All You Need to Know About AMC 8 in 2025

The AMC 8 (American Mathematics Competition) is aimed at middle school students in 8th grade or below who enjoy exploring problem-solving beyond what’s taught in class. It’s a great way to build confidence in math and experience a national-level challenge early on.

While AMC 8 doesn’t lead directly to contests like the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) , it serves as a solid foundation. Many students who start with AMC 8 go on to compete in AMC 10 and AMC 12 , building the skills needed for more advanced competitions.

This guide covers everything you need to know about AMC 8 in 2025: important dates, exam format, scoring, recent performance trends, and tips to prepare effectively.

What Is the AMC 8?

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice exam for students in 8th grade or below. Problems draw on arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting & probability—no calculus or advanced trigonometry required.

Why Should You Try the AMC 8?

A strong AMC 8 score can earn Honor Roll certificates and national recognition, and it’s a great warm-up for the AMC 10 and other high-school contests. Achieving well shows initiative and problem-solving ability—qualities middle-school programs and future high-schools appreciate.

How Does AMC 8 Scoring Work?

Each correct answer earns 1 point; blanks and wrong answers earn 0 points. There is no penalty for guessing—but since there’s no partial credit, smart elimination still helps. Perfect score: 25.

Honor Roll & Achievement Awards

MAA recognizes roughly the top 1% of AMC 8 scorers with the Honor Roll of Distinction and the next 5% with the Honor Roll. Scoring 15 + typically lands you in the top quartile.

If you'd like to know where you stand, you can Take a free AMC 8 practice test.

AMC 8 Dates in 2025

• AMC 8 Window: January 20 – 26, 2025 (schools pick one day)

You can register for the AMC 8 through the MAA.

FAQs About AMC 8

• Is there more than one version of AMC 8? No—AMC 8 has a single test each year, administered during a one-week window.
• Can AMC 8 qualify me for AIME? No. AIME starts with AMC 10/12. AMC 8 is excellent practice and recognition at the middle-school level.
• Can I take both in the same year? Yes, if you’re eligible for both.
• Should I guess? Skip unless you can confidently eliminate at least two choices.
• How many students qualify for the AIME? Roughly the top 2.5% each year.
• Do colleges care? Absolutely. Top universities recognize AMC/AIME/USAMO accomplishments.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like anything else, the more you practice with AMC 8-style questions, the better you’ll get.

Kevin Scott Math Instructor & Co-Founder of MPP

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