AMC 10A vs. AMC 10B: Which One Should You Take and Why?

Ayushi
May 15
2 min read

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 10 is a well-known math competition for high school students in grades 10 and lower under 17.5. Two versions of this competition are offered each year: AMC 10A and AMC 10B. While both are supposed to be equally difficult, many students question which one to take.

Let's break it down!

AMC 10A vs. AMC 10B: Which One Should You Take and Why? — *Source: Google Images*

What's the Same?

Format: The basic format between the two versions mirrors each other exactly in structural composition.
Eligibility: Open to students in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years of age.
Format: 25 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes.
Content: Focuses on algebra, geometry, number theory, and basic probability: no trigonometry or calculus.
Scoring System: The scoring system awards candidates with 6 points for each right answer while leaving blank answers unchanged at 1.5 points and deducts 0 points for incorrect answers.
Difficult level: The difficulty level between the two versions is the same because both contain a similar range of topic types.

What’s Different?

Feature	AMC 10A	AMC 10B
Date	Earlier in November	Later in November
Questions	Unique question set	Unique question set
Registration	Separate registration	Separate registration
Opportunity	First chance	Second chance

The only differences lie in the dates and the questions. Everything else—format, difficulty, scoring—remains consistent.

So, Which One Should You Take?

Take Both, If You Can

If you're eligible and your school or test center offers both versions, you should take both.

Maximize Your Chances: You get two shots at qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME).
A Second Chance: If the first exam doesn’t go well, you get another opportunity.
Different Questions: You might find one set of questions more suited to your strengths.

As the Mathematical Association of America suggests, taking both can significantly improve your odds of success.

Can’t Take Both? Here’s How to Decide

If you're limited to just one version, consider the following:

Scheduling: Choose the date that best fits your calendar so you're not rushed or overwhelmed.
Preparation: If you need more time to prepare, go for AMC 10B.
Availability: Some schools or centers only host one version. In that case, simply take the one that's offered.

Conclusion

Both exams are equally challenging, so the ideal decision should be to take both AMC 10A and 10B to enhance the chances of scoring well and qualifying for the AIME. However, if you must choose only one, base your decision on practical issues such as preparation time and test centre availability.

We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

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