Updated October 2026: the MAA changed how students qualify for the AIME and the USAJMO/USAMO, and where the AIME is taken. This guide reflects the 2026–27 rules.
Math competitions can be one of the most rewarding experiences a high school student can pursue. Beyond the college admissions boost, they push students to think in genuinely new ways, build real mathematical intuition, and connect with a community of peers who love problem-solving just as much as they do.
But with so many competitions out there — each with different formats, difficulty levels, and purposes — it can be hard to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important US math competitions for high school students: what they are, how they’re structured, and what it takes to qualify for each level.
This guide focuses on the flagship AMC pathway and several accessible competitions worth knowing about.
The AMC Pathway: From AMC 10/12 to the International Stage
The most prestigious math competition pathway in the United States follows a clear progression: AMC → AIME → USAJMO/USAMO → MOP → IMO. Let’s walk through each step.
| Competition | Who Can Enter | Format | Next Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMC 10 | Grade 10 or below | 25 questions, 75 min | AIME (score 100+) |
| AMC 12 | Grade 12 or below | 25 questions, 75 min | AIME (score 85+) |
| AIME | AMC qualifiers only | 15 questions, two 90-min parts | USAJMO / USAMO |
| USAJMO | Top AIME scorers (via AMC 10) | 6 questions, 2 days | MOP |
| USAMO | Top AIME scorers (via AMC 12) | 6 questions, 2 days | MOP / IMO Team |
AMC 10 — Open to All, Grades 10 and Below
The AMC 10 (American Mathematics Competitions 10) is the entry point of the flagship competition pathway. Any student in 10th grade or below can register — no invitation required.
The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 75 minutes. Questions start relatively straightforward and become significantly more challenging toward the end. The math involved stays within 10th-grade curriculum, but the hardest problems require creative thinking well beyond what’s typically taught in class.
Scoring: 6 points for each correct answer, 1.5 points for each blank, and 0 points for incorrect answers. The maximum score is 150.
AIME Qualification: Starting with the 2026–27 season, a score of 100 or higher on the AMC 10 qualifies a student for the AIME. The MAA replaced the old “top 2.5%” rule with this fixed score. For reference, the 2025 cutoffs were 105 (AMC 10A) and 99 (AMC 10B).
When: The AMC 10 is held in November each year. Two versions — AMC 10A and 10B — are offered on different dates, and students may take one or both. In 2026, the AMC 10A is on November 5 and the AMC 10B is on November 13.
AMC 12 — Open to All, Grades 12 and Below
The AMC 12 follows the same format as the AMC 10 — 25 questions in 75 minutes — but draws from a broader range of topics including precalculus and more advanced algebra. Students in any grade through 12th grade can participate.
AIME Qualification: Starting with the 2026–27 season, a score of 85 or higher on the AMC 12 qualifies a student for the AIME. The MAA replaced the old “top 5%” rule with this fixed score. Last year’s cutoffs were 96 (AMC 12A) and 100.5 (AMC 12B).
Students can take one exam on each date (for example, the AMC 10A and the AMC 12B), but not both the AMC 10 and the AMC 12 on the same day. One qualifying score is enough to earn an AIME invitation.
AIME — Invitation Only
The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is the next step for top AMC scorers. Unlike the AMC, which uses multiple choice, the AIME consists of 15 short-answer questions where answers are integers from 000 to 999. Students have 3 hours.
The AIME is significantly harder than the AMC — many participants finish with a score in the single digits.
What changes in 2027: The AIME moves from schools to Pearson testing centers across the US and Canada. The exam is now computer-based and split into two 90-minute parts (8 questions, then 7), and students cannot return to Part 1 once Part 2 begins. Students must be at least 13 years old to take it, and the registration fee is $85. There is a single testing window, with no separate AIME II.
When: February 5–6, 2027, following the November AMC exams.
USAJMO & USAMO — The Olympiad Level
After the AIME, the top scorers are invited to the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO). Starting in 2027, invitations are based primarily on AIME scores; AMC scores no longer factor into olympiad selection.
- USAJMO: For students who reached the AIME through the AMC 10. Think of this as the olympiad track for younger students.
- USAMO: For students who reached the AIME through the AMC 12. This is the top tier of US high school math competition.
Both exams span two days, with 3 problems each day. Unlike the AMC or AIME, these are proof-based problems that require full written mathematical arguments. They’re extraordinarily challenging and a remarkable achievement to qualify for. In 2027, both olympiads take place March 20–21.
MOP & IMO — The Ultimate Goal
Top performers at USAJMO and USAMO are invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP), a summer training camp where the US IMO team is selected.
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the world’s most prestigious math competition for high school students. The US sends a team of 6 students to represent the country at the IMO each year.
The USAJMO and USAMO are open to US citizens and to legal residents of the US or Canada. To be selected for the US IMO team, students must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Other Competitions Worth Knowing About
Not every student is aiming for the IMO — and that’s completely fine. There are excellent competitions at every level, including some that are a great entry point for students newer to math competitions.
Math League — Open to All, K–12
Math League is a school-based competition program designed for students from elementary through high school. The goal is to develop mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in an accessible, fun environment.
Students compete at the school, regional, state, and national levels. Top performers can advance to national and even international competitions.
How to register: Students typically register through their school. If your school doesn’t have a team, you can often find a local group or register independently. Check the Math League website or contact the coordinator in your region directly.
Schedule: Contests generally run from October through spring, with an international event in summer.
Caribou Contests — Open to All, Grades 9–12
Caribou Contests are a well-regarded international competition with a mission to inspire a love of mathematics. Students in grades 9–12 can participate individually or as a team.
The competition is accessible and encourages mathematical curiosity at all levels — not just for students already at the top of their class.
Math Kangaroo — Open to All, K–12
Math Kangaroo is one of the most widely recognized math competitions globally, available to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The problems are designed to be engaging and thought-provoking — challenging without being intimidating.
It’s an excellent starting point for students who are curious about math competitions but haven’t competed before. The “Beginner” level is particularly accessible.
How to participate: Students must take the exam at an officially registered Math Kangaroo center. You can find nearby testing locations on the official Math Kangaroo website.
Why Math Competitions Matter
Beyond the trophies and certificates, math competitions develop something more valuable: the ability to think through hard problems with patience, creativity, and persistence.
Students who participate in math competitions regularly — even if they don’t reach the top levels — tend to develop stronger analytical skills, greater confidence in math, and a problem-solving mindset that serves them well in college and beyond.
And for students applying to competitive colleges, demonstrated achievement in math competitions is a genuine differentiator.
Ready to get started? The best time to begin is now. Even if your student has never competed before, starting with Math Kangaroo or Math League and working toward the AMC is a completely achievable path.
And if you have questions about preparing for math competitions, we’re always happy to help.
— The IC Math & Science Team
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