Important Tips for Taking the AMC 10/12

 Henry Wan, Ph.D.

The following important tips will help you perform your best on the AMC 10/12. Read them carefully — they can make a big difference on test day!

Before the Test

• Bring the right materials:
  Bring several #2 pencils, good erasers, blank scratch paper, a ruler, and a quality compass.

• Use proper writing tools:

Use a soft-lead No. 2 pencil for both marking answers and working on scratch paper.                   

Do not use a mechanical pencil or pen — these may cause your answer sheet to be scored incorrectly.

During the Test

• Pace yourself.
  Each problem is worth the same number of points. Don’t spend too much time on any single question.
• Read carefully.
  Make sure you understand what each question is asking before you begin solving it.
• Answer easy questions first.
  Quickly go through the test and answer all the questions you find straightforward. Then return to the more difficult ones if time allows.
• Be strategic about guessing.
  Scoring works as follows:
  • Correct answer: 6 points
  • Blank answer: 1.5 points
  • Incorrect answer: 0 points

Unless you are fairly sure of your answer, it is better to leave a question blank than to guess randomly.

• • If you can narrow down to 2 possible answers, guessing is advantageous.
  • If you can only eliminate 1 or 2 of the 5 options (leaving 3–4 possible answers), guessing is not advantageous statistically.

If Time Is Running Out

• Stay calm and focused.
  For the last 5–7 challenging problems, don’t panic or rush.
• It’s often better to leave them blank unless you can make an educated guess based on logic or elimination.
• If you decide to guess, remember:
  ➤ Statistically, the correct answer is more likely to be B, C, or D.
• Trust your intuition and reasoning.
  Your instincts — shaped by practice and experience — can often guide you to the right choice.

Statistical Summary of Correct Answers on Past AMC 10/12 Exams

Before Time Is Called

• Check your answers if you finish early.
  Review all marked answers and ensure your choices are clear and correct.
• Mark your answers properly.
  Erase any stray marks completely and neatly so the scanner reads your answers correctly.

Best Wishes for Your AMC 10/12!

Stay confident, think carefully, and trust your preparation.
Good luck — you’ve got this!

Conclusion

Drawing a good diagram is a fundamental skill in solving geometry problems. It enhances understanding, organizes key information, reduces errors, reveals crucial properties, displays patterns, supports logical reasoning, and facilitates the application of theorems. Whether tackling a school assignment, preparing for math competitions, or solving complex geometric proofs, investing a few moments in creating an accurate and well-structured diagram can be the key to success. By developing strong diagram-drawing habits, students can approach geometry problems with confidence and efficiency.