AIME
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The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) set the standard in the United States for talented high school students of mathematics. The curriculum they test is both comprehensive and modern. The AMC exams are so well designed that some top universities now ask students for their AMC scores.

The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is the second test in the series of exams used to challenge bright students on the path toward choosing the team that represents the United States at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

The AIME is well suited to challenge those who have studied a traditional high school curriculum complete with Algebra II and precalculus. The difficulty of this exam stems from the depth of understanding and creative thinking it requires rather than from the use of advanced mathematical concepts. Probability, geometry, algebra, and number theory are all frequently tested subjects on this exam, often in conjunction with one another.

The AIME is a challenging 15 question test administered in March to qualified students only. Students traditionally qualify through the AMC 10 (with a score of 120 or above) or the AMC 12 (with a score of 100 or above). Recently, the American Mathematics Competitions has elected to also invite the top scoring students after three rounds from the USAMTS to take the AIME.

Answers on the AIME are integers between 000 and 999. Each correct response earns one point, while incorrect answers receive no credit. No calculators are allowed on this three hour exam. Around 160 students residing in the U.S. or Canada with the highest combined index score (their AMC 12 score plus 10 times their AIME score) are invited to take the USAMO. An additional 90 or so students in grades 10 and below are selected for the USAMO who have scored at least as high as the floor value for the AIME (which is set by the lowest AIME score among the first group of USAMO qualifiers).

Resources for AIME Qualifiers

The Art of Problem Solving Volume 2 is a textbook written to help students learn how to solve problems from the AIME as well as many on that general level, and even some more challenging problems including those from various olympiads. (Volume 1of The Art of Problem Solving helps students reach this level of curriculum and problem solving ability.) Order information can be found here.

Art of Problem Solving also offers a number of courses that help students gain a foothold on the curriculum tested by the AIME and improve their test scores. Our Intermediate level classes and programs are designed for students who can answer anywhere from 2 to 10 problems on the typical AIME, but are certain to qualify for it. We generally recommend that students who are uncertain of AIME qualification take our Introductory level classes, though there are PreTests and PostTests for the subject classes that help students identify their needs. Students already capable of making it past the second round of the AIME might consider enrolling in Olympiad level courses. Additionally, the AIME Problem Series classes give students a chance to practice scores of problems with instructors and peers and see exactly how many of those problems are diagnosed. Interested students, parents, and teachers can view enrollment information to these courses here. AoPS also offers free classes called Math Jams sporadically throughout the year. Included in our regular Math Jams are reviews of every problem from both AIME tests each year.

AopS also hosts a highly active AMC Forum. Registration in our forums is free! The AoPSWiki contains an enormous amount of AIME information, including practice exams.

Recently, many of the nation's highest scoring AIME students and USAMO winners have taken classes with AoPS. If you have any questions about our programs, email us at classes@artofproblemsolving.com.