The Mathematics Association Of America MAA

May 30, 2025

Ultimate Guide to MAA Math Competitions: AMC 8, AMC 10/12, AIME, USAMO & Beyond

If you're passionate about problem-solving and want to challenge yourself in mathematics, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) offers some of the most prestigious math competitions for middle and high school students across the United States.

Through its series of contests—beginning with the AMC 8 and going all the way to the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)—the MAA provides a clear pathway for students to sharpen their skills, gain national recognition, and compete with the brightest math minds.

What Is the MAA?

The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of mathematics. It supports students and educators through journals, teaching resources, and most notably, the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) series.

These contests are not just about solving problems—they're about developing critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a deep love for mathematics.


 Breakdown of MAA Math Competitions

 a complete overview of the math contests under the MAA competition umbrella:

  AMC 8 – Ideal for Middle School Students

Who Can Participate: Students in Grade 8 or below

Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes

Focus: Pre-algebra, basic geometry, logical reasoning, and foundational problem-solving

Goal: Introduce young learners to competitive math in a fun and challenging way

  AMC 10 – Entry into High School-Level Competitive Math

Eligible Grades: 10 and below

Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes

Topics Covered: Algebra, geometry, number theory, counting, and probability

Note: No trigonometry or calculus included

AMC 12 – Advanced Challenge for High Schoolers

Grade Level: 12 and below

Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes

Focus Areas: All AMC 10 topics plus trigonometry and other advanced concepts (excluding calculus)

Ideal For: Students preparing for AIME and beyond

  AIME – American Invitational Mathematics Examination

Who Qualifies: Top scorers from AMC 10 and AMC 12

Format: 15 short-answer (integer) questions, 3 hours

Focus: High-level problem-solving, logic, and advanced math strategies

Fun Fact: This round filters the elite math minds for proof-based Olympiads

USA(J)MO – USAMO & USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad

Eligibility: High scorers from AIME, selected via a combined index with AMC

Format: Proof-based problems over two days

Skills Tested: Deep mathematical thinking and rigorous proof-writing

Outcome: Qualifiers get invited to MOP (Mathematical Olympiad Program)

MOP, TST & IMO – Road to the International Stage

What Comes Next?:
Top students from USAMO are invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP)

TST (Team Selection Test) follows, which selects the 6-member team that represents the U.S. at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

Where to Find MAA Past Papers & Solutions

Looking to practice with real contest problems? Here are the best resources to find past AMC, AIME, and USAMO problems:

Official MAA Website

  Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

  • 🔗 https://artofproblemsolving.com
  • Features:
    • Complete archives of AMC 8/10/12, AIME, USAMO
    • Full solutions + community discussions
    • Mock tests and problem-solving forums

 AMC Problem Archive

Recommended Books for AMC and Olympiad Prep

Here’s a list of must-read books to build a strong foundation and tackle advanced math problems confidently:

1.    The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Series

o   Covers algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics

o   Best suited for AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME preparation

2.    Competition Math for Middle School by Jason Batteron

o   Excellent starting point for AMC 8 and younger students

3.    Introduction to Counting & Probability – AoPS

o   A go-to resource for mastering counting strategies and probability for AMC 10/12

4.    1001 Problems in Mathematics (PDFs available online)

o   A curated selection of past contest questions from multiple math competitions


  Proven Tips for Success in MAA Competitions

  • Start Early: Begin your preparation months in advance
  • Practice Regularly: Solve problems daily and build your intuition
  • Take Timed Tests: Simulate real test environments to improve speed and accuracy
  • Join Online Forums: Participate in communities like AoPS to learn strategies from others
  • Write Full Solutions: Especially for AIME and USAMO, practice writing detailed, logical proofs



Bonus: Related Competitions to Explore

While not part of MAA, competitions like Math Kangaroo are also great for elementary-level students:
https://mathkangaroo.org

Whether you're just starting with AMC 8 or aiming for a spot on the U.S. IMO team, the MAA math competitions offer an incredible journey into the world of advanced mathematics. With the right resources, consistent practice, and a love for problem-solving, you can rise to the top of the competition ladder.

Stay tuned for more prep tips, problem sets, and strategy guides right here at OlympMath!


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