AIME I: February 4, 2027 · AIME II: February 10, 2027 · Register for AMC to Qualify →

AIME — American Invitational Mathematics Examination
The Elite Stage for Top Math Students (2026–2027)

Invitation-Only · Qualified from AMC 10/12 · 15 Fill-In Questions · 3 Hours · USAMO Selection Pathway

📅 AIME I: February 4, 2027 📅 AIME II: February 10, 2027 🏆 AMC 10 Top 2.5% · AMC 12 Top 5% 🔢 Integer Answers: 0–999
15
Fill-in-the-blank problems
180
Minutes (3 hours) exam time
15
Points maximum (1 pt each)
0–999
Answer range (integers only)

What is AIME? Its Relationship to AMC

AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) is the elite, invitation-only competition in the AMC pathway. Unlike AMC 8/10/12 which are open for registration, AIME can only be reached by scoring high enough on AMC 10 or AMC 12.

Established in 1983, AIME is held in February each year with two sittings (AIME I and AIME II). AIME scores, combined with AMC scores, determine qualification for the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). Simply qualifying for AIME is already an extraordinary achievement — it places you in the top 5% of math competitors worldwide.

AIME Qualification: AMC 10/12 Score Requirements

CompetitionQualification RateTypical Cutoff Score
AMC 10A / 10BTop 2.5%~90–105 points (out of 150)
AMC 12A / 12BTop 5%~78–95 points (out of 150)

Cutoff scores fluctuate each year based on problem difficulty and are announced by MAA after the exam. Aim for at least 10 points above the historical average as a safety buffer.

AIME Format: What Makes It Fundamentally Different from AMC

  • No multiple choice: All 15 problems require computing an exact integer answer
  • Integer answers only: Each answer is an integer from 0 to 999 — no partial credit, no guessing
  • 3 hours: Time is generous — AIME rewards deep thinking, not just speed
  • No calculator: Like AMC, all electronic devices are prohibited
  • High difficulty: Average scores are typically 3–6 out of 15; a score of 10+ indicates exceptional ability

2027 AIME I & AIME II Exam Dates

ExamDateHow to Participate
AIME IFebruary 4, 2027 (Thu)Automatically invited after qualifying from AMC; confirm participation with your test center
AIME IIFebruary 10, 2027 (Wed)Alternative sitting if unable to attend AIME I

No separate AIME registration is required. After qualifying from AMC, you'll receive an invitation. Most students take AIME I; AIME II is the backup option.

AIME Problem Topics: Advanced Mathematics

📊

Advanced Algebra

Polynomial equations, complex numbers, logarithmic identities, function iteration

🔢

Competition Number Theory

Modular arithmetic, Chinese Remainder Theorem, number-theoretic functions

📐

Competition Geometry

Ptolemy's theorem, Stewart's theorem, power of a point, coordinate geometry

🧩

Advanced Combinatorics

Generating functions, recursion, graph theory intro, advanced probability

AIME problems typically combine multiple mathematical areas creatively — the hallmark challenge that distinguishes AIME from standard examinations.

AIME → USAMO: The USA Mathematical Olympiad Selection Process

USAMO (USA Mathematical Olympiad) selects approximately 250–270 students each year from AIME participants:

  • USAMO Index: AMC 12 score × 10 + AIME score (max 1,665 points)
  • USAMO cutoff: Typically requires a USAMO Index of ~215–240+ (varies by year)
  • Significance: USAMO qualifiers are viewed by MIT, Harvard, and Princeton as among the top mathematical talents in the country
  • USAMO → IMO: Top USAMO scorers represent the USA at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

AIME Preparation Tips

  • Practice past papers: All AIME papers from 1983 onward are invaluable; classify problems by topic and difficulty
  • Use Art of Problem Solving (AoPS): AoPS textbooks and the AoPS community are the gold standard for AIME preparation
  • Think deeply, not quickly: With 12 minutes average per problem, train yourself to explore multiple approaches before committing
  • Build topic mastery: Study competition number theory, combinatorics, and geometry systematically — not just random problem sets
  • Join a Math Circle: Collaborative problem-solving with other advanced math students significantly accelerates improvement

Start with AMC — Your Path to AIME Begins Here

AIME cannot be entered directly. You must first qualify through AMC 10 or AMC 12. Register for AMC today.

🎯 Register for AMC 10 / AMC 12
FAQ

AIME Frequently Asked Questions

No. AIME is invitation-only. You must qualify by scoring in the top 2.5% on AMC 10 or top 5% on AMC 12. There is no direct registration for AIME.
AIME I and AIME II have different problems but equivalent difficulty. Most students take AIME I. AIME II is offered for students who cannot attend AIME I, or who wish to try again. The higher score from either sitting is used for USAMO index calculation.
AIME is scored out of 15 points. The average score is typically 3–5. Scoring 8+ demonstrates very strong competition math ability; 10+ is competitive for USAMO consideration; 12+ is exceptional.
AIME qualification alone is already a powerful application differentiator — it places you in the global top 5% of math competitors. A high AIME score (10+) or USAMO qualification is one of the strongest possible math credentials for applications to MIT, Harvard, Princeton, and similar institutions.
Competition Pathway

Two Paths to AIME Qualification

AMC 10
Grade 10 and below. Top 2.5% qualify for AIME. Registration deadline: October 30, 2026.
Register for AMC 10 →
AMC 12
Grade 12 and below. Top 5% qualify for AIME. Covers full precalculus curriculum.
Register for AMC 12 →
AMC 8
Start here to build competition math foundations for the long path to AIME.
AMC 8 Details →