The American Mathematical Olympiad (AMO) is a prestigious math competition designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. Founded in 1977 by renowned mathematician Dr. George Lenchner, AMO is one of the longest-running math competitions in the U.S., attracting nearly 150,000 students from around the globe each year.
What is AMO?
AMO is affiliated with the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) and is organized in partnership with the Southern Illinois University (SIU) and the Singapore International Math Competition Committee (SIMCC). The competition aims to foster a passion for mathematics and deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts through engaging challenges.
Open to students in grades 1 to 12, AMO follows the U.S. Common Core Standards. Its unique exam papers are crafted by experienced educators from SIU, ensuring that students are both challenged and inspired to explore mathematics further.
Benefits of Participation
Students who excel in AMO can receive a range of prestigious rewards, including:
- University scholarships
- Membership in the International Junior Honor Society (IJHS)
- Tuition grants and internship opportunities
- Inclusion in the Global Scholars Program
These benefits not only recognize students’ achievements but also provide valuable pathways for their academic and professional futures.
Competition Format and Awards
Exam Format
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Language: Bilingual (English and Chinese)
- Sections:
- Section A: 15 multiple-choice questions (3 points each, total 45 points)
- Section B: 5 open-ended questions (5 points each, total 25 points)
- Section C: 5 open-ended questions (6 points each, total 30 points)
Total possible score: 100 points. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
- Important Rules:
- Calculators are not permitted during the exam.
- Students can use scratch paper, but it must be destroyed in front of the camera after the exam.
- Exam Papers: Each grade level has a corresponding exam. First-grade students who wish to participate will automatically be registered at the second-grade level, and the difficulty of the exam will match the second-grade standard.
Important Dates and Registration
- Registration Deadline: October 20, 2024
- Competition Dates: November 9-10, 2024 (exact times to be confirmed)
- Registration Grades: Open to students in grades 1-12 (students must register based on their current grade level as of July; students can register for a higher grade level but are prohibited from registering for a lower grade level. Each student can only register for one grade level of the competition).
- Registration Fee: 400 RMB
- Registration Platform: Spark Education
Awards Structure
| Perfect Score Award | Top 8% |
| Gold Award | |
| Silver Award | Next 12% |
| Bronze Award | Next 20% |
| Honorable Mention | Next 10% |
| Participation Award | The Remaining 50% |
Gold Award recipients, including perfect scorers, are eligible to join the International Junior Honor Society (IJHS) and participate in the Young Achievers Leadership Academy (YALA).
The top 20% of winners (i.e. the Gold and Silver Award) will qualify to participate in the STEAM AHEAD-IJMO competition.
The top 40% of the participants (i.e., the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award) will receive a medal and a certificate and qualify to join the SIMOC competition.
Honorable Mention and Participation Award recipients will receive an electronic certificate.
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Spark Education’s Past Achievements
In 2023, Spark Education students achieved outstanding results, surpassing the average performance in the China region. The perfect score rate for Spark Education was an impressive 65.4%, significantly higher than the 54.56% average in the China region. Additionally, the combined gold, silver, and bronze award rates for Spark Education reached 54.4%, compared to 43.64% in the China region. These results highlight the exceptional preparation and performance of Spark Education students in the competition.
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Short-Term Courses for AMO Preparation
To ensure success, Spark Education offers targeted short-term courses featuring:
- Small group live sessions (1-8 students) for enhanced teaching effectiveness.
- Previous exam questions included to stay aligned with the organizers’ testing trends, ensuring students are well-prepared.
- Two full-length mock exams to boost confidence and improve mindset before the competition.
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Participating in the AMO not only enhances students’ math skills but also opens doors to numerous academic opportunities. Encourage your child to embrace this exciting challenge and be part of a global community of math enthusiasts!
