<p>Siserune- it’s funny how you seem to be only considering an 800 on the Math SAT1…there is no question that scoring a perfect score on the AMC is much much harder than scoring a perfect on the Math SAT 1. Likewise, scoring well enough on the AMC to qualify for AIME is harder than scoring well enough on the SAT1 Math to apply to top tier colleges (where well enough defined as 700+).</p>
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<p>IF they did, but do they? No. Also, there is no evidence that what you claimed here holds true.</p>
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<p>At a typical high school, you’re correct. People really do need to go and study outside material if they wish to qualify for the AIME.</p>
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<p>Actually, I’m pretty sure that most people who end up doing well in math competitions get their 800 on math before they spend years of time preparing. For example, one of my friends who is quite adept at math competitions got his 800 back in 7th grade, and he had not even begun studying for math competitions at that point.</p>