The 2026-2027 season of the AMC mathematics competition has ushered in the most core rule change in recent years — the AIME qualification mechanism has completely shifted from "percentile ranking" to "fixed score thresholds," while retaining the A/B dual-version exam model. This change directly affects preparation strategies and registration choices.
I. Core Change of AMC10/12: Fixed Score Threshold Qualification
1. Old Rules (2026 Season and Before)
AIME qualification was dynamically determined by the percentile ranking of that year's candidates, with score thresholds fluctuating based on the difficulty of the paper and the overall level of candidates:
AMC10: Approximately top 2.5% qualify (historical thresholds fluctuated between 93-105 points)
AMC12: Approximately top 5% qualify (historical thresholds fluctuated between 85-105 points)
After finishing the exam, you wouldn't know whether you qualified — full of uncertainty.
2. New Rules (From the 2027 Season)
Qualification now depends only on your own score, unrelated to how others perform:
| Competition | Fixed Qualification Score |
|---|---|
| AMC10 | ≥ 100 points |
| AMC12 | ≥ 85 points |
Scoring Rules Review: Correct answer +6 points, blank +1.5 points, incorrect answer 0 points.
Target Score Breakdown:
AMC10 target 100 points: 17 correct = 102 points, just above the line; a safer plan is 18 correct for 108 points, reserving buffer space for carelessness and calculation errors.
AMC12 target 85 points: 15 correct = 90 points, meets the standard; a safer plan is 16 correct for 96 points.
II. Retaining the A/B Dual Versions: One More Opportunity
1. Exam Schedule (2026 Season)
| Session | Exam Time (Beijing Time) | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Version A | November 5, 2026, 17:00-18:15 | October 26, 2026 |
| Version B | November 13, 2026, 17:00-18:15 | November 3, 2026 |
2. Explanation of A/B Versions
The two papers contain different questions, but the syllabus, question types, and difficulty standards are consistent — Version B is not necessarily easier.
The highest score from both sittings is used for qualification determination, equivalent to having an extra exam opportunity to hedge against underperformance on the day.
There is a one-week gap between Version A and Version B, allowing targeted review of weak modules and rapid filling of gaps.
Recommended Strategy: If time permits, register for both A and B. For first-time participants, Version A serves as a full mock exam to adapt to the test center rhythm and overcome time pressure and slow reading; Version B is for the official performance.
Pitfall Warning: You cannot register for both AMC10 and AMC12 in the same session. For example, for Version A, you cannot register for AMC10A + AMC12A simultaneously; you can only combine separately, such as AMC10A + AMC10B, or AMC12A + AMC12B.
III. Preparation Strategy Shifts Brought by the New Rules
Stop grinding away at the final 21-25 challenge problems!
The final problems are time-consuming with low accuracy rates and extremely poor return on investment. Under fixed score thresholds, the priority is ensuring zero careless mistakes in questions 1-20 — securing the foundation and mid-tier questions is the core of qualification.
Specific Strategy Adjustments:
Work backward from target scores: Set your AMC10/12 target score directly above the qualification line (100/85), and use the fixed line to work backward and plan scores for each module.
The courage to abandon difficult problems: Decisively skip questions you cannot solve — a blank worth 1.5 points is far more cost-effective than a wrong answer worth 0 points.
Zero errors on mid-tier questions: Questions 1-15 are the scoring foundation and must maintain high accuracy; questions 16-20 should be secured; questions 21-25 can be attempted if time permits.
Paper-based practice as the norm: Starting from the 2026 season, online exams have been globally cancelled. You must adapt to the rhythm of paper-based test papers and answer sheet bubbling.
IV. China Region "Last Train of the Old System" Advantage
2027 is a transition year for the China region AIME exam format reform:
| Item | 2027 (China Region) | From 2028 (China Region) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | 180 minutes continuous 15 questions, paper-based | 90+90 two-segment, computer-based |
| Review Ability | ✅ Can go back and check | ❌ Cannot review after the first part ends |
| Language | Chinese and English bilingual | Chinese and English bilingual |
| Age Threshold | No minimum age limit | Must be at least 13 years old |
Three Action Recommendations:
Set AMC10/12 target scores directly above the qualification line (100/85), and use the fixed line to work backward and plan scores for each module.
