November 18, 2025
7 min. read
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) challenge students to think creatively and sharpen problem-solving skills.
But many wonder: “What is a good AMC score?”
The answer depends on your goals: qualifying for the AIME, earning Honor Roll, boosting college applications, or simply improving from last year.
Whether it’s the AMC 8, 10, or 12, a good score helps you grow and reach the next step in your math journey.
Understanding AMC Scoring
Before you can figure out what counts as a good AMC score, it helps to understand how the exams are scored.
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12) all have 25 multiple-choice questions, but the scoring rules aren’t the same for each test.
On the AMC 8, every correct answer is worth 1 point, and wrong answers don’t hurt your score, so guessing never carries a penalty.
For the AMC 10 and AMC 12, however, the system is different: correct answers earn 6 points, blank answers give 1.5 points, and incorrect ones give 0.
This means strategy matters—sometimes it’s smarter to leave a question blank than to guess randomly.
By knowing these scoring differences, you can better plan your test-taking approach and understand where your score stands whether it’s average, above average, or high enough to qualify for the AIME.
What Is Considered a Good AMC Score?
When students ask, “What’s a good AMC score?”, the answer depends on which contest you’re taking—AMC 8, AMC 10, or AMC 12—and what your goals are. Let’s break it down.
AMC 8
On the AMC 8, the average score is usually around 11–12 out of 25. Scoring 15 or higher shows strong foundational skills in middle school math.
Reaching 18+ points puts you on the Honor Roll (top 5% nationally), while 22–23+ points earn a spot on the Distinguished Honor Roll (top 1%).
These scores signal readiness for more advanced contests like the AMC 10 or even the AIME down the road.
AMC 10
For the AMC 10, national averages hover around 58–62 out of 150.
A score above 100 is considered highly competitive and places you well above average.
The AIME qualification cutoff varies each year but typically lands between 94.5 and 105 points, covering roughly the top 2.5% to 7% of participants. If your goal is to advance, hitting this cutoff is key.
AMC 12
On the AMC 12, average scores are in the mid-50s to low 60s. Scoring 100+ points is generally considered strong.
The AIME cutoff tends to fall in the mid-70s to high-80s, which corresponds to about the top 15–16% of test takers.
Students aiming for elite contests like the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) usually target much higher scores, while others may see anything above average as a valuable achievement for college applications and personal growth.
AIME Qualification Scores
One of the biggest goals for AMC 10 and AMC 12 participants is qualifying for the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination).
But what score do you actually need? The truth is here’s no single “magic number,” because cutoffs change every year.
Typical Cutoff Ranges
- AMC 10: Historically around 93–120 points. In recent years, cutoffs have been closer to 94.5–105.
- AMC 12: Usually falls between 75–100 points, with recent ranges around 76.5–88.5.
What This Means for Students
To make the AIME, you generally need to place in the top 2.5% to 7% of test takers.
Practically, this means aiming for about 100+ points on the AMC 10 and around 85+ points on the AMC 12 gives you a strong shot at qualifying.
Why Do Cutoffs Change?
Cutoffs vary because each year’s exam has a different difficulty level, number of participants, and score distribution.
To keep the number of qualifiers consistent, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) adjusts the cutoff scores instead of relying on fixed percentages.
Key Takeaway
A good strategy is to aim above the historical cutoffs so you have a buffer, no matter how the test plays out in a given year.
Understanding these trends can help you set realistic targets, prepare with purpose, and increase your chances of advancing to the AIME competition.
Factors That Define a “Good” AMC Score
A “good” AMC score isn’t just about the number you see on your score report; it depends on your goals and growth. Here are the main factors to consider:
Personal Growth
Your best benchmark is yourself. Even small improvements from last year’s score show progress in problem-solving skills and deeper understanding.
Benchmarking Against Peers
Cutoffs and percentiles provide context. For example, being in the top 5% nationally or reaching the AIME cutoff is often considered strong.
These benchmarks help you see where you stand compared to other students.
College and Scholarship Value
Strong scores, especially on the AMC 10 and 12, can boost college applications and even open doors to scholarships.
They highlight problem-solving and quantitative skills that top schools value.
Long-Term Contest Journey
The AMC is just the start. A solid score can lead to the AIME, USAMO, and even the IMO, connecting you with advanced math programs and competitive academic communities.
In short, a “good” AMC score is the one that aligns with your personal goals, whether that’s self-improvement, standing out nationally, or preparing for higher-level math contests.
How to Aim for a Good Score in AMC
Getting a strong AMC score takes both smart preparation and the right mindset. Here’s how:
Study Resources
- Work through past AMC exams to get familiar with question style.
- Use platforms like Gonit, Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) for detailed explanations.
- Explore official MAA practice materials and other trusted prep books.
Strategy Tips
- Manage time wisely: don’t get stuck on one problem.
- Prioritize accuracy: read carefully and check work to avoid silly mistakes.
- On AMC 10/12, remember: blanks earn partial credit, but wrong answers don’t—so educated guessing can help.
- Simulate real test conditions to build confidence and reduce stress.
Build Proof-Writing Skills
Even though the AMC is multiple-choice, contests beyond it (like the AIME and USAMO) require clear written solutions.
Practicing logical, step-by-step explanations will strengthen your math reasoning and set you up for success in higher-level competitions.
By combining the right resources, smart test strategies, and long-term skill development, you can aim for a score that not only feels “good” but also supports your academic journey.
FAQs About AMC Scores
🔹 What is a good AMC 8 score for middle school students?
A solid AMC 8 score starts around 15 out of 25, showing strong problem-solving skills. Scoring 18+ points earns a spot on the Honor Roll (top 5%), while 22+ points qualify for the Distinguished Honor Roll (top 1%). These scores signal excellent achievement and readiness for more advanced contests like the AMC 10 and eventually the AIME.
🔹 What AMC 10 score is enough for AIME qualification?
To qualify for the AIME from AMC 10, students usually need to score between 94.5 and 105 points, depending on the year’s difficulty. This typically represents the top few percent nationwide.
🔹 Is 100 a good score on AMC 12?
Yes. Scoring 100+ on the AMC 12 is considered strong, placing you well above average and often near or above the AIME cutoff. Depending on the year, that score may be enough to advance.
🔹 Do colleges care about AMC scores?
While AMC scores aren’t the only factor in admissions, strong performance—especially on the AMC 10 or 12—can enhance your college and scholarship applications. They highlight problem-solving ability, persistence, and quantitative reasoning, which are valuable for STEM programs at selective universities.
🔹 What’s more important: AMC score or improvement?
Both matter, but improvement often matters more. Consistently raising your score shows growth, resilience, and stronger mathematical thinking. These qualities prepare you for future contests and academic challenges, beyond just one competition result.
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Conclusion
So, a good score of AMC depends on the contest level (AMC 8, 10, or 12), your personal goals (qualifying for AIME, reaching the Honor Roll, or boosting college applications), and the year-to-year cutoff variability.
