AMC or SAT?

Test Preparation
1

Hi guys,

I’m trying to decide whether I want to spend the next four weeks preparing for the AMC12. I’m a junior and last year I was 3 points away from the AIME qualification score on AMC12. I took the SATs last October and got a 2200. I am taking it again in March. (Speaking of which, has anyone taken it at the Xavier School in NYC? If so, please inbox me thanks.)

Anyways, do you think it’s worth using the four weeks to prep AMC? Or should I just focus on the SATs? How important is AMC/AIME?

Thanks!

2

I’d say AMC12 for a few reasons:

  1. AMC12 problems are more interesting (imho)
  2. Your SAT score is already competitive for selective schools
  3. Making AIME (and also doing well) stands out more than an 800 on math
  4. You won't be able to take AMCs until next February, which is past many application deadlines
3

I don’t really think which one is more interesting is relevant…

4

However, I do agree with my self-proclaimed genius fellow commenter. Prep for the AMC

5

@MITer94‌ @HSStudent2015 Thank you kindly for your replies! I guess I will be putting more time on the AMC.

6

I second the suggestion that you have been given. Go for AMC and see if you can get the AIME qualification. A high AMC score and AIME qualification will get a lot more weight than a high SAT score, especially in highly selective science/math/engineering programs at places like MIT and Harvard.

7

AMC