How much AMC 10 score matters?

Applying to College
1

Could one improvise his score on AMC 10 by taking it second time, like taking in ninth as well as tenth grade?

2

I’m no expert, but given that no one else has replied, I’ll give it a shot. First, I don’t think the score matters at all, except as it relates to getting a higher score to qualify for the subsequent competitions, like the AIME and the math olympiad/junior olympiad that comes after that (My student didn’t even qualify for the AIME, so I am not 100% sure about how the subsequent competitions work).

I don’t think the AMC 10/12 in and of itself is something that has any bearing on college admissions. Scoring well in subsequent competitions might be something that would be nice to list as an award.

But as to your other questions, the 10 in AMC10 just refers to the highest grade level in which students can take the exam. Students younger than 10th grade can take it as well (I have a student who took it in both 9th and 10th grade; he took the AMC8 in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade). The best way to get a higher score would be to do practice exams and other practice material, such as the books and practice problems available from Art of Problem Solving. My kid did it for fun - he isn’t a huge math competition guy, and had other priorities than spending a bunch of time preparing for the AMC competitions.

3

I believe some schools (like MIT) do consider AMC scores. Tagging @hebegebe, our CC math admissions expert.

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4

I’m not sure how much AMC scores matter. If you are a math kid you should take the AMC 10 or 12 each year. Qualifying for AIME or USAMO can be seen as impressive especially when paired with other math activities/interests/awards.

5

THE AMC 10 can be taken by any student in 10th grade or earlier. There are even a few 4th and 5th graders taking it. It can also be taken twice in a year by taking both the 10A and 10B, assuming you can find test centers for both.

In terms of AMC scoring, the first level that matters is qualifying for AIME, the next level is getting to Distinguished Honor Roll. Both are worthy of noting on an application.

You should note your AIME score if it’s 6 or higher, and the next level after that is qualifying for USAMO/USAJMO. That starts to move the needle for selective college admissions, but is not a guarantee.

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6

In terms of trying to improve your score, the best approach, short of a small set of expensive private tutors, is AoPS. Many students get to USAMO using that alone.

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7

Thanks for your response. Can one take AMC10 in both 9TH and 10TH grade?

8

Of course. Potentially twice each year.

9

Thanks a lot for your helpful input.

10

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