Competitions · Mathematics · AMC
AMC preparation at an authorised test point.
The American Mathematics Competitions, run by the Mathematical Association of America, are the world's most widely taken school mathematics contests — and the gateway to AIME and the US olympiad ladder. Hanlin is presented on its Chinese website as an AMC-China authorised test point, teaching every level from AMC 8 to AIME.
About the competition
What is the AMC?
The AMC series is organised by the Mathematical Association of America, with papers set by a committee drawn from leading US universities including MIT, Harvard and Princeton. Universities read strong AMC results as reliable evidence of mathematical ability.
AMC 8
The entry paper for grade 8 and below — broad, applied problems that reward curiosity and careful reading.
AMC 10 / 12
The main secondary-school papers. Strong scores qualify students for the invitational AIME.
AIME
A 15-question, three-hour invitational for top AMC 10/12 scorers; every answer is an integer from 0 to 999.
Full AIME guideUSA(J)MO
The US olympiads, entered by combined AMC + AIME index. Top performers reach the national training camp.
IMO
The International Mathematical Olympiad — the summit of the ladder, contested by national teams.
Why students enter
What the AMC gives a student.
The nine strengths highlighted on Hanlin's Chinese AMC page.
Problem-solving that sticks
Puzzle-grade questions train reasoning that outlasts any single exam.
Genuine interest in maths
Designed to spark curiosity, not just test recall.
An admissions signal
A recognised plus in applications to selective US universities.
A profile that stands out
Meaningful evidence of academic depth for study-abroad plans.
High-recognition credential
One of the most respected school mathematics contests worldwide.
Competition experience
A first-rate arena for building contest habits and composure.
Sparring for domestic leagues
Preparation that doubles as training for China's own maths competitions.
Measure against the best
Compete alongside strong mathematicians from thousands of schools.
The ticket toward AIME
The only route into the US invitational and olympiad ladder.
Rules at a glance
AMC 8, 10 and 12 — who sits what.
Eligibility, format and scoring as published on Hanlin's Chinese AMC page. In mainland China the papers are printed bilingually, English and Chinese side by side.
AMC 8
- Who
- Grade 8 and below, under 15.5 — raised from 14.5 in a 2026 MAA adjustment
- Format
- 25 questions · 40 minutes
- Scoring
- +1 correct · no penalty for wrong or blank
- Content
- Integers, fractions, ratios, number theory, geometry, probability, logic
- Advice
- 2–3 hours a week over 6–12 months reaches a strong score
AMC 10
- Who
- Grade 10 and below, under 17.5
- Format
- 25 questions · 75 minutes
- Scoring
- +6 correct · +1.5 blank · 0 wrong
- Content
- Elementary algebra, foundation geometry, introductory number theory, combinatorics
- Advice
- Best entered in grades 7–9 with a year of preparation
AMC 12
- Who
- Grade 12 and below, under 19.5
- Format
- 25 questions · 75 minutes
- Scoring
- +6 correct · +1.5 blank · 0 wrong
- Content
- Full pre-calculus curriculum including trigonometry and advanced algebra
- Advice
- Best entered in grades 9–11; weighs meaningfully in selective admissions
2026–27 season
When does the AMC happen?
The typical rhythm of an AMC year, anchored by last season's confirmed dates. Pre-registration for the 2026 AMC 10/12 is open at Hanlin's test point; final dates follow the official notices.
Late October – mid January
AMC 10/12 registration closes about a week before each paper (last season: 27 October for Paper A, 4 November for Paper B); AMC 8 registration closes in mid January.
Early November 2026
Ticket lookup opens in the week before each sitting and runs until exam day.
Early–mid November 2026, 17:00–18:15
Two papers about a week apart (last season: 6 and 14 November).
Late January 2027, 17:00–17:40
Forty minutes, twenty-five questions, one sitting (last season: Friday 23 January).
5–6 February 2027 · single window
One sitting window from 2027, in two 90-minute parts - the old AIME I / II split is retired (last season ran two sittings, on 6 and 12 February).
