10 Things You Must Know to Prepare for AMC 10

Published On: May 21, 2025Categories: Math CompetitionsTags: AMC 10, Tips & Advice

Effective preparation for AMC 10 begins with clear answers to critical questions:

What is AMC 10?
Who should take the AMC 10?
AMC 10 Questions Difficulty Distribution
What Grade Level for AMC 10
Is school math sufficient for AMC 10 preparation?
When should students begin AMC 10 preparation?
How do you register for the AMC 10?
What is a good AMC 10 score?
Why are mock exams important?
What are effective AMC 10 test-day strategies?

If you plan to take the AMC 10, scroll down to download Think Academy’s AMC 10 Knowledge Checklist and practice materials, and explore additional online resources and math communities.

1. What is AMC 10

Full Name: American Mathematics Competitions 10
Organizer: Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the largest global community of math enthusiasts, scholars, and students. MAA’s mission is to enhance people’s understanding of mathematics and its influence on society and everyday life.
Purpose: AMC 10 serves as a challenging platform for young math enthusiasts to showcase their mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills.
Eligibility: Students who are in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years of age on the day of the contest.
Exam Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75-minute time limit (~3 minutes per question).
Exam Sections: AMC 10A and AMC 10B. Both cover algebra, geometry, combinatorics, number theory, but have distinct questions and slightly varied distributions.

2. Who should take AMC 10

Students in Accelerated Math Tracks with Strong Interest

AMC 10 significantly exceeds typical school math difficulty. Students excelling in accelerated math courses with strong grades and genuine enthusiasm for challenging math problems are ideal candidates. Those currently facing academic challenges should strengthen foundational math skills first.

Students Interested in STEM Majors

The AMC 10 tests a broader set of skills—including number theory, combinatorics, and logic—showcasing deeper mathematical aptitude beyond standard curricula. Success in AMC 10 highlights determination, resilience, and passion, traits highly valued by top STEM-focused universities.

Students with Prior Math Competition Experience

Students experienced in AMC 8, Math Kangaroo, or MATHCOUNTS possess foundational problem-solving techniques advantageous for AMC 10. However, prior competition experience isn’t required; dedicated middle- or high-school students can also achieve excellent outcomes.

Motivated Students Seeking Personal and Academic Growth

AMC 10 participation benefits motivated students who thrive on intellectual challenges, even if math isn’t currently their strongest area. With structured preparation and consistent effort, these students can significantly enhance their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and overall confidence in mathematics.

3. AMC 10 Questions Difficulty Distribution

AMC 10 questions are clearly divided into five categories based on exam performance:

Questions 1–3 (Easy, ~80–95% accuracy): Warm-up questions typically answered correctly by most participants.
Questions 4–10 (Must-Know, ~50–70% accuracy): Essential foundational math topics.
Questions 11–16 (Award-Level, ~20–40% accuracy): Medium-hard difficulty, critical for Achievement Roll and Honor Roll.
Questions 17–20 (Differentiators, ~10–20% accuracy): Challenging questions influencing AIME qualification.
Questions 21–25 (Elite-level, ~2–10% accuracy): Most difficult, crucial for Distinguished Honor Roll and top rankings.

AMC 10 difficulty progressively increases to effectively separate basic from advanced competition-level mathematical skills.

4. What Grade Level for AMC 10

AMC 10 covers topics typically included in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses. According to the standard Common Core pathway, these subjects are generally completed by grade 11. However, most AMC 10 participants follow accelerated math pathways, completing these topics by grade 9 or earlier. Thus, while it’s challenging to pinpoint a specific grade level suitable for AMC 10, students who have completed Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 can confidently begin their AMC 10 preparation. Typically, this occurs around grades 8 or 9 for accelerated students.

5. Is School Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 Enough for AMC 10?

School-level Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 alone are not sufficient for AMC 10 success. They provide essential foundational skills and allow students to achieve a basic AMC 10 score (around 60 points). However, moving from a school-level understanding (60+) to an advanced competition level (100+, qualifying for AIME) requires:

Intensive practice in identifying problem patterns.
Development of problem-solving techniques and quick calculation skills.
Dedicated study of Number Theory and Counting & Probability.
Regular, focused practice with past AMC 10 questions to master the competition’s complexity and style.

To consistently reach AIME-level scores, students must bridge this gap through structured, targeted competition-specific preparation beyond typical school curricula.

6. How long to prepare for AMC 10

Effective AMC 10 preparation includes both long-term and short-term strategies:

Long-Term Preparation (Grades 6–8): Build solid foundations in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 to ensure comprehensive coverage of fundamental math skills required by AMC 10.
Short-Term Intensive Preparation (Grades 7–9, approximately 1-year sprint): Focus initially on confidently solving the first 15 AMC 10 questions to achieve the Achievement Roll (AR ~90 points). Subsequently, concentrate on mastering advanced problem-solving techniques for the last 10 questions to qualify for AIME (around 105 points or higher).

