<p>I have a 99 average in AP BC Calculus, scored 750 on SAT Math, 800 on Subject Test Math 1 and 2, but I doubt I'm among the top 5% of AMC test takers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I got a scored around the average since I took it with little preparation. </p>
<p>Still, not being able too get above 100 (AMC 12) naturally is upsetting and make me doubt my math skills. So that makes me want to ask, how well does the AMC contest test one's math abilities?</p>
<p>It’s a pretty good indicator (much better than math classes or SATs in any case); however, I would think that the AIME is the best indicator. (Mostly because a lot of talented students are proof-illiterate and cannot do well on USAMO as a result)</p>
<p>It’s a difficult test. Don’t be ashamed if you didn’t get above 100. Sure it tests intuition, that ability to see the trick, have that “AHA” moment, but that kind of math normally doesn’t come into play until college.</p>
<p>AMC/AIME/USAMO are one of the best indicators of math skill.
SAT math/ap calc are not really math. More like learning to apply rules and things. You don’t even have to understand math to do amazing in AP calc.</p>
<p>This may sound stupid, but what is the AMC test? I’ve never heard of it.</p>
<p>Google is your best friend! 
American Mathematics Championship (Or Competition, I forget).</p>
<p>Tons of people get 800 on SAT “math”, although I would not consider math. You should practice some of the problems for AMC/ AIME and get better, they are actually really enjoyable.</p>
<p>Haah. Yeah. After I posted that I felt like a huge dbag. But youre right, google is my BFF</p>
<p>SAT’s are a good indicator in the average population, but fails to distinguish students in the top 5% (they all get 800s). The AMC, being much harder (and IMO much better of a test) serves distinguish the best from the best of the best very well–essentially the only people who take the AMC can already get at least 750+ on the SAT, yet the average score is like 60-80 out of 150, where leaving a test blank is a 37.5 out of 150.</p>
<p>Granted, some of the best math students will complain that the AMC would not be an accurate measure of ability at the math olympiad level, and that it more measures speed and accuracy in calculation, but whatever.</p>
<p>They have just posted cutoff scores for AIME :
AMC 10 A - 118.5
AMC 12 A - 88.5</p>
<p>It was probably the most difficult test to date. So cheer up :)</p>
<p>I got a 760 on the Math SAT Subj Test, but I feel like that was mostly luck. I pull 75’s on the AMC. FAIL.</p>
<p>AIME is the best indicator, USAMO is hard because you have to know how to write substantial proofs which most high school kids won’t know even if they are amazing at math. As for as SAT Math goes it’s not an indicator at all, a friend of mine who made IMO for the UK got a 780 on the math SAT I because he did not read one question properly and therefore got it wrong.</p>
<p>Which version of math would you consider more of a mind game, the SAT Math or AMC 10/12’s?</p>
<p>The AMC is much more of a mind game. I didn’t find the SAT math wasn’t really a mind game at all.</p>
<p>The AMC/AIME are more a test of problem solving than pure mathematical ability, IMO. Obviously there’s a strong interdependence, but it’s not the end of the world if you can’t score 100. If it’s important to you, reading and working through a good problem solving book would probably help a lot.</p>
<p>You may also be hurt by a lack of knowledge in a particular area. I struggled to do any geometry beyond the first 8 AMC 12 questions, in large part because I lacked a solid foundation in the rules. I don’t think I did any AIME geometry questions, and I was only able to get a permutation question because I had plenty of time available :rolleyes:.</p>
<p>ya, the AMC makes me hate myself. lol. i forgot to pay for it this year :(. I’m a prospective math major and i don’t think i’ve ever scored higher than an 85 on tht test (considering the cut off tht year was like 110). idk. it’s a good math indicator, but the questions are so random. i never studied because i dont know how u can study hen they literally can put anything. it’s basically an extremely hard puzzle.</p>