How to Prepare for AMC 10 Math Competition

What Is AMC 10?

• Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, completed online or on paper.
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Scoring:
  • Maximum score: 150 points
  • 6 points for a correct answer, 1.5 for blank, and 0 for incorrect.
• Awards:
  • Achievement Roll: For students in Grade 8 or below who score 90 or higher
  • Honor Roll (HR): Top 5% of all participants (typically 115+ is a safe score)
  • Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR): Top 1% of all participants (typically 130+ is a safe score)
• AIME Qualifier: AMC 10 is the first entrance exam for AIME, and the combination of AMC 10 and AIME score will decide on student’s qualification for higher level competition – USAJMO, then, IMO. Typically, 105+ is a safe score for AIME qualification.

What Grade is AMC 10 for?

The AMC 10 is open to students in Grade 10 or below, who are under 17.5 years old on the day of the exam. Based on Think Academy’s student results and national AMC 10 participation data, students can begin attempting the AMC 10 as early as Grade 6.

However, different grades should approach the exam with different goals and areas of focus—ranging from early exposure and confidence building to targeting Achievement Roll, Honor Roll, or even Distinguished Honor Roll.

How to Participate in AMC 10

The AMC 10 is administered on-site at official test centers—students cannot register individually. To find an AMC 10 test center near you, visit the official MAA school locator page:

Find a Test Center →

For the most updated information on the 2025 AMC 10 exam, including important dates, registration details, and score release, check our dedicated page:

View 2025 AMC 10 Info →

What Math Content Is Covered in AMC 10?

AMC 10 covers both school-based and competition-level math topics, going beyond Algebra 1 and basic geometry. Key areas include:

• Algebra: operations with algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, functions, and factoring
• Geometry: similarity and congruence, properties of polygons and circles, coordinate geometry, and three-dimensional geometry
• Number Theory: divisibility rules, modular arithmetic, place value concepts, and Diophantine equations
• Counting & Probability: permutations, combinations, probability calculations, and basic principles of combinatorics

In recent exams, algebra and geometry have remained core components, while number theory and counting problems often appear in the mid-to-late sections of the test. For a more detailed breakdown of AMC 10 content and recent trends, check out our latest post-exam analysis:

• 2024 AMC 10 Topic Distribution and Difficulty Trends →
• 2023 AMC 10A Topic Distribution and Difficulty Trends →
• 2023 AMC 10B Topic Distribution and Difficulty Trends →

How to Achieve a High Score in AMC 10

Diagnose Progress and Set Goals

• Begin your AMC 10 prep with a full-length mock exam to evaluate your current level, then set a realistic goal based on your grade and the recommended score benchmarks. Use the results to identify whether your gap comes from content weakness, low accuracy, or inefficient strategies, and adjust your study focus accordingly.

Understand AMC 10 structure and difficulty

• To do well on the AMC 10, it’s important to understand how the difficulty progresses across the 25 questions. Early problems are generally easier, while the later ones become significantly more challenging. In most years, answering just 17 questions correctly and leaving the rest blank can earn over 110 points—often enough to qualify for AIME. Recognizing this structure helps you manage your time, know when to guess, and focus on the problems that align with your target.

Bridge the gap between school math and competition math

• Even familiar topics—such as polynomial multiplication or the Pythagorean Theorem—are tested differently on the AMC 10. Schools may not cover all formulas or concepts associated with each topic. For instance, among the polynomial multiplication examples shown in the image below, only two are typically taught in school, making additional AMC-focused learning essential.

• More readings to understand the in-school and AMC style problems:
  • Polynomial Multiplication in Algebra: Formulas, Examples, and AMC 10 Applications
  • Pythagorean Theorem: Formulas, School and AMC Examples

Focus on knowledge application, not just memorization

• AMC 10 problems require you to apply math concepts in unfamiliar contexts. You’ll need to translate word problems into equations, combine multiple topics, and adapt familiar formulas in new ways. Regular practice with multi-step problems builds this flexibility.

Review mistakes regularly, not just new material

• High scorers spend as much time correcting errors as they do solving new problems. Prioritize understanding where and why you went wrong. In AMC prep, “make it right” is more effective than “make it more.”

Practice under timed conditions

• With 25 questions in 75 minutes, effective time management is crucial on the AMC 10. Prioritize solving the first 20 questions accurately, and develop clear strategies for deciding when to skip, guess, or revisit challenging problems. Since wrong answers yield 0 points and unanswered questions earn 1.5 points, accuracy is often more valuable than speed.

