How to Prepare for AMC 8 Math Competition

What Is AMC 8?

Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, completed online or on paper.
Duration: 40 minutes
Scoring:
- Maximum score: 25 points
- Each correct answer: 1 point
- No penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions
Awards:
- Achievement Roll: For students in Grade 6 or below who score 15 or higher
- Honor Roll (HR): Top 5% of all participants (typically 19+ is a safe score)
- Distinguished Honor Roll (DHR): Top 1% of all participants (typically 22+ is a safe score)

What Grade is AMC 8 for?

The AMC 8 is open to students in Grade 8 or below, who are under 14.5 years old on the day of the exam. Based on Think Academy’s student results and national AMC 8 participation data, students can begin attempting the AMC 8 as early as Grade 4.

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.

Think Academy’s Recommended AMC 8 Preparation Timeline

Grade Level	Stage Goal	Focus	Target Score
G4 / G5	First Try / Find Your Rhythm	Experience AMC 8, build confidence	8+
G5 / G6	Full Knowledge Coverage	Complete all topics, aim for Achievement Roll	15+
G6 / G7	Aim for HR / DHR	Challenge higher awards, strengthen problem-solving	19+
G7 / G8	Backup Attempt / Transition	Retake if needed, move on to AMC 10 after HR	19+

How to Participate in AMC 8

The AMC 8 is administered on-site at official test centers—students cannot register individually. To find an AMC 8 test center near you, visit the official MAA school locator page:

Find a Test Center →

For the most updated information on the 2026 AMC 8 exam, including important dates, registration details, and score release, check our dedicated page:

View 2026 AMC 8 Info →

What Math Content Is Covered in AMC 8?

AMC 8 goes beyond standard Pre-Algebra and covers seven key modules:

Number Operations
Word Problems
Algebra
Probability & Statistics
Geometry
Combinatorics
Number Theory

In recent years, geometry and word problems have made up the largest portion of the test. For more detailed breakdown of past exams and question trends, read our latest post-exam analysis:

How to Achieve a High Score in AMC 8

Diagnose Progress and Set Goals

Begin your AMC 8 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.

Focus on Essential Content

Go beyond Pre-Algebra by learning additional concepts not fully covered in school math—especially geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and basic statistics. For contest prep, focus on high-frequency modules rather than trying to cover everything; this allows for more efficient use of study time and greater score impact.

Apply Knowledge Effectively

Developing the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar contexts is essential. AMC 8 problems are often multi-step and abstract, requiring you to extract key information, translate word problems into equations, and adapt known formulas to new problem types. Practice solving these types of problems to build flexibility and deeper conceptual understanding.
Additional readings to understand the in-school and AMC style problems:
- Pythagorean Theorem: Formulas, School and AMC Examples
- Distributive Property: Formulas, School and AMC 8 Examples

Practice Under Time Constraints

Train under timed conditions regularly, as AMC 8 allows only 40 minutes for 25 questions. If your goal is to reach the Honor Roll or higher, prioritize accuracy in the first 20 problems while learning to quickly identify which questions to skip, guess, or solve. Since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, guessing strategically is always better than leaving a question blank.

Train Strategically Before the Exam

In the last 2 months before the exam, shift your focus to problems 16–25, which tend to be more complex and logic-driven. During the final week, instead of doing new problems, concentrate on reviewing and analyzing your past mistakes—this helps reinforce concepts and prevents repeated errors under pressure.

Table: Key AMC 8 Knowledge Points by Grade

Grade	Computation	Word Problems	Geometry
G4	Fractions Ratios and Proportions Percent Conversion Equation Solving	Basic equation-based problems Statistics Intro to Travel problems	Basic plane geometry (square, rectangle, triangle) Area & Perimeter Standard models Cube & Rectangular Prism
G5	Positive & Negative Numbers Absolute Value Intro to Coordinate Plane	Advanced ratio/percent problems Travel problems – Intermediate	Circles & Cylinder & Cone Pythagorean Theorem Similar figures
G6	Absolute Value Equations	Word problems with indeterminate equation	Geometry realted problems in question 18–25
G7	Quadratic Equations
G8	Indeterminate Equations

Best Resources to Prepare for AMC 8

Past Exam Solutions

Below are 2022–2025 AMC 8 problems with step-by-step solutions by Think Academy AMC 8 coaches:

To download blank AMC 8 past papers for practice, check this page.

For more historical problems, check this page.

Mock Exams

Think Academy 2026 AMC 8 Prep Courses

Long-Term Course: Designed for students who have already completed foundational competition math topics and are aiming for AMC 8 Honor Roll (HR) or higher. This course focuses on in-depth problem types, advanced strategies, and systematic training to build accuracy, speed, and competitive thinking.
Access the Free Evaluation →

Mock Exam + Explanation Pack: Ideal for Grades 4–5 and middle school students. Tackle tough problems, build confidence, and get closer to AMC 8 awards.
Register here

AMC 8 Books

Math Learning Books

What is Mathematics? – Introduces logic, number theory, algebra, geometry, and calculus with real-world applications.
Solving Problems in Geometry – Offers strategies and exercises for contest-style geometry, including proofs and constructions.

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 8 Preparation

AMC 8 Preparation Series (Volumes 1–5) – A comprehensive set covering core AMC 8 topics like arithmetic, geometry, number theory, logic, and probability. Ideal for Grades 3–6 students building a strong foundation.
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 8 prep resources,

Visit AMC 8 Resource Hub Now

AMC 8 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: AMC 8 is held across a full week, and each test center may have a different schedule. 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)
- No calculators, phones, or smart electronic devices are allowed.

What’s Allowed and Not Allowed

One Attempt Only per Year: You can only take the AMC 8 once during Competition Week.
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.
There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question—even if you have to guess.
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

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 8 Time Allocation by Think Academy

Target	Q1-Q5	Q6-Q10	Q11-Q15	Q16-Q25 and Review
First try/AR	6 minutes	8 minutes	16 minutes	10 minutes
Aim for HR	4 minutes	6 minutes	10 minutes	20 minutes
Aim for DHR	3 minutes	4 minutes	8 minutes	25 minutes

After AMC 8

AMC 8 is just the beginning of a student’s math competition journey. For those who enjoy problem-solving and want to challenge themselves further, the next steps are AMC 10, AIME, and ultimately USA(J)MO and IMO. These contests form the official American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) pathway, which is recognized by top high schools, universities, and math programs across the country.

Whether your child is aiming for national recognition or simply wants to sharpen their mathematical thinking, AMC 8 builds a strong foundation for long-term success in competitive math.

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

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a top math education brand under TAL Education Group, offers specialized training for the prestigious AMC 8 competition. In 2025, 672 Think Academy students earned national awards—65% of them placed on the Achievement, Honor, or Distinguished Honor Rolls. From 2022 to 2025, our results have grown rapidly, setting records in award counts and perfect scores. Backed by expert teachers and a proven curriculum, Think Academy prepares middle schoolers for lasting success in competitive math. Explore our AMC 8 courses and start your child’s winning journey.

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Categories: Math CompetitionsTags: AMC 8, Editor's Pick