AMC (American Math Competitions) is widely considered one of the most prestigious academic awards in the United States. It identifies the most talented math students by their proficiency in Algebra, Arithmetic, Number Theory, Probability and Geometry. Around 6-7% of AMC 10 test-takers and around 10-15% of AMC 12 test-takers pass their respective tests and would later be invited to the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) competition. Passing the AIME allows the student’s participation in USAMO (United States of America Mathematical Olympiad), and ultimately, IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad). 

Even if you do not pass AMC, achieving a high score is a monumental milestone worth celebrating, and many colleges recognize that. Only around 40,000 to 50,000 students take on the challenge, compared to 1,900,000 to 2,000,000 students for the SAT and 1,400,000 to 1,500,000 students for the ACT. Being within the top 10% of the AMC puts the taker in a far more selective group than being in the top 0.5% of SAT or ACT, and it is highly achievable if one puts in the time and effort.  

A high score in AMC shows a student's proficiency in various mathematical concepts. This milestone can be reported as an award in the college applications. Additionally, highly selective colleges such as MIT, Caltech and Carnegie Mellon include a section for students to input their scores. While it is never mandatory, the failure to report this score may make the college application seem less competitive. 

About AMC 

AMC is a 25-question 75-minute test taken around mid-to-late-November every year, based on mathematics concept from high school. Each question answered correctly will award the test-taker with 6 points, while any unanswered questions are awarded 1.5 points. Because unanswered questions award 1.5 points while incorrect answer choices will not award any points, it is better to leave questions blank rather than guessing.  

Passing scores for AMC 10 range often between 100 and 110, while the passing scores for AMC 12 is usually between 80 to 90. However, we suggest the takers to aim for scores at least 10 points above the usual cutoff to insure qualification to the AIMEs. If the scorer achieves a score that is within the top 5% of the test takers, they will receive a special distinction award, and if the score is within the top 1%, they will receive a distinguished honor roll. This score is usually around 130 points across both tests for the honor roll, while it is around 120 across both tests for a distinction. These special awards can be used as an award on your college application, which is one of the more prestigious academic awards achievable in the US.