AMC 8 is a nationwide math competition for middle school students, designed to develop problem-solving skills and foster a love for math. Scoring well can help students stand out in math programs, magnet schools, and future math competitions.
What is the AMC 8 Contest?
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice mathematics competition designed for middle school students. It is organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). The test emphasizes problem-solving and logical reasoning, and students are not penalized for incorrect answers, so guessing is encouraged if unsure.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 25 |
| Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Scoring | +1 per correct, no penalty for wrong |
| Allowed Materials | Writing utensils, scratch paper, rulers |
| Prohibited Materials | Calculators, smart devices, graph paper |
Who Can Take the AMC 8?
Open to students in Grade 8 or below.
Participants must be under 14.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
Elementary students are also encouraged to participate if they feel ready.
How to Prepare for AMC 8?
How to Score High on AMC 8?
| Skill | Description |
| Conceptual Understanding | Learn beyond school math curriculum. |
| Application | Practice applying math creatively. |
| Accuracy | Avoid misreads, calculation errors, and careless mistakes. |
| Speed | Finish all questions in time. Aim for < 1.6 minutes per question. |
Tips:
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Don’t get stuck on any question.
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Double-check answers and bubbles.
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Use colors for geometry problems.
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Always make educated guesses.
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Take deep breaths and stay calm.
Weekly Study Plan for AMC 8 prep
| Week | Focus Area | Key Concepts | Practice Activities |
| 1 | Arithmetic & Number Theory | Fractions, divisibility, primes, LCM/GCD | AMC 8 Qs 1–10, arithmetic drills |
| 2 | Pre-Algebra & Equations | Variables, linear equations, ratios | Equation solving, AMC 8 Qs 5–15 |
| 3 | Geometry | Angles, shapes, area, perimeter | Diagram problems, geometry puzzles |
| 4 | Logic & Word Problems | Reasoning, elimination, problem deconstruction | AMC 8 logic problems, puzzles |
| 5 | Advanced Strategies | Recursion, Stars & Bars, complex problems | Harder AMC 8 Qs 20–25 |
| 6 | Full Test Practice | Time management, endurance | Full mock tests, score analysis |
Resources for AMC 8 Prep
For Beginners
| Resource | Description |
| Free AMC 8 Fundamentals Course | Covers core topics like counting, exclusion-inclusion, area problems, etc. |
| AoPS Prealgebra | Foundation-level textbook that builds essential algebraic reasoning skills. |
| Competition Math for Middle School | Great starter guide with classic problems and key techniques. |
For Advanced Learners
| Resource | Description |
| Mastering AMC 8 Book | 400+ pages covering all AMC 8 topics with video explanations and strategies. |
| AMC 8 Advanced Course | WuKong Math offers AMC 8 courses, focusing on higher-level topics like recursion, similar triangles, and clever tricks. |
| AoPS Volume 1 | Comprehensive problem-solving guide for strong AMC 8 scorers. |
AMC 8 Past Papers (2023–2025)
| Year | |
| 2023 | AMC 8 2023 Questions & Solutions |
| 2024 | AMC 8 2024 Questions & Solutions |
| 2025 | AMC 8 2025 Questions & Solutions |
Crucial Test-Day Tips for AMC 8 Prep
| Tip No. | Strategy |
| 1 | Use colored pens for visualizing geometry problems |
| 2 | Double-check what the question is asking for |
| 3 | Confirm that your bubbled answers match your written ones |
| 4 | Skip hard questions and come back later |
| 5 | Don’t be intimidated by question order |
| 6 | Get good sleep and stay calm |
| 7 | Guess if you don’t know—never leave a question blank |
| 8 | Practice full mock tests under timed conditions |
| 9 | Review known formulas the day before—don’t cram new topics |
Supercharge Your Prep with WuKong’s AMC 8 Intensive Course
While self-study and practice problems are essential, having a structured roadmap can make the difference between a good score and a medal-winning performance. WuKong Education’s 2025-2026 AMC 8 Intensive Course is designed to take the guesswork out of preparation. Built on a rigorous analysis of the last 10 years of exam trends, our program transforms preparation into a science.
Why join the WuKong cohort?
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A Proven 3-Stage Acceleration Model: We don’t just teach math; we build competitors. Our 24-lesson curriculum guides students through a strategic progression:
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Specialized Breakthrough (16 Weeks): Mastering the 5 core modules (Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, etc.) from the ground up.
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Comprehensive Strengthening (6 Weeks): Tackling high-difficulty adapted problems to sharpen speed and accuracy.
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Sprint & Polish (2 Weeks): Focusing on high-frequency traps and mock exams for peak performance.
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Learn from the Top 1%: Your child will be mentored by an elite faculty—87% of whom hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees from world-renowned universities.
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Results That Speak Louder: Our system works. In 2023, over 50% of WuKong participants scored above the national median, and 1 in 2 students earned awards in major math competitions.
Don’t leave your AMC 8 results to chance. Book a Free Trial Class and start your journey to the Honor Roll today!
FAQs about AMC8 Prep
Who can take AMC 8?
Students in Grade 8 or below, under age 14.5.
When is AMC 8?
Annually in late January.
What is covered in AMC 8?
Algebra, Geometry, Counting, Number Theory, Logic.
How to register AMC 8?
Through an official test center (check MAA website).
How to prepare for AMC 8 easily?
Use past papers, take mock exams, and review solutions.
Conclusion
With a structured plan, the right resources, and consistent practice, you can significantly improve your AMC 8 performance. Use this guide as a roadmap and start preparing early. Best of luck!
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Graduated from the University of New South Wales. He has over 8 years of experience teaching elementary and high school mathematics and science. As a rigorous and steady mathematics teacher, Nathan has always been well received by students 1-12 grades.