7. AMC 10 Registration Process

Select AMC Version: Choose AMC 10A, AMC 10B, or both.
Locate Test Center: Choose a test location via Think Academy or search other centers using ZIP code on the MAA website.
Complete Center Registration: Contact and register directly through your chosen test center (no individual registration allowed).
Test-Day Coordination: Your center arranges the exam materials, environment, and supervision with MAA.
Attend the Exam: Take your AMC 10 exam at the registered test center on your confirmed date.

8. What is a good score for AMC 10

A “good” AMC 10 score depends largely on your competition objectives and ambitions:

AIME Qualification (Typically around 95–105 points): The minimum goal for many participants. Achieving this qualifies students for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), highlighting significant mathematical achievement.
Honor Roll (HR ~Top 5%, around 105–115 points): Indicates strong math skills, valued by universities as evidence of outstanding academic and intellectual abilities. Recommended for students targeting selective STEM programs.
Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR ~Top 1%, around 130+ points): Highest AMC 10 recognition, strongly correlated with USA(J)MO qualification and competitive college admissions advantage, particularly for top-tier universities.

The AIME cut-off score indicates the minimum qualification required to participate in the AIME, but it may not be regarded as a benchmark of excellence depending on your goals. This is because eligibility for the next stage of the competition, USA(J)MO, is determined by both the AMC 10/12 and AIME scores, using the following formula:

USA(J)MO Index = AMC 10/12 score + 10 * AIME score

For students aiming for the USA(J)MO qualification, a combined AMC and AIME score (USA(J)MO Index) exceeding approximately 210 is generally required. Therefore, aiming for an HR or preferably DHR-level score on AMC 10 significantly increases USA(J)MO qualification chances.

Historical AMC 10 cutoff scores provide valuable benchmarks for goal-setting and preparation targets.

AMC 10A

Year	DHR(1%)	HR(5%)	AIME Cutoff (~6-8%)	Average score
2024	132	105	94.5	58
2023	136.5	111	103.5	64.74
2022	120	99	93	58.32
2021	132	112.5	103.5	65.53
2020	124.5	105	103.5	64.29

AMC 10B

Year	DHR(1%)	HR(5%)	AIME Cutoff (~6-8%)	Average score
2024	138	114	105	61.77
2023	135	112.5	105	63
2022	114	100.5	94.5	58.32
2021	126	108	102	62.31
2020	120	103.5	102	61.22

9. Why Are AMC 10 Mock Exams Important?

Diagnostic Tool: Provides a clear assessment of your current score and proficiency level, enabling you to create an efficient, targeted AMC 10 preparation plan.
Realistic Practice: Familiarizes students with AMC 10 question styles, difficulty, and pacing.
Time Management: Helps students manage their time effectively within the 75-minute limit.
Identify Weaknesses: Highlights specific areas needing additional focus and practice.
Reduce Test Anxiety: Regular practice under realistic conditions builds confidence and reduces exam-day stress.
Track Progress: Allows students to monitor growth and adapt their preparation strategy.

Take Think Academy Mock Exams below to get personalized preparation advice:

10. Test-Day Strategies

Prioritize Easier Questions First: Build confidence and secure initial points quickly.
Strategically Manage Your Time: Allocate about 3 minutes per question, and don’t linger too long on difficult problems.
Skip and Return: Mark challenging problems and revisit them after completing easier questions.
Remember the Scoring System: Sometimes leaving difficult questions unanswered (earning 1.5 points) is better than guessing randomly (risking 0 points).
Manage Test Anxiety: Stay calm with brief pauses or deep breathing to maintain mental clarity.
Bring Only Necessary Materials: Have multiple sharpened pencils and blank scratch paper ready. (Geometry tools, calculators, or electronic devices are strictly prohibited.)

Other Online Free Preparation Resouces

Think Academy AMC 10 Knowledge Checklist
Think Academy AMC 10 Daily Practice
Community and Forums
- Reddit Communities: AMC10, MathOlympiad, Mathematics.
- AOPS Forum
AOPS textbooks:

About Think Academy

At Think Academy, a subsidiary of TAL Education Group, we specialize in advanced coaching and rigorous preparation for math competitions, including AMC 10 and AIME. In 2024 alone, 136 of our students qualified for AIME through AMC 10, underscoring our proven expertise and consistent track record of success. Guided by experienced educators and supported by partnerships with renowned institutions, Think Academy empowers high-school students to reach their full competitive potential in mathematics. Notably, our students regularly achieve exceptional recognition, including selections for prestigious programs such as USA(J)MO (17 students), the Mathematical Olympiad Program (3 students), and the International Mathematical Olympiad teams for the U.S. and South Africa. Explore our AMC 10 training programs to help your child excel.

“Thanks to Dennis’s engaging and dedicated teaching, my child genuinely enjoyed learning and achieved a strong AMC 10 score (112.5) despite limited preparation time. We’re eager for continued guidance to advance toward AIME.” — Think Academy Parent of 9th Grade AMC 10 Participant

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