4–8 weeks after each paper
Scores release in 4–6 weeks; award cut-offs and downloadable e-certificates follow in 6–8 weeks.
The road upward
How does a student qualify for AIME and beyond?
The invitational rounds are reached on published thresholds, so every point on the AMC paper counts.
| Stage | Qualification rule |
|---|---|
| AIME via AMC 10 | From 2027, a fixed qualifying score: 100 or above on the AMC 10, per the MAA (percentile bands are retired). |
| AIME via AMC 12 | From 2027, a fixed qualifying score: 85 or above on the AMC 12, per the MAA (percentile bands are retired). |
| USAMO qualification | Based primarily on AIME scores from 2027 - the old AMC 12 + 20 × AIME index is retired. |
| USAJMO qualification | Based primarily on AIME scores from 2027, on the AMC 10 track - the old index is retired. |
AIME runs 15 questions across two 90-minute parts (from 2027); every answer is an integer from 0 to 999. Top USA(J)MO performers progress to the national olympiad training camp and, ultimately, IMO team selection.
Historical cut-offs
What scores have the awards required?
Published award and qualification lines for recent seasons — the benchmark for setting a realistic target score.
AMC 8
| Year | HR (top 5%) | DHR (top 1%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 23 |
| 2024 | 18 | 22 |
| 2023 | 17 | 21 |
| 2022 | 19 | 22 |
| 2020 | 18 | 21 |
| 2019 | 19 | 23 |
| 2018 | 15 | 19 |
| 2017 | 17 | 20 |
| 2016 | 18 | 22 |
| 2015 | 16 | 21 |
| 2014 | 19 | 22 |
| 2013 | 17 | 22 |
| 2012 | 17 | 22 |
AMC 10
| Paper | AIME cutoff | HR (5%) | DHR (1%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A | 105 | 112.5 | 136.5 |
| 2025 B | 99 | 105 | 133.5 |
| 2024 A | 94.5 | 105 | 132 |
| 2024 B | 105 | 114* | 138* |
| 2023 A | 103.5 | 111 | 136.5 |
| 2023 B | 105 | 112.5 | 135 |
| 2022 A | 93 | 100.5 | 121.5 |
| 2022 B | 94.5 | 100.5 | 114 |
| 2021 A (F) | 96 | 96 | 117 |
| 2021 B (F) | 96 | 96 | 120 |
| 2021 A (S) | 103.5 | 112.5 | 132 |
AMC 12
| Paper | AIME cutoff | HR (5%) | DHR (1%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A | 96 | 127.5 | 150 |
| 2025 B | 100.5 | 127.5 | 145.5 |
| 2024 A | 76.5* | 108* | 133.5* |
| 2024 B | 88.5 | 118.5* | 139.5 |
| 2023 A | 85.5 | 112.5 | 136.5 |
| 2023 B | 88.5 | 115.5 | 139.5 |
| 2022 A | 93 | 106.5 | 126 |
| 2022 B | 85.5 | 105 | 129 |
| 2021 A (F) | 91.5 | 96 | 130.5 |
| 2021 B (F) | 84 | 96 | 130 |
| 2021 A (S) | 93 | 114 | 133.5 |
| 2021 B (S) | 91.5 | 109.5 | 132 |
| 2020 A | 87 | 100.5 | 123 |
| 2020 B | 87 | 97.5 | 123 |
* 2024 saw six adjustments to AMC 10/12 lines; per the MAA, only 12A candidates' awards and qualification were affected. F = fall sitting, S = spring sitting.
Awards
What can a student win?
The full award structure for individuals and schools, as listed on the Chinese AMC page.
