What is the AMC 8 test?

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for students in Grade 8 and below. According to the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the exam “provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.”

What are the topics covered in AMC 8?

The AMC 8 covers a range of mathematical concepts from a typical middle school curriculum. Questions may include but are not limited to: 

• Counting and probability
• Estimation
• Proportional reasoning
• Elementary geometry
• Spatial visualization
• Everyday application
• Reading and interpreting graphs and tables

Some advanced questions may involve:

• Linear or quadratic functions and equations
• Coordinate geometry
• Other concepts from beginning algebra

When is the AMC 8 exam?

The 2022 AMC 8 exam will run from January 18, 2022, at 8:00 AM ET through January 24, 2022, at 11:59 PM ET.

How do students register for AMC 8?

Since Fall 2020, the AMC-8 has been offered in both online and paper options. Competitions are administered by a competition manager, which is typically a middle school, college, university, learning center, or math circle. The MAA encourages students to take the competition for greater ease and convenience. The online option also gives students the freedom to register with any competition manager that will accept their enrollment. Students taking the test online can choose to be proctored by a parent or guardian if allowed by the competition manager administering the test.

In 2022, The Study Huddle is offering the online option to administer the competitions. If you would like to register for the competition through us, Contact us.

AMC 8 competition managers are in constant communication with MAA members and Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) competition platform teams to conduct these tests fairly by understanding and enforcing the rules of the competition within the new, virtual environment.

How can students study for AMC 8 2022?

Practice with sample AMC 8 problems

Sample problems from previous AMC 8 tests are a great way for students to get a feel for the exam. Find sample AMC 8 practice problems below.

Students should also familiarize themselves with the mathematical concepts listed above. The test is designed to include material covered in a typical middle school curriculum. We encourage students to immerse themselves in the mathematical patterns in the world around us, explore the connections between algebra and geometry, and understand the power of primes, factors, and numerical patterns.

Practice taking the AMC 8 test

One of the most important things students can do is learn essential test-taking skills. Knowing how to solve complex problems and manage time effectively can go a long way.

Many times, students struggle with comprehension of the problem and miss out on clues that may lead them to form a strategy. The more they can make sense of these problems, the more successful they will be on the test. Students should be sure to have a step-by-step strategy for dealing with difficult problems.

Students should also understand the progression of problems and allocate time wisely. The problems get progressively harder and more time-consuming towards the end. It is better to plan roughly 20 minutes for the last 10 problems and the other 20 minutes for the first 15.

We recommend that students complete anywhere from three to five AMC 8 practice tests per week using a 40-minute countdown timer. This helps students get into a rhythm. Additionally, students taking the test online may have to draw diagrams by hand, so they should practice drawing diagrams with roughly accurate dimensions.

Finally, it is crucial to know the rules of the competition and have the proper tools. Writing utensils, blank scratch paper, rulers, and erasers are permitted. Other tools, including calculators, smartwatches, phones, computing devices, compasses, protractors, and graph paper are prohibited.

Learn and practice with a group

We encourage students to join a math club or regularly connect with other math enthusiasts. Learning with a group in a comfortable space allows students to exchange ideas without inhibitions.

How can The Study Huddle help?

Our Academic Competitions programs give students an edge over their peers taking the AMC 8, Mathcounts, and other academic competitions. We offer AMC 8 Competition prep classes designed to introduce students to the problem-solving strategies required to succeed in math competitions at the school, chapter, state, and national levels. Our effective lesson plans, small discussion groups, problem-solving sessions, and math jams give students an in-depth understanding of concepts used in the test, including pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, probability, and number theory. Practice sessions allow them to deliver on their knowledge with speed and accuracy in preparation for the competition.

Our programs provide a learning environment where students feel at home and are empowered to express and debate their solutions. As a result, they’re comfortable challenging and appreciating each other’s ideas while learning the many ways of solving a problem and finding the elegance behind the solutions.

How can students find their AMC 8 score?

The MAA AMC office is expected to email official scores in February for the 2022 AMC 8 competition in January. Processing tests and reporting scores take approximately three to four weeks.

The Study Huddle is here to help

If you are interested in learning more about AMC 8 prep and similar academic competitions, The Study Huddle offers dedicated, live online prep courses for AMC 8 at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and find out which session is right for you.

The Study Huddle has been helping students in the greater Chicago area prepare for AMC 8 from our Naperville location for several years. In 2022, we are administering the competition online. Contact us to register for the AMC 8 competition through The Study Huddle.

Sample AMC 8 problems

Problem #1:

If 3p + 34 = 90, 2r + 44=76, and 53 + 6s = 1421, what is the product of p, r, and s?

Problem #2

A 1 × 2 rectangle is inscribed in a semicircle with the longer side on the diameter. What is the area of the semicircle?

(A) π / 2 

(B) 2π / 3 

(C) π 

(D) 4π / 3 

(E) 5π / 3

Problem #3

Toothpicks are used to make a grid that is 60 toothpicks long and 32 toothpicks high. How many toothpicks are used altogether?

(A) 1920 

(B) 1952 

(C) 1980 

(D) 2013 

(E) 3932

Problem #4

Angle ABC of △ABC is a right angle. The sides of △ABC are the diameters of semicircles as shown. The area of the semicircle on AB equals 8π, and the arc of the semicircle on AC has length 8.5π. What is the radius of the semicircle on BC ?

(A) 7 

(B) 7.5 

(C) 8 

(D) 8.5 

(E) 9

Think you have the right answers to these AMC 8 problems? Contact us to find out!