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AIME

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What Is the AIME?

The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is an advanced competition for students who qualify through the AMC 10 or AMC 12. It tests algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Growing Stars provides personalized, one-on-one online AIME tutoring to strengthen mathematical reasoning, develop problem-solving strategies, and prepare students for challenging competition-level questions.

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Starter Plan
4 hours per month $20 per session $80 per month
Growth Program
8 hours per month $19 per session $152 per month
Best Value
Package Plan
50 sessions ( 6 month ) $17.1 per session $950 $855 for 6 months

ℹ️ All prices are in USD.

  • Personalized AIME sessions
  • Aligned with US school curriculum

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Course Overview

The AIME is a challenging, invitation-only examination designed to identify and challenge students with exceptional mathematical problem-solving abilities. It is offered exclusively to students who excelled and achieved top-tier scores on the AMC 10 and/or AMC 12. It serves as the crucial second step in the series of contests that lead to the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) and USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO), and eventually the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

The AIME covers the exact same high school curriculum as the AMC 10 and AMC 12—including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, number theory, and combinatorics—but the questions are significantly more difficult. They require a deep synthesis of multiple concepts and highly advanced analytical thinking, while still explicitly excluding calculus.

Our online AIME tutoring program provides the targeted, advanced quantitative knowledge required to achieve a top-tier score. By preparing effectively with us, students can significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the prestigious USAMO or USAJMO and stand out on their college applications.

Build Advanced Problem-Solving Skills with Online AIME Tutoring

Get personalized guidance, practice challenging competition problems, and develop effective strategies with one-on-one AIME tutoring tailored to your learning needs.

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What You Will Learn

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Algebra: Covers the full range of high school algebra, including introductory, intermediate, and advanced topics.
  • Geometry: Encompasses the entire high school geometry curriculum, spanning introductory to advanced levels, including both Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry.
  • Trigonometry: Includes the complete high school trigonometry syllabus—six trigonometric functions and their inverses, graphs of trigonometric functions, the unit circle, trigonometric equations, and identities.
  • Number Theory: Explores divisibility rules, modular arithmetic, prime factorization, and Diophantine equations.
  • Combinatorics & Probability: Focuses on permutations, combinations, the binomial theorem, and advanced probability concepts.

AIME Topics at a Glance

  • Algebra: Polynomials, equations, inequalities, sequences, functions, and complex numbers.
  • Geometry: Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, area, similarity, and solid geometry.
  • Number Theory: Divisibility, prime factorization, modular arithmetic, remainders, and Diophantine equations.
  • Combinatorics: Counting principles, permutations, combinations, recursion, and the binomial theorem.
  • Probability: Conditional probability, expected values, and probability-based counting problems.
  • Advanced Problem-Solving: Multi-step reasoning, pattern recognition, strategic casework, and efficient solution methods.

AIME preparation emphasizes applying familiar mathematical concepts in unfamiliar and challenging ways.

Exam Overview

  • Format: The AIME is offered in both paper-and-pencil and digital formats.
  • Exam Description: The exam is a 15-question examination where each answer is an integer number between 000 and 999. There are two versions given on separate dates: the AIME I (primary date) and AIME II (alternate date). Students may only take the AIME once per competition cycle.
  • Duration: Students are given exactly 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam, requiring immense stamina, patience, and accurate problem-solving skills.
  • Scoring: The AIME uses a strict scoring system. Students earn 1 point for each correct answer. There is no partial credit, and 0 points are given for incorrect or blank answers (maximum score: 15).
  • Calculator Use: Calculators are not permitted. No questions require the use of a calculator.

Why Is the AIME Difficult?

The AIME is challenging because students must combine mathematical concepts, recognize patterns, and develop solutions independently. Unlike multiple-choice exams, students must calculate and enter an integer answer without relying on answer choices.

