Overview
The USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO) are national proof-writing competitions run by the MAA, modelled on the International Mathematical Olympiad. They come after the AMC and the AIME. Top performers may be invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program, part of the process the MAA uses to select the USA teams for the International Mathematical Olympiad and other international competitions.
Who can take it
Entry is by invitation, and the MAA invites 400 or more students a year to the two competitions. Selection is based primarily on AIME scores, and the MAA may also consider other factors for international team selection. Students in the current IMO selection group are invited to the USAMO.
Which competition a student is invited to depends on how they qualified for the AIME:
Through the AMC 10: USAJMO.
Through the AMC 12, or through both the AMC 10 and AMC 12: USAMO.
Through the USA Mathematical Talent Search: USAJMO in grade 9 or 10, USAMO in grade 11 or 12 (the organisers may ask for a younger student to take the USAMO, which the MAA usually accepts).
To take part in the USA or Canada, a student must also have taken the AIME there, be enrolled full-time in and physically attending an authorised school in the USA or Canada, and be in grade 12 or below on the day. International and exchange students who meet every condition may take part. Relatives of MAA staff, officers and trustees are not eligible.
Exam pattern
Each competition runs over two consecutive days.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Problems | 3 per day, 6 in total |
| Time | 4.5 hours each day |
| Answer type | Full written proofs and justifications |
| Score per problem | 0 to 7 |
| Maximum score | 42 |
Questions are on paper, and students hand in both final solutions and scratch work. The sessions run at the same time at official sites, between 1 and 5:30 pm Eastern Time on each day. Permitted items, carried in a transparent plastic bag, are writing tools, erasers, a ruler (triangular rulers are allowed), a compass, and quiet snacks and drinks. Calculators, formula sheets, books, translation dictionaries and electronic devices are not allowed.
Syllabus
The problems draw on algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory. The MAA says they need exceptional mathematical insight and creativity, and that a solution must include a complete proof.
Marking and results
The MAA expects few students, if any, to score a perfect 42. Honours are as follows:
USAMO: about 6 percent of participants receive Gold, about 12 percent Silver and about 18 percent Bronze.
USAJMO: about 7 percent receive Top Honors and about 13 percent Honors.
In both, students with at least 14 points who earn nothing higher are eligible for Honorable Mention.
Awards are announced in April 2027. The MAA lists names publicly only for students who gave consent in the competition portal beforehand.
Important dates
For the 2027 competitions:
AIME exam window: 5 and 6 February 2027.
Invitations are sent in late February 2027, after AIME scores are final.
Competition days: 20 and 21 March 2027. There are no alternate dates or make-up sittings.
Awards and Mathematical Olympiad Program invitations: April 2027.
How to apply
There is no open application. The MAA emails an invitation to the address on file in its competition portal and assigns each invited student to a site using the zip code on record. A student can ask to change site, but the MAA cannot guarantee it. Students who face financial hardship in travelling can petition the MAA for help with travel costs; details come with the invitation.
After the exam
Top performers may be invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Program, from which a smaller group is selected for the Team Selection Tests that decide the USA teams for the IMO and the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad.
Preparation tips
Practise writing complete, clearly justified proofs and have them checked.
Study past USAMO and USAJMO problems by topic.
Practise working three hard problems in a 4.5-hour block.
Is the USAMO the same as the USAJMO?
No. They are separate competitions held at the same time. The MAA invites a student to one of them depending on whether they qualified for the AIME through the AMC 10 or the AMC 12.
Can I register for the USAMO myself?
No. The MAA invites students based mainly on AIME scores.