<p>What's considered a good score on these, and how much does it affect admission decisions. I've heard that that a lot of people don't even submit them.</p>
<p>It's AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Exam). Qualifying for AIME means that you were in the top 5% of the AMC12 scores (roughly 100/150) or the top 2% of the AMC10 scores (varies, around 120/150). Anyone who qualifies for AIME should list that as an honor, and list their qualifying AMC10/12 score if the college asks for it (MIT and Caltech do). If you do not qualify for the AIME, your AMC10/12 score is probably not worth mentioning. The average AIME score is around 2/15, which is also not worth mentioning. An AIME score of about 6 starts to get impressive, and in some years may qualify you for the USAMO (math olympiad), which is VERY impressive.</p>
<p>i got a 113.5 on the amc10 last year, if i get a good score on the amc12 next year, do i have to include this one?</p>
<p>also, what AIME score would you say is worth mentioning? i took the 9-question practice test (i think it was the 2003 alternate, its on the website) and got 4 right in an hour. would USAMO be an unresistable hook for Caltech?</p>
<p>No score on any test is irresistable to Caltech. Caltech's admissions officers decide who attends Caltech. But an applicant who otherwise indicates a passion for studying math will certainly look more credible as a prospective math student if that applicant has qualified for the USAMO, to which many aspire but few attain. </p>
<p>Doing well on tests in practice conditions is a good start, but doing well on them in actual proctored testing conditions is what counts. I would agree with Texas that AIME scores of 6 and up, especially from younger rather than older test-takers, look quite impressive. </p>
<p>Have fun with your math.</p>
<p>you don't have to include any scores. It's totally optional. </p>
<p>For Caltech, and AIME score of 4 or better is probably worth mentioning, although it probably won't be impressive in their applicant pool until it's 6 or better. Qualifying for USAMO is a very strong plus, but I wouldn't call it an "irresistable hook". It probably wouldn't be enough to overcome an otherwise mediocre application.</p>
<p>There's a thread on the value of USAMO for apps on the college forum at <a href="http://www.artofproblemsolving.com%5B/url%5D">www.artofproblemsolving.com</a>.</p>
<p>Pretty much all of the above is true. No score on its own is overwhelming, but mention anything above a 4 (even below would help you as a demonstration of interest in math), we'll be impressed with a 6, and very favorably impressed with a 10+. Tell us your AMC score if it gets you into the AIME.</p>
<p>What percentage of admits or applicants have these?</p>
<p>Don't know, we don't track that particular statistic. I'd say about half of applicants list some sort of AIME score, and somewhat fewer list decent ones.</p>
<p>So 113.5 AMC12 and 7 will actually help me? Wow. I heard that Caltech only cares about USAMO and MOP qualification.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So 113.5 AMC12 and 7 will actually help me? Wow. I heard that Caltech only cares about USAMO and MOP qualification.
[/quote]
some years those scores would qualify you for USAMO.</p>
<p>This year, though, the USAMO index was 233, so even a perfect on my AMCs wouldn't have qualified me. Or I'd have to get a 12 on my AIME, which is a little bit high...</p>