<p>Between Mandelbrot and AMC which one would you view as harder? Personally, I think AMC is a lot easier than Mandelbrot because Mandelbrot is really out there, conceptual I mean. While the AMC is more applications and theory. Also this would be a good time any tips for the upcoming AMC 12?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.artofproblemsolving.com%5B/url%5D”>www.artofproblemsolving.com</a></p>
<p>If you go on past that level, then Arthur Engel’s Problem Solving Strategies is a good book. However, it is long, and is primarily aimed at USAMO/IMO participants.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your suggestions.</p>
<p>Depends on which problems you look at. I assume we’re talking about the individual Mandelbrot rounds. </p>
<p>Mandelbrot problems are all pretty hard in general. The AMC problems (especially on the 12) start at pretty easy and gradually go to very hard. I’d say that the hardest AMC-12 problems are far harder than the hardest Mandelbrot problems.</p>
<p>Tips - plenty on the site already mentioned.</p>
<p>Wait…you guys actually study for that thing?? Jeez…I thought it was just a quick little thing to take to try and do high. I didn’t realize anyone studied for it.</p>
<p>People study for it because if you can make the USAMO (3rd round of AMC competitions) or the MOSP (the summer camp), you’re pretty much IN at MIT, CIT, or any other technology school as long as your grades are decent. It can be a pretty strong hook.</p>
<p>Personally, I think Mandelbrot at an overall different level. I think Mandelbrot forces me to think at a level similar to when I take the AIME. AMC is just a walk through the park.</p>
<p>I should add that problem solving, for many, myself included, can be fun and enjoyable. We study for competitions such as the AMC 12 because it sharpens our critical thinking skills which allow us to develop basic problem solving techniques that can sometimes come handy even after our high school career.</p>
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<p>Either you’re amazing, or else this isn’t really accurate. Check out for example the last five of last year’s AMC-12 B, and tell me that they are easy.</p>
<p>And the last five AIME problems blow away anything on the Mandelbrot.</p>
<p>I did check the last five of last year’s AMC 12. Except the last two which gave me some trouble the other three weren’t bad. It is true that the AIME is just overall difficult. I completely agree that the AIME is a lot harder than the Mandelbrot.</p>