Omega LearnHow to Prepare for the AMC 8
MiddleWhat is the AMC 8?
Format
25 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. No negative marking, so always put an answer for every problem, even if you have to guess.
Who can enter
Students in grade 8 or below who are under 14.5 years old on the day of the contest. Younger and elementary students are also eligible.
Where to take it
Many middle schools host the contest. If yours doesn't, ask a teacher to apply as a hosting site, or use the zip code search to find a nearby location.
How to score high
Four things matter: understand the content, apply concepts creatively, solve accurately, and manage time: 25 questions in 40 minutes is tight.
Video Guides
Omega Learn · VideoHow to Prepare for the AMC 8: Ultimate Study Guide
A complete walkthrough of how to study for the AMC 8, start to finish.
Watch on YouTube →
Omega Learn · VideoUltimate AMC 8 Crash Course
A fast-paced review of the most important AMC 8 concepts in one sitting.
Watch on YouTube →
Omega Learn · Video9 Must-Know Tips for the AMC 8
The key strategies that make the difference on test day.
Watch on YouTube →Beginner Resources
Advanced Resources
Omega Learn · Free CourseAMC 8 Advanced / MATHCOUNTS
Harder concepts (Similar Triangles, Stars & Bars, Recursion) for students who know the fundamentals.
Watch on YouTube →
Omega Learn · Free TextbookMastering AMC 8
140+ pages with video lectures for every topic and hundreds of practice problems with solutions.
🏆 Strogatz Prize Honorable MentionRead & download free →
Omega Learn · Video SeriesMastering AMC 8 Video Series
The full video lecture series to accompany the book, one video per chapter.
Watch playlist →
Introduction to Algebra · AoPS
The most-covered topic on the AMC 8, treated thoroughly for problem solving.
View on Amazon →
Introduction to Number Theory · AoPS
Divisibility, primes, and modular arithmetic: frequent AMC 8 topics.
View on Amazon →
Intro to Counting & Probability · AoPS
Combinatorics is one of the trickiest AMC 8 topics; this covers it well.
View on Amazon →
Introduction to Geometry · AoPS
Geometry appears throughout the test and is essential for a complete toolkit.
View on Amazon →
Volume 1 · AoPS
A compact overview of all four Introduction books in one volume.
View on Amazon →Practice Contests & Mocks
Past AMC 8s with Solutions
The gold standard. Use a 40-minute timer to simulate real test conditions.
View on AoPS →AoPS Mock 2021
Another strong AoPS-created mock at the same quality bar as the real test.
Take the mock →Community Mock Contests
User-created mocks from the AoPS forums, good supplemental practice.
Browse mocks →
AlphaStar AMC 8 Practice Tests
A book of high-quality mock tests by AlphaStar Academy's problem writers.
View on Amazon →
Challenging Problems in Middle School Math
A well-regarded book for middle school competition prep beyond the AMC 8.
View on Amazon →Problem Trainers
Tips for Test Day
Bring colored pencils
Marking up geometry diagrams in color helps you spot similar triangles and regions faster. It's allowed and underused.
Re-read what's asked
A classic slip: solving for a side length when the question wants the area. Check the last sentence before bubbling.
Verify your answer sheet
Around the 35-minute mark, confirm bubbles match your work by question number, not just as a string of letters.
Skip and come back
Every question is worth the same. If you're stuck, move on. A late problem may be from your strongest topic.
Never leave a blank
No penalty means a blank is a guaranteed zero and a guess is a 20% shot. Use meta-solving to improve the odds.
Sleep, eat, stay calm
A rested mind makes fewer silly mistakes. Five slow breaths before the test genuinely helps.
Review, don't cram
The day before, refresh formulas and concepts you already know rather than learning new topics.
Take a timed mock
Do at least one full past test under real conditions (40 minutes, no breaks) so test day feels familiar.
Allowed Materials
✓ Allowed
- Writing utensils (including colored pens and pencils)
- Blank scratch paper
- Rulers
- Erasers
✕ Not allowed
- Calculators
- Smartwatches
- Phones or computing devices
- Compasses
- Protractors
- Graph paper