Frequently Asked Questions: READ THIS BEFORE ASKING

[worthawholebean]

I've seen a lot of repeated questions lately, so I'm making a FAQ to which we can point people so we don't have to answer the same question again and again. If you have any questions to add/comments/whatever feel free to reply. tokenadult wrote a comprehensive description of the AMC series, but it is a little out of date and aimed more at parents. This will grow as I add more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• I'm new to the AMC series. How does it work? What are the different tests?
  See here.
  
  
• All the problems seem really difficult. What should I do to improve?
  The most important thing to do is just solve problems. Use the old AMCs in the Contests section above; the more you do, the better you will get. You can also work through books like the ones published by Art of Problem Solving; these help and are available through the bookstore. If you're having trouble with a problem on an old test in the Contests section, you can click the number and find the original discussion. If you don't understand the solution, feel free to revive the thread and ask.
  It's a good idea to do contests under timed conditions. After you're done, read the solutions to any problems you got wrong or even found mildly difficult.
  If you're experienced with MathCounts/AMC-style tests and want to move on to olympiad-style ones, the only solution is to work on progressively harder problems. Easier olympiads like Canada or older USAMOs and harder short-answer contests like AIME are good stepping stones.
  I see a ton of questions that ask this in various forms. The only answer is to do more problems, and preferably ones on the edge of your skill level. There is no silver bullet that will make you instantly better.
  
  
• What books can/should I buy for a more comprehensive look?
  The books that I see most frequently recommended are the original Art of Problem Solving, the Art and Craft of Problem Solving, and Problem Solving Strategies, in order of difficulty.
  
  
• I'm a freshman, sophomore, or below. Which test should I take, the AMC 10 or the AMC 12?
  It depends on your goals and current knowledge. If you haven't started Algebra 2 at least, you should take the AMC 10. Otherwise, if you are looking to just make AIME, you should take the AMC 12; it is generally weighted so 5% of people who take the 12 and 1% of people who take the 10 make AIME. However, if you are looking to make USAMO, you'll want to take the 10, as 10 and 12 scores are considered equivalent for USAMO selection. If you just want to have fun, take the 12. It's a far more interesting test.
  
  
• I have a question about qualification for the tests or their administration. Where can I find the answer?
  Look on the AMC website. Specifically, look at the Contest FAQ and the teacher's manuals for the AMC 10/12 (2009), AIME (2008), and USAMO (2008).
  
  
• You didn't answer my question.
  Look on the AMC website, and if you still can't find it, make a new topic on the forums to ask.
  

[meenamathgirl]

The "Which test should I take" answer is now outdated. For 10th graders and below looking to make USAMO it is almost certainly better to take the AMC 12 now, and/or the AMC 10 for a chance at the USAJMO (Jr. math olympiad).