AMC 8: All you need to know

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What is the AMC 8?

The AMC 8 competition is multiple choice math competition held by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) for middle school students (up to grade 8). Held once a year, it allows younger students the opportunity to test their knowledge of middle school math. You can visit the official MAA AMC 8 page by clicking here.

Key Information:

  • Open to students grade 8 and younger who are under 14.5 years of age.
  • The test has 25 multiple choice questions with a time limit of 40 minutes.
  • Each question is worth 1 point. There is no penalty for guessing or wrong answers.
  • The questions test knowledge in pre-algebra, geometry, counting and probability, and number theory. Many questions require students to apply their knowledge to the real world, including reading information on charts and graphs. More difficult questions on the exam may require beginning algebra, including linear or quadratic equations.
  • No calculators are allowed on the test.
  • The test is given by schools and universities. Contact your school for information on how to register.

Why take the AMC 8?

The AMC 8 is the first in the AMC series that also includes AMC 10, AMC 12, and the invitational competitions AIME and USA(J)MO. Therefore, the AMC 8 is a great way for younger students to gain experience with math competitions and build their problem solving skills.

Like other math competitions, the AMC 8 provides a way for students interested in math to learn new ways to apply their knowledge and experience the joy of competition against others. Top scoring students can receive awards:

  • Honor Roll: Awarded to scores in (approx.) the top 5%. Typically requires a score of around 16.
  • Distinguished Honor Roll: Awarded to scores in (approx.) the top 1%. Typically requires a score of around 20.

How to Prepare:

The easiest way to prepare is to practice solving old AMC 8 problems. Click the links below to visit the ZIML Practice Page for:

  • Archived Exams: A full archive of every year’s AMC 8 exam. Students can take a practice exam that includes the real questions, timing, and scoring of each exam.
  • Mock Exams: Practice exams are also available with random real AMC 8 questions from previous years, this allows students to practice the feel of a AMC 8 exam without having the exact questions from a specific year. The Mock Exams also include the timing and scoring of a real AMC 8 exam.

ZIML Daily Magic Spells and Monthly Contests provide problems similar to the AMC 8 that test their mathematical problem solving skills. Click the links below to visit the ZIML site for:

  • Daily Magic Spells: Practice everyday with a free math problem!
  • Online Monthly Contests: Compete against other students from around the world in a timed monthly test. ZIML Division M is recommended for students preparing the for the AMC 8.

Areteem provides many programs that help students build the foundation and problem solving skills to succeed on the AMC 8. Click the links below to visit Areteem’s classes site for:

  • Intensive AMC Prep: Preparation courses and private lessons for students willing to work hard for quick improvement.
  • Live Online Classes and Self-Paced Online Classes: Year-round courses that systematically build knowledge and problem solving skills in Pre-Algebra/Algebra, Geometry, Counting & Probability, and Number Theory. Math Challenge I-A and I-B are recommended for students preparing for the AMC 8.
  • Summer Camps and Winter Camps: Onsite camps that provide intensive training that is both fun and challenging for students. Camps are a great way to make new friends, learn new math, and have fun over summer and winter breaks!

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