AMC 12
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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. Art of Problem Solving is a proud Contributor to the AMC.

The American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12), along with the AMC 10, is the first exam 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 AMC 12 is designed for students who have experience with Algebra II and possibly higher courses. Topics tested include concepts from Algebra I, Algebra II (including logarithms and trigonometry), and Geometry I along with number theory, logic, counting methods, and probability. As the test progresses, students are challenged to find answers to problems that require a significant depth of understanding of the curriculum as well as a creative eye toward mathematical techniques. This means that the AMC 12 is designed to test problem solving skills as much as curriculum.

The AMC 12 is a 25 question, 75 minute multiple choice test. The test is administered twice a year (usually in early February). Problems increase in difficulty as the exam progresses. Calculators are permitted.

The AMC 12 is scored out of 150 points. Six points are given for each correct response, while each question left blank receives two and a half points. Incorrect answers receive no credit. Because of this scoring method, random guessing tends to lower scores. A mark of 100 (usually attained by around 5% of participants) is required to advance to the second level of the AMC contests, the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

Resources for AMC 12 Participants

The Art of Problem Solving Bookstore offers the following books that will help students prepare for the AMC 12. Art of Problem Solving textbooks have been used by top AMC participants for over 12 years.

• The Art of Problem Solving Volume 1
• The Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Counting & Probability
• The Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Geometry
• The Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Number Theory
• First Steps for Math Olympians
• Contest Problem Books with past AHSME and AMC exams.

Art of Problem Solving also offers a number of courses that help students gain a foothold on the curriculum tested by the AMC 12 and improve their test scores. Our Introductory level classes and programs are designed for students who score around 80-110 on the AMC 12. We generally recommend that students scoring higher enroll in Intermediate level courses, 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 AMC (the AIME) might consider enrolling in Olympiad level courses. Additionally, the AMC 12 Problem Series gives students a chance to practice a few hundred 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 are Math Jams reviewing problems from the AMC exams shortly after each contest. You can see past Math Jams by clicking on the 'Transcripts' button at the top of the Math Jams page.

AopS also hosts a highly active AMC Forum. Registration in our forums is free! The AoPSWiki contains an enormous amount of AMC 12 information.

Recently, many of the nation's highest scoring AMC students, including perfect scorers on the AMC 12, have taken classes with AoPS. If you have any questions about our programs, email us at classes@artofproblemsolving.com.