<p>A quick question -- (hopefully Mr. Golub can respond)</p>
<p>I am interested in applying to Caltech. I have done well on standardized tests (800 sat 2s, sat 1 math, 5s on 6 math/sci aps), however, I have never taken the AMC exam. Does this drastically diminish my chances of acceptance?</p>
<p>No, the AMC is one of those "nice to have" things, but its not even necessary. Most applicants don't include them, and your math/science credentials are already good.</p>
<p>No. An AMC score is purely optional and your chances could never be hurt by not having one. Other kinds of math/science achievement can very often have the same effect or a stronger one than an AMC score.</p>
<p>Ah ok. Thanks.</p>
<p>What are good AMC/AIME scores?</p>
<p>qualifying for the aime could be an achievement for some, but generally speaking 4+ points on the aime is definetly worth mentioning</p>
<p>Which reminds me, has anyone here ever heard of the MAML?</p>
<p>Yes, me! It looks quite good, obviously, especially if you do well.</p>
<p>How good is well?</p>
<p>Some sort of non-sad sounding award will do it.</p>
<p>how good would qualifiying for the second round be? How does it compare to say, AIME?</p>
<p>Not quite as good, but certainly on the same order of magnitude.</p>
<p>How significant would qualifying for the USAMO be?</p>
<p>Very good! Very delicious.</p>
<p>is qualifying for usamo in 10'th not as impressive as if u qualify in 11'th?</p>
<p>Qualifying for USAMO in time to mention on a college application is impressive, period. I think the question in post #15 is in reference to some qualification rules that supposedly give an "advantage" to younger test-takers, but all roads to USAMO lead through AIME, and AIME isn't easy for anybody. </p>
<p>After edit: Oh, but the obligatory disclaimer here is that the top schools that are sought after by USAMO qualifiers are seeing applications from most of the other USAMO qualifiers (and from international students with comparable qualifications) and thus USAMO qualification by itself doesn't guarantee admission at any fine math school. But for the young person who enjoys math competitions and reaches that level, USAMO qualification is definitely a desirable thing to mention when applying to college.</p>
<p>Tokenadult gets it exactly right on : ) Nothing to add from me.</p>