 points in the AMC8 held in January of the current year, indicating a solid mathematical foundation;
Advantages: Already possess good calculation accuracy and basic logic, enabling faster adaptation to the breadth and depth of AMC10 knowledge;
Recommended Path: Directly advance to higher-level study of Algebra and Geometry modules, strengthening skills in Number Theory and Combinatorics.

2. Students Preparing to Apply for International Schools

Target Groups: Prestigious schools in Shanghai (San Gong, YK Pao School, Pinghe Bilingual School), Beijing (RDFZ, Tsinghua High School), Shenzhen (Shenzhen Middle School), Chengdu (No. 7 High School), etc.;
Advantages: AMC10 scores serve as an important reference for international school entrance exams, offering significant bonus points, especially in elementary-to-middle school transitions and transfer exams;
Recommended Path: Begin systematic preparation half a year to one year in advance to secure an ideal score before entrance exams.

3. Students in Grades 7–10 Looking to Strengthen Their Mathematical Foundation

Characteristics: Wish to reinforce in-school knowledge and enhance mathematical thinking through competition preparation;
Advantages: AMC10 covers all middle school to early high school mathematics topics, with a focus on logical thinking, effectively addressing gaps in school curricula;
Recommended Path: Start with basic problems, gradually progress to intermediate difficulty levels, and develop problem-solving techniques and time management skills.

1. Algebra Remains a Core Testing Area

Changes: No longer tests only basic operations, but places greater emphasis on deep conceptual understanding and flexible application;
Strategy: Master the essence of algebra, including advanced applications of equations, functions, and sequences.

2. Geometry: Increased Proportion and Computational Demands

Changes: The proportion of geometry problems continues to increase, with higher demands on calculation accuracy and speed;
Strategy: Practice classic problem types such as auxiliary line construction, similar triangles, and the Power of a Point theorem to improve proficiency and accuracy.

3. Number Theory and Combinatorics Should Not Be Overlooked

Changes: While 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;
Strategy: Systematically summarize fundamental theorems in number theory (e.g., prime factorization, properties of congruences) and gain experience through practice.

1. Enhance Competition Techniques

Advantages for Domestic Students: School curriculum content overlaps significantly with AMC10, allowing quick progress using in-school foundations;
Competition-Specific Techniques: Learn auxiliary line construction, number theory problem-solving techniques, etc., to achieve dual improvement in school and competition performance.

2. Targeted Practice with Past Papers

Practice Strategy: Repeatedly work through AMC10 past papers from 2010 to 2024, categorizing problems by module;
Basic Problems: Ensure all are correct to solidify fundamentals;
Intermediate Problems: Enhance problem-solving speed and efficiency;
Difficult Problems: Summarize problem-solving models, maintain an error log, and target weak areas for breakthrough.

3. Improve Test-Taking Skills

Essential Formulas and Theorems: Memorize commonly used tools such as geometric area formulas, number theory congruence properties, etc.;
Reading Problems in English: Master essential mathematical vocabulary to improve English reading efficiency;
Mock Exams: Familiarize yourself with the test rhythm through multiple simulations, allocate time wisely, and avoid losing points due to time pressure.

Pre-AMC10 Express Training Course

Target Audience: Students in grades 6–8 or those with no prior competition experience;
Course Structure:
- 20 hours: Pre-AMC10 Algebra Fundamentals
- 50 hours: Systematic review of basic knowledge points by chapter
- 30 hours: Topic-based classified instruction
- 30 hours: Gap filling and review + past paper mock exams and analysis
Goal: Help students build a solid AMC10 math foundation and bridge the knowledge gap between AMC8 and AMC10.

AMC10 Express Training Course

Target Audience: Students in grades 9–10 or those requiring systematic learning;
Course Structure:
- Foundation Stage (50 hours): Systematic review of basic knowledge points by chapter
- Intensive Stage (30 hours): Advanced AMC10 course covering Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Probability
- Sprint Stage (30 hours): Gap filling, past paper mock exams and analysis, exam techniques
Course Selection Advice:
- Beginners: Recommended to start with Pre-AMC10 and progress step by step;
- Students with some foundation: May directly enter the Foundation or Intensive Stage for targeted training on weak modules.