Encorage with positive feedback

• AMC 10 is significantly more challenging than AMC 8 and requires repeated, focused practice. Students may feel frustrated or discouraged with high-volume practice. Encouragement and positive feedback from parents and teachers play an important role in keeping motivation high and helping students build long-term confidence.

For a detailed study plan aiming for AMC 10 awards and next level competitions, check this blog.

Short-Term AMC 10 Prep Plan (5 Months Out)

With 5 months left until the AMC 10 exam, a clear, focused plan can make a big difference—especially for students balancing school and competition prep. Here’s how to break it down month by month:

June–August: Foundation Building

• Join a structured long-term course to systematically cover core AMC 10 topics
• Pair content learning with targeted practice sessions (problem-solving classes)
• Begin full-length mock exams to build familiarity with timing and format

September: Reinforce and Refocus

• Register for the AMC 10 exam (A and/or B version)
• Continue content learning and targeted practice
• Begin reviewing weak areas and fill in knowledge gaps

October: Final Learning Phase

• Wrap up new content
• Focus on reviewing past mistakes and reinforce concepts you’ve struggled with

November: Test Month

• Take AMC 10A and AMC 10B
• Review exam performance and analyze what worked (and what didn’t)

Weekly “Golden 6-Hour” Prep Structure

To stay consistent without burning out, follow this weekly breakdown for efficient learning:

• 2 hours of content learning (via Think Academy long-term summer/fall course): master key concepts
• 2 hours of real test practice: simulate timed conditions, build test strategies
• 2 hours of targeted practice + corrections: solidify what you’ve learned through homework review and office hours

Best Resources to Prepare for AMC 10

Past Exam Solutions

Below are downloadable 2023–2024 AMC 10 problems with step-by-step solutions by Think Academy AMC 10 coaches:

• 2023 AMC 10 A Problems and Solutions
• 2023 AMC 10 B Problems and Solutions
• 2024 AMC 10 A Problems and Solutions
• 2024 AMC 10 B Problems and Solutions

To download blank AMC 10 past papers for practice, check this page.

For more historical problems, check this page.

Mock Exams

Think Academy 2024 AMC 10

• Mock 1: https://www.thethinkacademy.com/quiz/evaluation/instruction/4222
• Mock 2: https://www.thethinkacademy.com/quiz/evaluation/instruction/4595
• Mock 3: https://www.thethinkacademy.com/quiz/evaluation/instruction/5101

AoPs AMC 10

• 2024: https://artofproblemsolving.com/contests/practice/amc-10-2024
• 2023: https://artofproblemsolving.com/contests/practice/amc-10-2023
• 2022: https://artofproblemsolving.com/contests/practice/amc-10-2022
• 2021: https://artofproblemsolving.com/contests/practice/amc-10

Think Academy 2025 AMC 10 Prep Courses

• Long-Term Course
  • AMC 10 Intro: For students who’ve learned Algebra and aiming to reach 80-90 on AMC 10. Access the Free Evaluation →
  • AMC 10 AIME Camp: For middle schoolers with competition foundation, targeting AIME. Access the Free Evaluation →

• Module Bootcamps: Ideal for Grade 7–9 students or younger students with prior competition experience aiming for AMC 10. Each module includes targeted sessions designed to strengthen key AMC 10 topics—such as Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Counting & Probability—to help students effectively bridge knowledge gaps and excel in both school math and advanced math competitions. math.
  Register here →

Think Academy AMC 10 Daily Worksheets Pack

Downloadable Practice:

Practice Online and Receive the Solution:

AMC 10 Books

Math Learning Books

• Introduction to Algebra (Grades 6–9) – Builds a solid algebra foundation essential for AMC 10, strengthening problem-solving and algebraic reasoning.
• Introduction to Geometry (Grades 7–10) – Covers key AMC 10 geometry topics like similar triangles, circles, polygons, and introductory trigonometry, enhancing geometric intuition and skills.
• Introduction to Counting & Probability (Grades 7–10) – Provides essential practice in AMC 10 counting and probability questions, sharpening strategic thinking and logical skills.
• Introduction to Number Theory (Grades 7–10) – Develops strong number sense for AMC 10 through primes, divisibility, modular arithmetic, and foundational number theory techniques.

