The American Mathematics Competition, taken on Feb. 8, 2018, is a program that tests the strength and mathematical capabilities of the upcoming generations. This test is conducted for students to compare test scores and levels with other students in math across the country. This test has no effect on their grade in school but is used to measure the point of mathematical understanding.

“I think I was chosen just for the mere fact that I have been successful in my advanced math course. Which, in its own shows mathematical curiosity, a quality of an AMC competitor,” sophomore Jeremiah Nieves said.

The math teachers select students to take the test that they believe are interested in mathematics and to challenge them.

Nieves took the test as a freshman and knew it would be challenging.

“I suppose I thought it to be harder than expected. I took the test my freshman year, and I knew how difficult some questions would be. Yet I still found the test particularly challenging.” Nieves said

The test is scored by giving 6 points for a correct answer, 1 point for an unanswered question and 0 points for each incorrect answer.

“The test had a lot of stuff I didn’t know but I was able to answer 4 or 5 questions.” Sophmore Jayson Sims said.

The AMC is given to students who are interested in mathematics and critical thinking. Sophmore Kasja Gerard often wants to learn more than what is being taught in class. For others it is an opportunity extend their learning beyond class.

“I think my teacher saw a good potential in me and maybe saw leadership in me through class time,” Sims said.

Although the test is hard, there are still questions in the test that can be answered pretty easily.

“The test was easier than I imagined. I went into that room expecting not to know how to complete any problems, but I was able to answer a few questions quite easily,” Gerard answered.

Even though some of the questions are easy the test still challenges the students and their capabilities.

“The test was hard! The first few questions were tolerable but the rest of them were extremely hard,” sophomore Erin Rose said.