For students preparing for the AMC, let’s break down the strategies for qualifying for the AIME and discuss this year’s exam, particularly in light of last year’s exam leak incident.

The Path from AMC to AIME

The AMC 8, aimed at students in 8th grade or below, is not a qualifying exam for the AIME. To qualify, students must take the AMC 10 or AMC 12. The combined scores from the AMC and AIME, multiplied by 10, determine eligibility for USA(J)MO.

While scoring high enough on the AMC 10/12 to advance to USA(J)MO is a significant accomplishment, simply qualifying for the AIME is already a notable achievement in mathematics. Setting your sights on the AIME as an initial goal is a great place to start.

Let’s explore how many questions you need to answer correctly on the AMC 12 to qualify.

Scoring System for AMC 10 and AMC 12

• Correct Answer: +6 points
• Skipped Question: +1.5 points
• Wrong Answer: 0 points

Even if you skip all 25 questions, you’ll earn 37.5 points.

Recent Trends in AIME Cutoff Scores

AMC 12:

• Cutoff scores ranged from 96–100 (2017) but dropped to 91.5 in 2021 and 85.5–88.5 in 2023.

AMC 10:

• Scores hovered around 112.5 before dropping to the 90s, then rising back to 105.

Qualifying Percentages

• AMC 12: Top 13–15% qualify for the AIME.
• AMC 10: Top 6–8% qualify for the AIME.

Although the AMC 12 has a higher qualifying percentage, it is generally more challenging than the AMC 10.

Strategies for Scoring 88.5 on the AMC 12

Example Scenarios:

1. Attempt 15 questions, answer all correctly, and skip the rest:

   • Score: 90 points
   • Outcome: Qualifies for AIME.

2. Attempt 14 questions, answer all correctly, and skip the rest:

   • Score: 100.5 points
   • Outcome: Qualifies for AIME.

3. Attempt 14 questions, get 10 correct, skip 10, and miss 4:

   • Score: 81 points
   • Outcome: Below cutoff, does not qualify.

4. Attempt 15 questions, get 12 correct, skip 10, and miss 3:

   • Score: 87 points
   • Outcome: Meets the second cutoff, qualifies.

5. Attempt 14 questions, get 12 correct, skip 11, and miss 2:

   • Score: 88.5 points
   • Outcome: Meets the cutoff.

6. Attempt 15 questions, get 13 correct, skip 10, and miss 2:

   • Score: 93 points
   • Outcome: Exceeds the cutoff.

Realistic Approaches

To qualify for the AIME, focus on two practical strategies:

1. Attempt 12 questions, answer 11 correctly, and skip the rest.
2. Attempt 13 questions, answer 10 correctly, and skip the rest.

Avoid attempting all 25 questions. Instead, concentrate on accurately solving 14–15 questions, prioritizing the first 15, and skipping the more challenging later ones.

Reflections on Last Year’s AMC Leak

As a test administrator at A-One Institute, I’m familiar with the details surrounding last year’s exam leak. The AMC was offered in both online and paper formats, with test centers allowed to download the paper exams 4–5 days before the exam date. Unfortunately, this led to leaks.

Despite efforts to restrict downloads to the day before the test, the system remains vulnerable. Suggestions to transition entirely to online testing have been dismissed by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

Other competitions, such as the USABO and F=MA Physics exams, have implemented measures like synchronized worldwide testing and restricting test centers to non-profits to minimize leaks. It’s disappointing that the AMC has not adopted similar strategies.

Despite these challenges, the strategies outlined here can help you qualify for the AIME and achieve success.

If you have further questions, feel free to contact A-One Institute. 

Thank you