Math Contest Preparation

• Fifty Lectures for American Mathematics Competitions – 50 lessons on AMC topics: algebra, geometry, number theory, and more.
• First Steps for Math Olympians – Covers core skills and problem types for high-level math contests.
• Competition Math for Middle School – Contains over 700 examples and problems in the areas of Algebra, Counting, Probability, Number Theory, and Geometry. 

Specifically for AMC 10 Preparation

• AMC 10 Preparation Series – A comprehensive six-volume series designed to build core skills, providing clear explanations, targeted practice, and detailed solutions for effective AMC 10 competition prep.
• The Art of Problem Solving Volumes – Advanced preparation and practice for Grades 7–10, featuring challenging problems and detailed solutions. Ideal for high scorers and students transitioning to AMC 10.
  • Volume 1
  • Volume 2

YouTube Channels

• 3Blue1Brown – Explains abstract math topics through stunning animations. Great for visual learners.
• Numberphile – Covers number theory and real-world math using simple, engaging examples.
• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) – Offers problem walkthroughs and strategies for AMC and other math competitions.

To access more free AMC 10 prep resources,

AMC 10 Exam Day Tips

Before Exam Day

• Confirm Your Registration: Make sure you’re fully registered and approved by your test center through MAA. If you haven’t received confirmation, follow up right away.
• Check Test Time & Location Details:The AMC 10 exam has two separate dates (AMC 10A and AMC 10B). Confirm your exact exam time, location, parking, and how to get there in advance.
• Pack Your Supplies Bring only what’s allowed:
  • Blank scratch paper
  • Writing utensils (No.2 Pencils)
  • Eraser
  • Ruler (without any formulas or numbers printed on it)
  • Comopasses
  • No calculators, phones, or smart electronic devices are allowed.

What’s Allowed and Not Allowed

• More Than One Attempt: Students may take only one AMC exam per competition date, but can choose different versions on separate dates (e.g., AMC 10A and AMC 12B, or AMC 10A and AMC 10B—not AMC 10A and AMC 12A).
• No Discussion After the Test: Do not talk about the questions until 8:00 AM ET the day after the competition window closes.
• No Sharing Online: Sharing problems or solutions in any form will result in disqualification.
• No Bathroom Breaks: Except for emergencies, and your test materials must stay with the test manager.
• No Calculators or Phones: Only basic tools (pencil, eraser, ruler, blank paper) are allowed.
• For ESL Students: You may use a nontechnical, hard-copy dictionary, but it must be submitted to the test manager 24 hours in advance. No extra time will be given.

On the Day of the Exam

• Eat and Sleep Well. Make sure you’re well-rested and have eaten before the test.
• Go in with a calm mindset. Focus on doing your best—not just achieving a specific score.
• Wrong answers yield 0 points, while unanswered questions earn 1.5 points—making accuracy more crucial than speed. Remember your score target, and strategically decide whether to guess or leave difficult questions blank.
• Use Time Wisely: Plan to look at every question. Here’s a general difficulty breakdown:
  • Questions 1–10: Easier
  • Questions 11–15: Medium
  • Questions 16–20: Hard
  • Questions 21–25: Very Hard
• Estimate your score while working through the questions
• Don’t get stuck too long on one problem—skip and return later.
• Leave at least 2 minutes at the end to fill out your answer sheet and double-check.

Table: Recommended AMC 10 Time Allocation by Think Academy

Questions	Time per Question	Total Time	Recommended Strategy
Q1–10	2 minutes	20 minutes	Solve quickly and confidently.
Q11–15	4 minutes	20 minutes	Spend slightly more time; accuracy is key.
Q16–20	Flexible	20~30 minutes	Quickly scan and selectively solve 1–2 questions you’re confident in.
Q21–25	Minimal	Remaining time	Quickly scan; leave blank unless extremely confident. Complete at least one question if aiming for DHR or USA(J)MO

After AMC 10

The AMC 10 is the gateway to higher-level math competitions. Students who excel and enjoy problem-solving can advance to AIME, USA(J)MO, and ultimately, the IMO. These competitions form the official American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) pathway, highly recognized by elite high schools, top universities, and math programs nationwide. Qualification for USAJMO (or USAMO through AMC 12) relies on a combined index of your AMC 10 (or AMC 12) and AIME scores. Since there are only about three months between the AMC 10 and AIME, many students attempt the AMC 10 multiple times to achieve higher scores and effectively prepare for the next stage.

Clearly set your goals and plan strategically.

To lean more about Math Competition Pathway, check this article.

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. 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, in 2024, our students achieved 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.

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