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. A score of 100 or above on the 2026 AMC 10 meets the score requirement for the 2027 AIME. Students must also be at least 13 years old and meet other MAA eligibility requirements. Aiming for 105+ can serve as a practice goal.

Looking for latest 2026 AMC10A answers & solutions? Visit our 2026 AMC 10A Problems & Solutions!

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 2026 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.

Explore our All-in-One AMC 10 Resource Hub for module-based practice, topic-based practice, and preparation support.

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

Download the Free Post-Exam Resource Pack (2026 Nov Just Updated )

Congratulations on qualifying for the 2027 AIME! As you begin preparing, your progress in Algebra 2 can help you decide what to study first.

If you haven’t started Algebra 2 or are still studying it, some AIME problems may involve material you haven’t covered yet. Check whether you have studied logarithms, complex numbers, and trigonometry. Any unfamiliar topics will need attention alongside your competition practice.

If you have already studied these topics, focus on using them in longer solutions. For example, you may need to combine divisibility rules with counting, connect several geometry theorems, or rewrite a recurrence before you can calculate the requested answer.

Our free AMC 10 & AMC 12 Post-Exam Resource Pack brings together exam review, AIME preparation guides, and additional practice to help you choose where to begin.

Inside, you’ll find:

• 2026 AMC 10 & AMC 12 papers and solutions to review missed questions and understand the methods behind the answers.
• From AMC 10 to AIME Guide to distinguish topics you may need to learn from familiar topics that require deeper study.
• From AMC 12 to AIME Guide to compare the knowledge and problem-solving depth expected on the two exams.
• AIME practice problems to work on applying and connecting ideas.
• AMC 10 practice problems to revisit topics that need more practice.

Both guides include selected official AIME problems, hints, complete worked solutions, and a learning checklist. For each example, read the foundation first, try the problem independently, then use the hints and solution to review your approach.

Start with your 2026 paper and solutions to identify where you struggled. Then use the guide that matches your AMC background to decide whether to learn a topic, review it, or practice applying it in more demanding problems.

*Please enter a valid email address to access the materials and receive future prep updates.

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.

How Can Think Academy Help AMC 10 Prep?

If your child is preparing for the AMC 10 exam, Think Academy can provide long-term planning for your child’s competition goal.

2025 AMC 10 Award Winners from Think Academy

• Perfect Score: 4
• DHR (Top 1%): 28
• HR (Top 5%): 115
• AIME Qualification (Top 7%): 150
• Achievement Roll: 120

What We Offer for AMC

We provide a structured K–12 math curriculum that builds strong number sense, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning — essential foundations for excelling in the AMC 10, Olympiad and beyond.

Our programs help students master key concepts such as algebra, geometry, and counting strategies — while developing the analytical mindset required for math competitions.

We also offer personalized assessments to identify your child’s strengths and gaps, and provide tailored recommendations for:

• AMC level placement
• Ideal test-taking timeline and preparation milestones
• How to prepare strategically for AMC competitions
• Long-term competition planning and enrichment pathways

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

Think Academy US Online, part of TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), provides structured math and ELA programs that help students build strong academic foundations and grow with confidence. With expert teachers, proven methods, and innovative AI tools, we nurture learning ability, curiosity, and healthy study habits that support long-term growth and a lifelong love of learning.

Check our programs:

• Think Kids: Ages 3-5
• Math
  • Lower Elementary Math — Grades 1–2
  • Upper Elementary Math — Grades 3–5
  • Middle School Math — Grade 6–8
  • High School Math — Grade 9-12
• ELA
  • Elementary ELA — Grades 2–5

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