The American Mathematics Competition 10 (AMC 10) is a revered mathematics competition for high school students in grades 10 and below. Conducted annually by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the AMC 10 has consistently attracted a large number of participants, making it one of the most prestigious math contests in the United States.
Participation and Performance
In recent years, the AMC 10 has witnessed a surge in participation. In 2023, a record-breaking 675,239 students from 9,529 schools participated in the competition. Out of these students, 14,074 earned a perfect score of 150 points, while 354,522 students scored between 120 and 149 points.
Gender Distribution
The AMC 10 has historically had a gender gap in participation, with male students consistently outnumbering female students. In 2023, 60% of participants were male, while 40% were female. This gap is reflected in the top scorers as well, with 66% of perfect scores being earned by male students.
Geographical Representation
The AMC 10 has a nationwide reach, with students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participating in the competition. In 2023, California had the highest participation rate, with 124,901 students from 1,692 schools. Other states with high participation rates included Texas (92,746 students), Illinois (67,910 students), and New York (54,738 students).
Score Distribution
The AMC 10 score distribution follows a bell curve, with most students scoring in the middle range. In 2023, the median score was 91 points, with 25% of students scoring below 76 points and 25% scoring above 106 points.
| Score Range | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 140-150 | 2.1% |
| 120-139 | 40.1% |
| 100-119 | 36.6% |
| 80-99 | 17.2% |
| 60-79 | 3.5% |
| 0-59 | 0.5% |
Honor Roll and Distinction Awards
Based on their performance, students who participate in the AMC 10 are eligible for recognition through the Honor Roll and Distinction Awards. The Honor Roll recognizes the top 5% of students, while the Distinction Awards are given to students who score in the top 25%. In 2023, 33,762 students received Honor Roll recognition, and 168,810 students earned Distinction Awards.
Benefits of Participating in the AMC 10
Participating in the AMC 10 offers numerous benefits for students, including:
- Academic Recognition: High scores on the AMC 10 can enhance college applications and scholarship eligibility.
- Intellectual Stimulation: The competition challenges students to push their mathematical abilities and engage with problem-solving at a higher level.
- Exposure to Advanced Mathematics: The AMC 10 introduces students to challenging mathematical concepts that may not be covered in their regular coursework.
- Preparation for Higher-Level Math Competitions: The AMC 10 serves as a stepping stone to more advanced mathematics competitions, such as the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) and the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO).
Conclusion
The AMC 10 is a prestigious mathematics competition that attracts a large number of high school students each year. The competition provides a platform for students to showcase their mathematical abilities and earn recognition for their achievements. By participating in the AMC 10, students can gain valuable experience, enhance their mathematical knowledge, and prepare for future challenges in mathematics and beyond.