AMC Is No Longer Remote! In‑Person Exam Centers & Registration Process for San Francisco Students

The AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) is organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and is one of the most influential math contests for middle and high school students in the U.S. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students around the world participate. It’s not only a platform to sharpen logical thinking and math skills, but also a “hidden boost” when applying to top U.S. universities.

From 2020 to 2022, due to the pandemic, AMC offered remote online exams. But starting in 2023, AMC officially returned to in‑person exams, and this continues in 2025. Now, all students must go to designated test centers; home exams are no longer allowed. What does this change mean for Bay Area students? How do you choose a test center and register? This article breaks it down in detail.

1. Overview of AMC & Its Levels

The AMC system includes different levels suited for various grades:

Level	Eligible Grades	Number of Questions	Duration	Focus / Difficulty
AMC 8	Up to Grade 8 (≈ age 13)	25	40 minutes	Basic math + fun thinking problems
AMC 10	Up to Grade 10	25	75 minutes	Algebra, geometry, elementary number theory, competition thinking
AMC 12	Up to Grade 12	25	75 minutes	Covers most of high school mathematics

All three levels use multiple-choice format. Full score is 150 (each correct answer = 6 points). There is no penalty for wrong answers, and unanswered questions score 1.5 points.

2. 2025 Exam Dates (Confirmed)

• AMC 10 / 12  • Version A: Wednesday, November 5, 2025  • Version B: Thursday, November 13, 2025Students choose either A or B. You may only take one version per level in a year.

• AMC 8Testing window: January 22 – January 28, 2026Schools or test centers can schedule within this window.

3. Why AMC Ended Remote Testing

• Fairness: Online proctoring has limits in preventing cheating, which can harm the integrity of scores.

• Uniformity: In-person exams ensure all students use the same answer sheets and environment.

• Credibility: In-person test results are better received by colleges and competition bodies.

• Social & exam experience: Students return to real test settings, with peer atmosphere and exam discipline.

4. Common AMC Test Centers in the San Francisco Bay Area

Because the Bay Area has rich educational resources, there are many AMC test centers each year. Some common ones:

• Think AcademyCombines training and test center services—often a top pick among students.

• AlphaStar AcademyKnown for competition math training, also operates as an AMC test site.

• IvyMaxA well-known admission prep institution that often provides AMC registration and test site service.

• Some High Schools & Private Schools (e.g. Harker School, district public high schools)Usually open for their own students; some allow external students to register.

⚠️ Note: The list of test centers is updated each year. You must check the MAA official website (maa.org) or contact institutions to verify which centers are open for the year.

5. Registration Process (Step by Step)

1. Decide Exam LevelChoose AMC 8, 10, or 12 based on your grade.Example: Grade 9 student may take AMC 10 or even AMC 12.

2. Find Test CentersGo to the MAA website (maa.org) or consult prep institutions.Bay Area test centers are usually listed in August–September each year.

3. Register & Pay FeeThe school or institution usually handles registration.Fees typically range from $30 to $50 per exam. Popular centers may fill up fast, so register early.

4. Seat Confirmation & Exam NotificationAfter registering, you’ll get a confirmation email. The test center will announce the exam time & location.

5. Test DayBring your admission ticket and photo ID (student ID or passport).Required stationery: 2B pencils, erasers, non‑smart watch.Calculator policy: Some models are allowed—check the rules in advance.

6. Results & AdvancementScores are generally released 3–4 weeks after the exam.High scorers advance to AIME, and possibly further to USAMO.

6. Advancement Path in the AMC System

The AMC is the starting point for the U.S. mathematics competition ladder:

• AMC 8: Does not lead to further competition. It’s mainly for fostering interest.

• AMC 10 / 12 → AIME: Top ~5% of scorers qualify for AIME.

• AIME → USA(J)MO: Combined AMC + AIME scores determine who enters the U.S. Math Olympiad (USAMO or USJMO).

• USAMO → IMO: Top performers eventually represent the U.S. at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).

Thus, AMC is more than just a test—it’s a gateway to higher-level competitions.

7. Practical Tips for Parents & Students

• Register early: Popular centers often fill by early September, so lock in your spot in August if possible.

• Plan transportation: Many Bay Area centers hold exams in the morning. Account for traffic and parking.

• Study advice: • Beginners: Practice past AMC papers to get familiar with the format. • High scorers: Tackle AIME problems to boost logical reasoning.

• Mindset: AMC difficulty is layered—first ~15 questions are more straightforward; the last ~10 are tougher. Don’t let a hard question shake your focus; learning to let go is key.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I sign up for both AMC 10 and AMC 12?A: Yes, but you must take them on different dates. You can only take one version per level in a year.

Q2: Why is AMC 8 scheduled in January?A: To avoid overlapping with AMC 10/12, giving younger students a separate testing window.

Q3: What if my school is not a test center?A: You can register at nearby private schools or institutions that accept external students.

Q4: If I train online, can I still take the exam at any center?A: Yes. AMC registration is not tied to training institutions. You may register at any open test center.

Restoring in-person exams is a significant return to tradition in math competitions. For Bay Area students, test center resources are plentiful but seats limited, so registration competition is fierce.

• AMC 10/12: November 5 & November 13, 2025

• AMC 8: January 22–28, 2026

It’s wise for students and parents to lock in their test center early, prepare strategically, and stay calm on exam day. Whether your goal is to reach AIME or simply sharpen your mathematical thinking, participating in AMC is a valuable journey.

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