The AMC test has come to La Cañada High School. Ms. English was in charge of the AMC 10 and Ms. Calm was in charge of the AMC 12 test, which were conducted on February 15th. Both tests are 25-question, 75-minute, multiple choice examinations of high school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. The high school AMC is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad.
“It is the national exam hosted by the mathematical association and it is intended to test high performing student’s math solving skills in all aspects of math. Also, it is to rank our individual students’ strength in mathematics” said Ms. Calm. She added, “There are two levels. There is AMC 10 for sophomores and youngers and AMC 12 which is mainly for juniors and seniors. Any students in that grade in any level of mathematics [can take the test].”
As for the benefits from the test, Ms. Calm stated, “It is an exposure to a national math contest that gives them a chance to see the type of questions and applications of math that are out there beyond what they see in the classroom.”
Additionally, the AMC test gives students an opportunity to go to the second round or to be invited to take an invitational math exam. From there, they can move on to the Math Olympiad, which can potentially give them some scholarships.
Daniel Lee(11), who took AMC 12, said, ”I did it for my college application because when we are rewarded, it can be beneficial. The test was harder than my expectation because some of the questions were kind of difficult to understand, and I forgot the equations.” He also mentioned, “I would recommend the students who like math to take it since you need to wake up early in the morning which is also very stressful.”
There are two versions in the test: A and B. Both versions of the test have the same number of questions, scoring standards, and rules for administration. The only differences are the competition dates and set of questions since the two examinations are designed to be equal in difficulty and distribution of topics. The registered students in LCHS took the B version for free.
After the test, it takes approximately three to score and report the AMC 10 and AMC 12 answer forms. The AMC office will send the link to results by email as soon as the answer forms are scored. This test provides an opportunity for high school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Join the AMC competition next year to test your mathematical skills!
