Category: Blog

I. AMC12 Exam Schedule

1. Exam Language

Bilingual (Chinese/English): Suitable for students from different language backgrounds.

2. Exam Dates

Versions A/B: Mid to late November 2026 (specific dates to be announced by the official organization).
Difference between Version A and Version B: Same difficulty and scope, but different exam dates and test papers. Candidates may choose to take either Version A or B, or take both; the highest score will be used for award ranking and AIME qualification.

3. Exam Location

In-person: Specific test centers will be determined by local organizers.

4. Eligibility

Grade Requirement: Students in grade 12 (senior year of high school) or below.
Age Restriction: Under 19.5 years of age (age calculated up to the day of the competition).

5. Exam Format

Individual Test: 25 multiple-choice questions.
Scoring: 6 points for each correct answer, 1.5 points for each unanswered question, no deduction for wrong answers. Total possible score: 150 points.

II. Historical AMC12 Score Analysis

1. AIME Qualification Cutoff (Top 5%)

Year	Version A Cutoff	Version B Cutoff
2025	96	100.5
2024	76.5	88.5
2023	85.5	88.5
2022	85.5	85.5

2. Award Score Thresholds

Award	Score Requirement (2025 Reference)
AIME Qualification	≥96 (Version A) / ≥100.5 (Version B)
Honorable Roll (Top 5%)	≥125
Distinguished Honor Roll (Top 1%)	≥135 (Version A required a perfect 150 in 2025)

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III. AMC12 Award Preparation Plan

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Now – June)

Goal: Systematically review high school math concepts and fill gaps in competition extension topics (complex numbers, number theory, combinatorics, etc.).
Action Plan:
Recommended Textbooks: Art of Problem Solving Volume 2, Intermediate Counting & Probability
Practice: Targeted basic problem drills, 2–3 basic sets per week, review mistakes.
Time Allocation: 2 hours per day, modular focus on Algebra/Geometry/Number Theory/Combinatorics.

Phase 2: Topic Reinforcement (July – September)

Goal: Solve past 10 years of real exams, summarize high-frequency question types and problem-solving patterns, improve speed and pressure resistance.
Action Plan:
Practice Strategy: Solve past 10 years of real exams, summarize high-frequency types and patterns (e.g., combining numbers with shapes, construction methods, congruence simplification).
Focused Breakthrough: Algebraic inequalities, circle powers in geometry, congruence in number theory, combinatorics counting.
Timed Training: 1 full real exam per week (75 minutes), improve speed and pressure resistance.
Time Allocation: 3 hours per day, combining topic review and timed mock exams.
Practical Tips: Simulate exam conditions, strictly enforce timing, develop a sense of test-taking rhythm; conduct detailed review after each mock exam to identify weak areas.

Phase 3: Final Sprint (October – Before Exam)

Goal: Intensively review real exams from 2015–2025, focus on questions 21–25, break down problem-solving steps to secure every point.
Action Plan:
Intensive Review: Re-solve real exams from 2015–2025, focus on questions 21–25, break down steps.
Full-Length Mock Exams: 2–3 full mock exams per week, strictly timed, practice time allocation.
Triple Review of Mistakes: Categorize errors (calculation/conceptual/trap-based) to avoid repeated point loss.
Time Allocation: 4–5 hours per day, combining mock exams, mistake review, and final tough problems.
Sprint Strategy: Ensure all of the first 20 questions are correct to save time for the later ones.

I. 2025 AMC12 Exam A vs Exam B: Exam Comparison

Dimension	Exam A	Exam B
Overall Difficulty	Medium-low, friendly structure	Medium-high, high thinking intensity
Algebra Proportion	44% (core), intuitive problems, focuses on basic operations	Focuses on functions, polynomials, sequences, emphasizes abstract transformation and symbolic manipulation
Number Theory Assessment	Almost no standalone questions, significantly weakened	Introduces new concepts (e.g., "sum-free sets"), emphasizes logical reasoning and just-in-time learning ability
Combinatorics Module	Increased proportion (due to reduced number theory), medium difficulty	Integration of probability and geometry, requires multi-step modeling, high-intensity case analysis
Geometry Module	Stable number of questions, moderate difficulty	Notably difficult: includes solid/analytic geometry, problems require complex constructions and heavy computation
Problem-Setting Trend	Adjusted module structure, tests breadth of revision	"Emphasis on application, strong innovation", highlights mathematical modeling and visual analysis

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II. How Can Students in Different Grades Prepare Scientifically?

Grade 9 (Middle School 3): Build Foundation + Explore the Path

Current Status: Just finished middle school math, possesses AMC10 foundation, but has not systematically encountered high school topics (trigonometry, complex numbers, logarithms).
Strategy: Focus on experience; do not force qualification, emphasize building confidence.
Action Plan:

Do 3–5 AMC12 past problems daily (prioritize questions 1–15), practicing by algebra/geometry modules;

Use six months (November 2025 – May 2026) to preview core high school content: functions, trigonometric identities, basic sequences;

You may also take AMC10 in parallel to double‑check your ability.

Advantage: Ample time, low trial‑and‑error cost, paving the way for aiming at AIME in 10th grade.

Grades 10–11 (High School 1–2): Golden Sprint Period

Current Status: Have completed most high school math content, knowledge system is complete, no immediate university application pressure.
Strategy: Fill the gaps in competition topics (combinatorics, number theory, advanced geometry); transition from "can solve" to "fast, accurate, stable".
Action Plan:

Systematically study AoPS Volume 2 and Intermediate Counting & Probability;

Complete 2 timed mock exams per week (alternating between Exam A and Exam B), focusing on problems 16–25;

Build a "mistake – knowledge point – solution model" triple‑entry file to fill gaps in a targeted way.

Goals:

Grade 10: AMC12 ≥ 95 points (secure AIME qualification);

Grade 11: AMC12 ≥ 125 points (aim for Honorable Mention / Distinction).

Key Reminder: This stage is critical for shaping your application profile; AMC12 scores directly affect eligibility for summer programs and research projects.

Grade 12 (High School 3): Final Sprint + Consolidate Achievements

Current Status: Facing university applications, time is fragmented, but knowledge is most complete.
Strategy: Focus on efficiency. Abandon overly tricky or uncommon problems, focus on high‑frequency core topics and classic problem types.
Action Plan:

Daily timed practice with one set of past problems from the last 3 years (strictly 75 minutes);

Consolidate answering rhythm: first 20 questions ≤ 55 minutes, aim to solve 2 of the last 5 questions;

Strengthen the "skip strategy": if uncertain, it is better not to answer (get 1.5 points).

Goal: Ensure AIME qualification or an Honorable Mention award, as a strong supplement to your application materials.
Note: This is your last opportunity to take the exam. Plan your time carefully to avoid conflicts with standardized tests.

AMC12 Preparation Courses

Our instructors are all graduates of top global universities. With precise curriculum planning and full‑course learning tracking, we support you all the way to improving scores and winning awards! Scan the QR code to learn about AMC10/12 competition courses. You can also receive a free, carefully prepared lecture handout. Online customer service. WeChat consultation.