Annual High School Contest

The Annual High School Contest (AHSC) was the first exam in the series of exams used to challenge bright students, grades 12 and below, on the path toward choosing the team that represents the United States at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).

Between 1950 and 1951, only students in New York state were eligible to take the AHSC.

High scoring AHSME students were invited to take the more challenging United States of America Math Olympiad (USAMO).

The AHSC was replaced by the AHSME in 1973.

Format

The AHSME was a 35 (1968-1972), 40 (1960-1967), or 50 (1950-1959) question, ? minute, multiple choice exam. Problems generally increased in difficulty as the exam progresses. Calculators were not permitted.

For every correct answer: ? points
For every wrong answer: ? points
For every problem not answered: ? points

Curriculum

The AHSC tests mathematical problem solving with arithmetic, algebra, counting, geometry, number theory, and probability and other secondary school math topics. Problems are designed to be solvable by students without any background in calculus.

Resources

Links

Recommended reading

See also