FAQ

1. How do I qualify for AIME?

AIME eligibility depends on AMC 10 and AMC 12 results.

• AMC 10: Invitations are extended to approximately the top 2.5% of scorers.

• AMC 12: Invitations go to approximately the top 5% of scorers.
  The exact cutoff scores vary depending on the difficulty of each exam.

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2. Who can proctor AIME, USAMO, and USAJMO?

Students are supervised by a school teacher (preferably a math teacher) or an authorized adult. This can include:

• College or university math instructors

• Math club coaches

• Librarians or responsible adults

Proctors must have no relation to the participants.

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3. When will I see my AIME results?

• AIME scores, like AMC 10 and AMC 12, are available on the AMC platform within 24 hours of submission.

• USAMO and USAJMO qualification reports are released 3–4 weeks after the exams, along with printed and scanned official scores.

• USAMO score ranking is completed about 10 days after the exam, and thresholds are published online shortly after.

• Solutions and student scores for USAMO and USAJMO are accessible to competition managers 2–3 weeks after the exams.

• Note: AMC does not return USAMO or USAJMO papers to students.

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4. If I take both AMC A-date and B-date exams, which score is used for AIME qualification?

• The higher score is used.

• AMC scores are matched with AIME scores using the student ID generated on the AMC platform.

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5. Can I take AIME at a location different from my AMC 10 or AMC 12 test site?

• Students should attend AIME at the same site as their AMC exam whenever possible.

• If this is not feasible, an alternative competition manager with proctor materials will administer the exam, and the “Venue Change” form must be submitted.

• Students can use the previous year’s competition site page as a reference and contact nearby schools.

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6. Can I take both AIME I and AIME II?

• No. Students may only choose one date.

• AIME I and II are not both allowed, and simultaneous registration is prohibited.

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7. What is the difference between AIME I and AIME II?

Exam Schedule:

• AIME I is usually held one week before AIME II.

• Students taking AIME II can use AIME I problems for practice and simulation, as the difficulty level is generally similar.

Registration Limit:

• Students may participate in either AIME I or AIME II, but not both. This ensures fairness and proper resource allocation.

Difficulty and Qualification:

• While AIME I and II have similar difficulty, historical data shows that AIME II average scores are slightly higher. This may result from students adjusting strategies or practicing in advance.

Cutoff Scores:

• AIME II cutoff scores are generally slightly lower than AIME I, due to smaller participation or better-prepared students.

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8. What AIME score is considered competitive?

• Maximum score: 15 points

• Average score: ~5 points per year

• Competitive score: 7+ points

Impact on U.S. College Applications:

• Top 30 universities: Generally require 7+ points

• Top 20 universities: Usually require 8+ points

Impact on Math Summer Programs:

• Elite programs such as Ross and SUMaC often prefer students with AIME scores around 9

Qualification for USAMO / USAJMO:

• Typically requires 8–9 correct answers (8–9 points)

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9. How difficult is the AIME?

Many parents notice that students who excel in AMC 10/12 may only score around 4 points on AIME. This reflects the differences in exam format and skill requirements.

Key Differences Between AMC 10/12 and AIME:

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This format ensures clarity for English-speaking audiences while preserving all technical details and guidance for students, parents, and educators.