The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice math contest for middle school students that builds strong problem-solving and reasoning skills.It’s an excellent first step into competitive math: students sharpen analytical thinking, learn contest strategies, and gain confidence in a friendly, low-stress setting. The AMC 8 also helps prepare motivated learners for more advanced competitions later on, such as the AMC 10/12 and AIME.Beyond scores, the AMC 8 is designed to spark excitement and positive attitudes toward mathematics and to encourage continued study of math through high school and beyond. Many students who do well on the AMC 8 go on to take the AMC 10 and AMC 12, which are offered at the high school level.The AMC 8 is widely accessible to middle school students across the U.S.
MathCounts is a national middle school math competition program designed to strengthen problem-solving skills, build confidence, and inspire students to enjoy mathematics.Students typically compete individually and as part of a school team through a series of rounds that reward both speed and deep reasoning. Events often include written problems as well as fast-paced “mental math” style rounds, helping students develop accuracy, strategy, and the ability to think clearly under time pressure.MathCounts is also a great bridge between classroom learning and higher-level contest math. It exposes students to challenging topics and creative problem-solving approaches that can support success in other competitions and advanced coursework later on.Beyond the competition itself, MathCounts creates a supportive community of peers, coaches, and mentors, encouraging teamwork, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Whether a student is new to contests or aiming for top performance, MathCounts offers a fun, motivating way to grow as a mathematician.
MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools) is a monthly problem-solving competition that helps students build strong math reasoning skills through consistent, low-pressure practice. Division M is designed for middle school students (typically grades 6–8) and focuses on creative thinking, logical reasoning, and multi-step problem solving.Unlike a one-time exam, MOEMS runs across the school year with a series of monthly contests. Each contest includes a set of challenging problems that encourage students to look for patterns, choose smart strategies, and explain their thinking. This steady rhythm helps students develop confidence over time while strengthening key contest skills like number sense, algebraic reasoning, geometry, and counting.Division M is an excellent fit for students who want regular practice and measurable progress, whether they are new to competition math or preparing for larger contests like AMC 8 and MathCounts. Just as importantly, MOEMS makes math feel fun and rewarding by turning problem solving into a habit, not a high-stakes event.
Math Kangaroo USA is an annual, international math competition for students in grades 1–12, created to help students love math and grow their confidence through fun, puzzle-like problem solving. ()Students take a single 75-minute, multiple-choice exam focused on logical reasoning, number sense, and creative thinking. The format is age-appropriate: grades 1–4 complete 24 questions, and grades 5–12 complete 30 questions. ()Math Kangaroo is a great entry point for students who are new to math competitions because it emphasizes curiosity and strategy over memorization. It also helps students build the problem-solving habits that transfer well to other contests and advanced math learning