Mathematics Contests

Organised by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) at three levels (AMC 8/10/12). Top scorers advance to the AIME — a flagship credential for STEM applicants.

Suitable Grades

AMC 8: Grade 8 and below; AMC 10/12: Grade 10/12 and below

Contest Time

AMC 8 in January; AMC 10/12 in November

Format

AMC 8: 25 questions, 40 minutes; AMC 10/12: 25 questions, 75 minutes, online or on paper

Organised by the University of Waterloo, emphasising full written solutions and mathematical communication. Highly regarded by Canadian and North American universities.

Suitable Grades

Grade 11-12; strong younger students may enter early

Contest Time

Every April

Format

10 full-solution problems, 2.5 hours, written paper

Run by the UK Mathematics Trust with JMC, IMC and SMC levels — the signature maths challenges for UK-track students.

Suitable Grades

JMC: up to Year 7; IMC: up to Year 10; SMC: up to Year 12

Contest Time

Various levels between October and April

Format

25 multiple-choice questions, 60-90 minutes, online or on paper