USAMO
The USA Mathematical Olympiad, the final national selection stage for the US IMO team. Proof-based problems in IMO format for ~250-500 invited students.
Grade Levels
Grades 9-12 (Ages 14-19)
Format
Proof-Based · 6 questions · 2 days, 4.5 hours per session
Scoring
0-7 per problem, maximum 42 (IMO-style).
Participants
250-500
March
USAMO held in March
Registration
By invitation based on combined AMC+AIME scores
Prizes & Recognition
Awards and recognition. Top ~60 invited to MOP (Math Olympiad Program), from which the 6-member IMO team is selected.
About This Competition
The USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) is the pinnacle of the American Mathematics Competitions series and the primary selection mechanism for the US IMO team. Approximately 250-500 students qualify based on their combined AMC 12 + AIME scores.
The competition mirrors the IMO format: 6 proof-based problems over 2 days. The top ~60 scorers are invited to the Math Olympiad Program (MOP), a summer training camp where the 6-member US IMO team is selected through additional tests.
How to Prepare
Deep Dive into Olympiad Theory
Study inequalities (AM-GM, Cauchy-Schwarz), number theory (quadratic residues, Lifting the Exponent), combinatorics, and projective geometry systematically.
Structure Proofs for Maximum Partial Credit
USAMO is graded 0-7 per problem. Even if you can't finish, a clear problem setup, key lemma, and partial progress can earn 2-3 points per problem.
Use Evan Chen's 'Napkin' and USAMO Resources
Evan Chen's 'An Infinitely Large Napkin' and his handouts on each topic area are widely used by USAMO qualifiers. Also use AoPS community solutions.
Two Days, Six Problems — Stay Fresh
The exam spans two days with 3 problems each. Get good sleep between sessions. Mental freshness is as important as mathematical preparation.
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