Omega LearnHow to Prepare for the AIME Math Contest
HighWhat is the AIME?
Format
15 questions in two 90-minute parts: 8 questions in the first part and 7 in the second, with a short break. You can't go back to the first part once the second starts. Each answer is an integer from 0 to 999, so there are no answer choices to guess from.
Who qualifies
New for 2026โ27, the cutoff is a fixed score instead of a percentile: 100 or above on the AMC 10 or 85 or above on the AMC 12. You must also be at least 13 years old. USAMTS says a score of 68+ on the USAMTS also qualifies.
Where to take it
There is no longer an AIME I and AIME II. Qualifiers take one computer-based AIME at a Pearson testing center during the February 5โ6, 2027 window, and can take it only once.
Registering and exam day
Qualifiers get an email invitation, then register and schedule directly with Pearson ($85 fee). No materials are allowed in the room; laminated graph paper and pens are provided.
How to score high
Master intermediate algebra, counting, number theory, and geometry, then build accuracy and stamina with full-length timed mocks. Practice working without a compass or ruler.
What comes next
Selection for the 2027 USAMO and USAJMO is based primarily on AIME scores. AMC scores no longer count toward USA(J)MO qualification, so your AIME score is what matters.
Official Information
Recommended Books
Intermediate Counting & Probability ยท AoPS
Advanced combinatorics and probability, frequent and tricky AIME topics.
View on Amazon โ
Intermediate Algebra ยท AoPS
Polynomials, sequences, and more: core algebra for the AIME.
View on Amazon โ
Precalculus ยท AoPS
Trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors that appear on harder AIME problems.
View on Amazon โ
UKMT Introduction to Number Theory
A clear, thorough treatment of number theory, a key AIME topic.
View on Amazon โ
UKMT Crossing the Bridge: Geometry
Builds geometric intuition and technique for competition geometry.
View on Amazon โ
Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads ยท Evan Chen
A rigorous geometry text for students pushing toward the top of the AIME and beyond.
View on Amazon โ
Vol 2: and Beyond ยท AoPS
Good overview of the topics you need to know for the AIME.
View on Amazon โ
AIME Practice Tests ยท AlphaStar Academy
A book of high-quality AIME mock tests by AlphaStar's problem writers.
View on Amazon โProblem Trainers & Topic Sets
AIME Problems Sorted by Topic (through 2014)
A topic-organized collection of past AIME problems for focused practice.
Open โDavid Altizio's Homemade Problems
A large set of original AIME-style problems from a well-known problem writer.
Explore โBCA Math Team Archive
An archive of practice materials from the Bergen County Academies math team.
Browse โPractice Contests & Mocks
Official AIME Problems & Solutions (AoPS Wiki)
Every past AIME with full solutions. Use a 3-hour timer to simulate the real test.
View on AoPS โList of AIME Mocks on AoPS (Wiki)
A wiki index of community-written mock AIMEs for extra practice.
Browse mocks โMore AIME Mocks from the AoPS Forum
Additional user-created mock contests posted on the AoPS forums.
Browse mocks โXYZ Contest (2022โ23)
A completed community mock contest series at AIME difficulty.
View contest โYouth Conway Math Association (YCMA)
A downloadable archive of YCMA mock contest materials.
Download โCourses & Online Classes
Art of Problem Solving ยท Class Schedule
Structured online courses, including AIME-focused problem solving classes.
View schedule โAlphaStar Academy ยท Math Course Catalog
Competition math courses aimed at AIME-level students.
Browse courses โ