AMC 8 awards
- Perfect Scorethe full 25 points
- Distinguished Honor Rollglobal top 1%
- Honor Rollglobal top 5%
- Achievement Rollgrade 6 or below scoring 15+
- School Honor Rolltop three students' combined score of 66+
- School Merit Rolltop three students' combined score of 50–65
AMC 10 / 12 awards
- Perfect Scorethe full 150 points
- Honor Roll of Distinctionglobal top 1%
- Certificate of Distinctionglobal top 5%
- Top 10% / Top 25% Honor Rollnewly added global bands
- Certificate of AchievementAMC 10: 90+ for grade 8 or below
AMC 12: 90+ for grade 10 or below - AIME Qualificationissued on reaching the AIME cutoff
- School Honor / Merit Rolltop-three combined 400+ / 300–399
Sitting the paper
How certificates reach the student.
Both participation routes are available through Hanlin's test point.
In person, via school
Students who registered through their school collect certificates from the school's coordinating teacher.
In person, via test point
Students registered through an authorised test point receive certificates from the test point's coordinator.
Online sitting
Online candidates download their e-certificate from the official site six to eight weeks after the paper, using their registration account.
Inside the paper
What AMC problems look like.
A sample of the problem style — plain-language setups that unfold into real mathematical reasoning.
Preparation resources
Study materials built for the AMC.
The AMC 8 preparation kit assembled by Hanlin, plus free past-paper collections for every level.
Bilingual coursebook
An AMC 8 textbook co-published by Hanlin and Tsinghua University Press, printed in English and Chinese.
Past-paper volume
A bilingual collection of past AMC 8 papers for timed practice.
Formula handbook
The formula collection that maps the techniques the paper actually rewards.
Error notebook
A structured mistake log — the habit that separates repeat qualifiers from one-time entrants.
Trial lesson
A one-hour taster lesson with an AMC coach to place the student at the right level.
Free past papers
AMC 8, 10 and 12 past-paper sets are free to collect through the resource centre.
Talk to an advisor
Everything Hanlin does for the AMC series, in one conversation.
AMC 8, 10 and 12, the AIME, and what has to happen in which order.
Competition entry and planning
Which competitions suit this student, in what order, and by when - then we handle the registration, including the ones that can only be entered through a school or a centre.
Competition coaching
Taught by full-time subject tutors, on a course tier chosen by placement paper rather than by year group.
International curriculum tutoring
IB, AP, A-Level, IGCSE and the US high school curriculum, taught alongside school and timed around the exam calendar.
Competition past papers, free
A large library of past papers, mark schemes and syllabus breakdowns across every competition on this site. No charge and no enrolment.
Scan to add an advisor
Say which competition or course you are asking about. Replies in Chinese or English.
Or call +86 21 6352 6630AMC questions
What families ask about the AMC.
Which AMC level should a student start with?+
Age and grade decide eligibility: AMC 8 for grade 8 and below, AMC 10 for grade 10 and below, AMC 12 for grade 12 and below. Within eligibility, start where the student can score meaningfully — many strong students sit AMC 8 in grades 5–6 and move up early.
How do students in China take part?+
Through authorised test points. Hanlin is presented on its Chinese website as an AMC-China authorised test point and has arranged examinations for more than 7,000 students, with both in-person and online sittings available.
What changed for AMC 8 in 2026?+
The MAA raised the AMC 8 age ceiling from 14.5 to 15.5 years, widening eligibility for older grade-8 students.
Are the papers in English?+
At China test points the papers are printed bilingually, with English and Chinese side by side, so language is not a barrier to entry.
How hard is it to reach AIME?+
From 2027, qualification is a fixed score - 100 or above on the AMC 10, 85 or above on the AMC 12, per the MAA; percentile bands are retired. Hanlin's 2024 cohort produced 235 AIME qualifications under the previous rules.
Is Hanlin affiliated with the MAA?+
No affiliation should be assumed beyond the published authorised-test-point role. The AMC is organised by the Mathematical Association of America; rules and dates should be confirmed with official notices.
AMC enquiries
Plan an AMC pathway with Hanlin.
Tell us the student's grade and current level, and an advisor will map the right paper, timeline and preparation route. The 2026 AMC 10/12 pre-registration window is open.