AMC and the Math Contest Hierarchy
Art credits to Julia Sun!
February 22, 2016
The first Tuesday of every month, students from all grades pack the 500 wing to take the NJML. On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, a select number of students were selected to take the prestigious American Math Competition, also known as the AMC. But what is the AMC and how do students get chosen to take them?
Juliana Spitzner ‘18 states, “The AMC is similar to the NJML because it is mind-stimulating and requires lots of thinking. The AMC has similar higher-level questions”.
The NJML— a six question, 30 minute, open-ended test- differs from the AMC in that the AMC is longer (25 questions, 75 minutes) and multiple choice. Furthermore, students stay after school to take the test. If a student is in 9th or 10th grade, they take the algebra and geometry-based AMC 10, but if students are in 11th or 12th grade, they take the pre-calculus-based AMC 12. Finally, Ridge math teachers generally nominate their students for the AMC based on NJML and in-class performance, but the nomination process varies from teacher to teacher.
The purpose of the AMC is to build a six-person International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) team. These six people represent the United States in the most challenging, prestigious international math contest, the International Math Olympiad (IMO)— a great accomplishment!
If students attain a certain score on the AMC, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) will invite them to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) in March. Yet another challenging test, the AIME consists of 15 questions and is three hours long.
This testing process is repeated again if students attain a certain score on the AIME; the MAA invites those students to take the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO/USAJMO) tests in April. These tests are two days long and consist of 6 problems, including a 9 hour essay or proof question.
The top 12 USAMO scorers are invited to the Mathematical Summer Olympiad Program (MOSP). For three to four weeks, students work intensely the whole day, practicing various math problems. A 4.5 hour test, including 3 essay problems, ultimately determines which six students get to compete in the IMO.
Though many people from Ridge get nominated for the AIME, most don’t make it through the first, let alone the second, round. The AMC doesn’t count toward any grade. However, it does not hurt to be prepared.
Sikata Sengupta ‘18 advises students to bring “pencils, erasers, and water. Graphing calculators are not allowed.”
Taking the AMC has many benefits. Not only does it look great on college resumes, but also it engages the thinking process, helping students bolster their critical thinking skills while meeting other talented math students. Because there is nothing to lose, students should definitely take advantage of this opportunity. Congratulations and good luck to all nominees!
Jesse Lin • Feb 29, 2016 at 2:18 pm
This type of thing is becoming more and more important as the years progress. Over the past few years, kids from the middle school have been coming over to take this test – and have done better than many of the kids here! Competition is becoming more difficult for younger kids, and colleges like Carnegie Mellon allow you to optionally submit your scores. It could potentially give you an edge!
Shaheeeeeeeeenn (srinivas) • Feb 29, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I’m glad that Ridge is making an effort to introduce another aspect of math– application based modeling– via the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge. While I personally love AMC-style contest math, I have quite a few friends who are more partial to more pragmatic math– the type you might be more likely to encounter as a math major. I hope that these types of contests get advertised as a supplement to the AMC track that’s already well established.
Ben • Feb 29, 2016 at 12:26 pm
The AMC is a great way to challenge yourself in ways outside of just the classroom. For math fanatics, it’s a great way to see how you test compared to the rest of the nation.
Ishika Bajaj • Feb 29, 2016 at 11:25 am
Do colleges see that you went to NJML? Does it affect their view on you?
I think NJML is a great idea and it is an easy way to help students imprve their grade.
Victoria Lu • Feb 29, 2016 at 11:21 am
After taking the AMC personally, I thought that although NJML and AMC were similar in level, the AMC required more higher-level thinking and longer. If anyone wants to take the AMC, I think NJML would be a good place to practice, but there are a lot more stuff to look into before succeeding in the test. It is a good opportunity for those that want to challenge themselves and compete against others.
sabrina alvarez • Feb 29, 2016 at 11:06 am
what exactly do you do after the whole thing? other then that good job to those that were selected for this.
Maya Gupta • Feb 29, 2016 at 11:03 am
Wow the AMC sounds like a stimulating and exciting mathematics competition for all students excited to be in Math. This article perks a lot of questions in me. How are you selected to take the AMC? Can anyone sign up? How many students a year make it pass that exam and qualify for AIME? What does this say about the Ridge Mathematics Department? These are all questions I would love to have answered as I explore this new opportunity and learn more about this intriguing competition.