What does it take to qualify to AIME? Please help!

<p>Hello fellow CC users!</p>

<p>It's been a while since I've posted here. Today I'm exploring a topic I haven't gone into before: the American Mathematics Competition. After looking over my schedule for this year and deciding where I would like to allocate my time, I decided that self-studying AP courses isn't as intellectually stimulating as I thought it would be and it seems to me that too many students are doing it for the sake of 'impressing' colleges when, in reality, that doesn't seem to be the case. </p>

<p>As such, I had a 'flash-back' to February of this year, when my friend talked me into taking the AMC 10 exam. I scored a 96 without any preparation except for looking through the test format in the library while I was waiting for the exam to begin. I thought that the exam was really intriguing because it didn't seem to test how well I could apply formulas, but rather how I could use my logic and problem-solving skills--traits that are critical in numerous disciplines. I want to continue with this type of activity because I feel it stimulates my brain and could be rewarding. Unfortunately, I do not know much about the AMC or similar exams and if it is possible to qualify for the AIME, an achievement that is lauded by people across forums and at my school. </p>

<p>Would it be possible for me to qualify for the AIME if I prepared to take the AMC 12 exam given my experience? Should I invest my time in something else or is it 'too little too late'? Please feel free to give me any advice, suggestions, or feedback you may have!</p>

<p>Best,</p>

<p>Scholar35</p>

<p>The AIME is harder to qualify for when taking the AMC 12 then AMC 10. That being said it seems realistic. I can remember the exact cutoffs but I think it was something like you had to score in the top 5 percent or get at least 100.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply, ArtsyGirl13!</p>

<p>Do you have any suggestions for me so that I can be ‘competitive’ when I take the exam?</p>

<p>Anyone else have some advice?</p>

<p>Do questions from former years, that is how we prepare at my school. As long as your math skills are solid that is all you really can do to prep.</p>

<p>I agree with ArtsyGirl13. Find previous AMC12 exams (they’re on the Art of Problem Solving website, but I can’t link it here) and work through them under timed conditions. Go back to the ones you couldn’t get and try to figure them out untimed. I’d also recommend Art of Problem Solving, Volume 2: and Beyond, which contains AIME/USAMO-level problems and strategies. Best of luck!</p>

<p>You may have already done this, but the Art of Problem Solving website has an active forum with lots of people who are into math contests like the AMCs and would happily help you.</p>

<p>For the AMC 12, a pitch of luck helps! Most of the time that I’ve seen the qualifying score curves out to missing 2-3 questions in turn for one correct guess! So given you actually do enough questions, guessing can get you over to the AIME. And for me, generally there is one easy form and one hard form (that fits your style) with late and early testing. Ah, and cross your fingers not to miss the dumb mistake problems they throw in there.</p>

<p>artofproblemsolving.com is your new best friend
i’m an active member on that site :D</p>

<p>Thanks for the help everyone!</p>

<p>I’ll begin using AoPS now; I saw the website a while ago but never paid much attention to it. I’ll make sure to post a similar message on the forums there!</p>