<p>Hi. I wanted to know what exactly USAMO is and how to take it. Do you have to go to a test center? Also, how is it taken? Is it just one test or are there any rounds? Do colleges like it if you win it?
Thanks!</p>
<p>It’s a qualifying test for the IMO , but you have to score highly on preliminary tests ( the AIME and the AMC) in order to have a shot at taking the test. It’s a yearly event, and you have had to taken the AMC in the spring if you wanted to have a chance for the AIME and the USAMO. The USAMO is a great thing to have on your resume as far as mathematics go , that is if you qualify of course. Around ~75% of the kids who competed in USAMO and applied to MIT, got in . So that should hint to you the calibur of math those kids know and compete at.</p>
<p>howmanyofme</p>
<p>Are AIME and AMC different tests? If I was trying to take USAMO in 2013, how should I prepare for it? Do I have to take both AIME and AME? Do you know any test dates?
Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s taken by about 250 of the brightest math students in the U.S. You have to first take the AMC and if you score high enough, take the next test which is the AIME. The scores of the AIME and AMC are combined to give you a USAMO index, and if your index is higher than the cutoff as determined by the MAA, you are invited to take the USAMO. It is a 9 hour test with two 4 and a half hour sessions spread over 2 days.</p>
<p>See here for past AMC, AIME, and USAMO tests. [USA</a> • Art of Problem Solving](<a href=“http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Forum/resources.php?c=182&sid=7441647c2f4fefe9cb4fd13e2178df97]USA”>http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Forum/resources.php?c=182&sid=7441647c2f4fefe9cb4fd13e2178df97)</p>
<p>If you are in 11th or 12th grade you take the AMC 12.</p>
<p>If you are in 10th grade or below, you take the AMC 10 however you may elect to additionally take the AMC 12 on the alternate date.</p>
<p>cortana431</p>
<p>Do you know where I can get info about the test dates for AMC and AIME? Can you take them more than once a year?</p>
<p>I found this for thnkprnctn [American</a> Mathematics Contest 12 - AMC 12](<a href=“American Mathematics Competitions | Mathematical Association of America”>American Mathematics Competitions | Mathematical Association of America)
But I was wondering if it is possible to take AMC 12 as a senior and be able to know if you qualify for USAMO or AIME before college decision? I never heard of it before or I would have taken it this year.</p>
<p>@thnkprnctn, AMC10/12 are always held on two dates, the A and B tests in early and late February. You can take both of these.</p>
<p>The AIME is usually held in mid-March, with an alternate AIME in late March/early April. You cannot officially take both AIME’s.</p>
<p>Your index is defined as (AMC score) + 10*(AIME score) so the max. index is 300. Usually an index of 200-210 is good enough for USAMO, and 180-190 for USAJMO (only if you’re 10th grade or below and took the AMC10).</p>
<p>Now do realize that USAMO is an extremely difficult test and even qualifying is an accomplishment in itself. I qualified for USAMO once (in 2010) and I know people who have qualified for several years straight. I almost made it to MOSP…was only one question off :(</p>
<p>The basic format of the test is: 6 questions, 9 hours spread over two days (so you have 3 questions, 4 1/2 hours per day). Usually, #1 and #4 will be the easiest, followed by #2, 5, 3, 6. You have to provide proofs for your answers/explanations.</p>
<p>rspence</p>
<p>So can I take AMC 10/12 in Feb. and take AIME in March or April? If I qualify (which will be almost impossible), do I take the USAMO the same year?</p>
<p>@thnkprnctn yes. However, as you probably know, you have to pass the AMCs to take the AIME. A passing score is usually 100.0 for AMC12 and 120.0 for AMC10 but they may lower it depending on how many people pass.</p>