How to Qualify for AIME Through AMC 10 and AMC 12

If you're preparing for the AMC 10 or AMC 12, you've probably heard of the AIME. But how exactly do you qualify for it? What score do you need, and what can you do to boost your chances? This post will walk you through everything you need to know.

by Kevin Scott

What Is the AIME?

The AIME stands for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. It's the next level of competition after the AMC 10 and AMC 12 and serves as a stepping stone toward the USA Mathematical Olympiad.

Only top scorers on the AMC 10 or AMC 12 receive invitations to take the AIME. If you qualify, you are one step closer to earning a spot on the United States Math Olympiad Team.

Who Can Qualify for AIME?

To qualify for AIME, you need to score among the top students on either the AMC 10 or AMC 12. You can take one or both contests. Each version of the AMC has two dates: the A version and the B version. You can choose to take either one or both, but you cannot take both versions of the same level.

For example, you can take AMC 10A and AMC 12B, but not AMC 10A and AMC 10B.

What Scores Do You Need?

The cutoff score to qualify for AIME changes every year. It depends on the difficulty of the test and how all students performed. In general, the qualifying score is usually somewhere around 100 to 110 for AMC 10 and 90 to 100 for AMC 12.

Each correct answer on the AMC earns six points. Questions you skip give you one and a half points. Wrong answers get zero. That means a perfect score is 150.

If you are aiming for AIME, it's usually safest to target at least 17 or 18 correct answers. But because partial credit is given for blank answers, it's sometimes better to leave a question unanswered rather than guess.

How to Improve Your Chances

Start by practicing with real past tests. The more familiar you are with the types of problems that show up on the AMC, the more confident and efficient you will be on test day.

Focus on the topics that come up often—algebra, geometry, number theory, and counting. If you consistently miss problems in one area, spend extra time reviewing that topic.

Take timed practice tests so you can get used to the pacing. Many students run out of time even though they know the material. Practice solving problems efficiently and learn how to skip and return to tough questions.

Review your mistakes carefully. Understanding why you missed a problem is one of the best ways to improve. Study the solution and try solving similar problems afterward.

Use online tools to track your progress. At AMC Mastery, we provide detailed analytics that show you how you're performing across different math areas and how your accuracy improves over time.

Final Thoughts

Qualifying for the AIME is a big achievement, but it's not out of reach. With the right strategy and consistent practice, you can put yourself in a strong position to earn a qualifying score on the AMC 10 or AMC 12.

Start early, stay focused, and take advantage of every resource that helps you get better. And remember, every test is a learning experience, whether or not you make it to the next round.

Good luck and keep going. You've got this.

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