Carly Risom
News Editor
Every year, M4 and AP math students participate in the American Mathematics Competition, a 25-question exam intended to challenge talented individuals within a 75-minute period.
Math Department Chair Jennifer Lee acknowledges that the exam is rigorous, but notes that its purpose is to pick out capable math students across the country. “The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) is a challenging way for students to compete against students from all around the US,” she said. “Students take a 75-minute 25-question exam without a calculator, and then the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) uses the test to identify mathematical talent.”
Grade level and enrollment in an M4 or AP math class are the only qualifications needed to take the test. “The only limitations are that students taking the AMC 10 must be enrolled in grade 10 or lower, and students taking the AMC 12 must be enrolled in grade 12 or lower,” Ms. Lee said.
Senior Virginia Farley has taken the exam three times since her first round sophomore year, and is in Multivariable Calculus. “I am definitely motivated to get a high score,” she said. “it would be an honor to represent NCHS in a nationally recognized mathematics competition,” Virginia said.
According to Ms. Lee, earning a good score on the exam merits both pins and certifications, and an exceptional score can propel a student into an additional round. “Depending on how high their scores are, they may also receive medals or plaques,” Ms. Lee said. “Students who achieve above a pre-selected cut-off score will qualify for the next round, which is a 3-hour 15-question exam.”
In terms of the baseline exam, Gita Abhiraman took it for the fourth time this winter. Like Virginia, she is also taking Multivariable Calculus. “All of the problems on the AMC [American Mathematics Competition] can be solved with Pre-Calculus level math,” she said. “The problems on the AMC, however, challenge you to apply math concepts in creative ways,” Gita said.
While Gita considered herself adequately prepared to take such a challenging exam, senior Bobby Ross did not feel the same way. “I’ve taken this test annually since sophomore year, so this past test was my third time,” he said. “Even though I’d taken it before, I still didn’t feel completely ready because the problems incorporate much higher level math than Multivariable Calculus,” Bobby said.
Before taking the test, Gita expressed her desire to excel in a nationally acclaimed exam, “I am motivated to do my best, and it’s really exciting to take part in a national competition,” she said. “Even if I don’t make it to the next level of the competition this year, I will be glad to have participated.”
