Testing skills at the AMC

    The American Math Contest (AMC), previously known as the American High School Mathematics Examination, has been an annual occurrence for 58 years. By taking the test, students across the nation compete to receive an invitation to the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).
Competitors worldwide are selected to represent their countries in teams of six contestants.

    So far, the U.S. team, has been the only team to achieve total victory by earning a perfect score. Since its establishment in 1950, the test has changed in name and in number of questions. It was once held in just the state of New York, but has grown into a national exam.

    A major benefit of being sele cted to take the test is gaining in self-confidence and self-accomplishment. The contest also prepares students for the rigorous curriculum of college courses. Some universities have begun to ask applying students for their AMC scores.

    This year’s 75-minute contest was held on Tuesday, February 12, during R1. The turnout was good, with a total count of 214 students. The test consisted of 25 questions.

    “This is about the same number as we had last year and in previous years,” said math teacher Jim Evans.

    Although the amount of people participating remained the same as last year, the amount of underclassmen taking the test has risen drastically.

    “There were a lot of freshmen,” said sophomore Nissa Vandakoot.
 
    “We had more 9 and 10 graders register than 11 and 12 graders,” said Evans.

    One of the many ways that the test givers can determine who  the elite mathematicians are by forcing the students to take the test without using their calculators.

    “Working without a calculator was difficult because I’m used to using a calculator, even for simple math,” said Vandakoot.

    “I was bummed because I learned everything using the calculator, and I was also told that I would be able to use one,” said junior Nate Kaegi.

    Students registered for the competition for various reasons. Some competitors were rewarded with extra class credit in their math classes. Others just wanted to be able to leave their classes.

    “I competed mostly because it is a good experience, and I might even have a chance to move on to the next level, but I also will get extra credit in my math class,” said Vandakoot.

    The outcome was good, with most of the students feeling content. The test received mixed opinions. Some students said that the test was very difficult.

    “The test was extremely hard,” said Kaegi.

    Others said the exact opposite. “I think I did okay, but I’m not sure what grade I will get. I did put in a lot of effort, and it seemed like the other competitors took this test pretty seriously. It looked like they were working hard,” said Vandakoot.

    The students who do well on the test will be recognized at the Awards Banquet later this spring. The top scoring students will proceed to the next level of the competition in March. The next level is called the American Invitational Math Exam, or AIME. Test takers who perform well at that level will advance to the USA Math Olympiad and have the opportunity to compete at the IMO.