Common challenges include:

  • Complex problem-solving: Questions often require several connected steps rather than a single formula.
  • Choosing the right strategy: Students must identify efficient approaches among different possible methods.
  • Number theory and combinatorics: These topics can require creative reasoning and careful case analysis.
  • Avoiding calculation errors: Small mistakes can lead to an incorrect final integer answer.
  • Managing time: Students must balance persistence on difficult problems with the need to attempt others.
  • Moving beyond AMC preparation: AIME questions demand deeper reasoning and greater flexibility than typical AMC problems.
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Tutoring Benefits

  • Personalized Instruction: Our experienced tutors provide one-on-one guidance, tailoring their approach to each student’s specific needs. We teach students how to navigate the exam’s unique structure, including how to properly manage their time and stamina over a grueling 3-hour period.
  • Targeted Skill Building: We emphasize problem-solving and the deep application of learned concepts. Our tutors provide highly customized materials to enhance the benefits of a personalized learning experience.
  • Exam Preparation: We provide targeted practice materials, including past AIME competition problems. Through timed tests and focused repetition, students build the confidence needed to succeed.
  • Progress Monitoring: We monitor progress regularly and provide constructive feedback. Our tutors identify areas for improvement and offer strategies to overcome specific challenges.
  • Feedback: Students receive instant feedback after every session and a monthly progress report. Remedial measures are taken immediately based on this feedback.

How It Works

Get started with our tutoring in 4 simple steps.

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Free Personalized Learning Consultation

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Get matched with an expert tutor

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Start personalized learning

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Ongoing Support from an Education Manager

Online AIME Tutoring vs Self-Study

See our AIME tutoring gives students a faster and more supported path to better placement scores.

AIME Online Tutoring
  • Check Personalized instruction based on individual strengths and weaknesses
  • Check Step-by-step guidance for challenging competition problems
  • Check Immediate feedback on mathematical reasoning and solution methods
  • Check Targeted practice in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics
  • Check Strategies for improving accuracy and problem-solving efficiency
  • Check Structured preparation with progress tracking and practice problems
Self-Study
  • Check Independent learning using textbooks, past AIME papers, and online resources
  • Check Students must identify knowledge gaps and correct mistakes independently
  • Check Difficult problems may remain unresolved without expert guidance
  • Check Alternative solution methods may be overlooked
  • Check Practice schedules and topic selection require self-discipline
  • Check Progress depends on consistent practice and self-assessment

What Parents Say

See how Growing Stars helps students build confidence, improve grades, and enjoy learning through personalized one-on-one support.

Related Subjects

Explore other tutoring subjects that complement AIME preparation and help students strengthen the skills needed for college placement success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about our AIME tutoring, session format, and student support.

The program follows a structured approach that covers every key mathematical learning objective tested in the competition, ensuring the learner can take the exam with full confidence.

This method allows students to learn complex, Olympiad-level math concepts at their own pace, which is ideal for an exam requiring deep analytical thinking and multi-step logic.

Yes. Online tutoring provides flexibility, convenience, and access to subject experts who specialize in advanced mathematics.

Absolutely. The AIME is exclusively designed for the highest-performing advanced learners. Our tutoring allows them to focus entirely on the highest-difficulty questions, improving their chances of qualifying for the USAMO or USAJMO.

The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is an invitational mathematics competition for students who qualify through the AMC 10 or AMC 12. It tests advanced problem-solving skills across algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and related areas.

AIME problems cover algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and probability. Students need to apply mathematical concepts creatively, recognize patterns, and solve multi-step problems.

The AIME is more challenging than the AMC 10 and AMC 12. It has 15 problems with integer answers from 000 to 999, requiring students to generate answers rather than select from multiple choices.

No. Calculus is not required for the AIME. Preparation focuses on high-school mathematics and advanced problem-solving techniques, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.

An AIME tutor can help students identify knowledge gaps, understand difficult problems, explore alternative solution methods, and improve mathematical reasoning. Personalized practice and feedback can also help students develop accuracy and effective time-management strategies.

Students should review core mathematical concepts, solve past AIME problems, analyze mistakes, and practice explaining their reasoning. Timed practice can help students build confidence and learn to allocate their time effectively.

One-on-one online AIME tutoring provides personalized instruction, guided problem-solving, and immediate feedback. Lessons can focus on a student's weaker topics and introduce strategies for tackling challenging competition problems.