Introduction

A warm, inspiring illustration of a student preparing for the AMC 8 contest. Surrounded by notebooks and math formulas, it captures the spirit of fall study season — focus, curiosity, and the excitement of starting AMC 8 preparation in October.

October is the perfect month to begin AMC 8 preparation.

While older students are busy taking the AMC 10, middle schoolers still have about twelve weeks before the AMC 8 2025 contest — the ideal window to review formulas, build confidence, and develop speed.

This guide provides a step-by-step AMC 8 preparation plan with weekly goals and strategies for success, helping parents guide their children toward confident contest readiness.

Step 1 | Understand the Four AMC 8 Domains

Infographic showing the four AMC 8 math domains—Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, and Probability & Counting

The AMC 8 tests more than routine calculations; it measures reasoning across four interconnected areas.

Understanding each domain allows students to study efficiently and identify their weak points early.

Number Theory — Patterns and Properties

Core ideas: factors and multiples, prime factors, divisibility rules, remainders, and GCD / LCM.

Students should review divisibility tricks (like dividing by 3 or 9), practice modular reasoning, and learn how to simplify problems using factorization.

This foundation directly improves both speed and accuracy.

Algebra — Translating and Solving

Key skills: algebraic expressions, linear equations, arithmetic sequence, percent to decimal conversion, and solving word problems.

Encourage students to translate sentences into equations and recognize arithmetic patterns such as constant differences in a sequence.

These algebraic skills build the foundation for higher contests like AMC 10.

Counting & Probability — Organizing Possibilities

Topics include combinations and permutations, complementary counting, probability trees, and dependent events.

Students should learn to organize cases logically and understand when order matters (permutations) or doesn’t (combinations).

Tree diagrams are especially useful for visual learners to track possibilities clearly.

Geometry — Visual Reasoning

Essential concepts: area and perimeter, Pythagorean theorem, types of triangles, parallel lines and transversals, circle area, and coordinate geometry.

Students should sketch figures, identify relationships between sides and angles, and apply formulas correctly under time pressure.

Drawing is a simple but powerful habit for accuracy.

Step 2 | 12-Week AMC 8 Preparation Plan (October–January)

Infographic timeline titled “12-Week Study Plan” with four color-coded sections: Phase 1 in blue showing the π symbol, Phase 2 in teal with the algebraic symbol ax^x, Phase 3 in orange with geometry ruler and triangle icons, and Phase 4 in red with a probability magnifier icon. Labels “Week 1” and “Week 12” mark both ends of the timeline.

Every week should touch all four domains, but the focus rotates to ensure balanced progress.

Below is a practical 12-week schedule parents can follow at home or along with Think Academy’s classes.

Phase	Weeks	Goal	Focus Topics	Practice Tips
Phase 1 – Build Foundations	1–3	Recall formulas & stabilize basic operations	Number Theory + Algebra basics (prime factors, divisibility rules, linear equations, percent to decimal)	Review 2–3 formulas daily; mix 5 problems across domains; keep a formula notebook.
Phase 2 – Strengthen Mastery	4–6	Apply knowledge to multi-step problems	Counting & Probability (combination/permutation formula, probability tree) + Geometry (area, perimeter, triangles)	Group questions by topic; take 25-min weekly quizzes; label mistakes by concept.
Phase 3 – Integrate & Simulate	7–9	Combine domains under timed conditions	Mixed sets (geometry + algebra, counting + number theory); past papers	Two 40-min mock tests per week; track time per question; identify weak zones.
Phase 4 – Refine Strategy	10–12	Time management & confidence	All domains review; cross-topic reasoning	3 full tests; analyze mistake patterns; rest lightly before the contest.

Step 3 | Timed Practice and Mock Tests

Close-up of a classic black alarm clock on a study desk with soft sunlight. In the blurred background, a student is writing on paper, symbolizing timed practice or focused study.

After Week 6, start regular timed drills.

Begin with ten mixed problems in 25 minutes, then move toward full 25-question mock tests.

Use AMC 8 past papers from 2021–2024 to simulate contest pacing.

When reviewing:

Identify the domain of each missed question.
Write a short reason (“misread ratio,” “skipped diagram”).
Re-solve the question the next day for reinforcement.

Timed practice not only improves speed but builds endurance — top 10% scorers typically answer 18–20 questions accurately in 40 minutes.

Step 4 | Accuracy, Speed, and Reading

AMC 8 problems test clarity of thought.

Train students to read carefully and solve efficiently:

① First pass – solve easy ones.

②Second pass – return to marked questions.

③Guess if necessary – no penalty for wrong answers.

Encourage estimation and unit checking to avoid careless errors.

Fluency in basic arithmetic and fraction–percent–decimal conversions keeps solutions fast and accurate.

Step 5 | Motivation and Consistency

Successful AMC 8 preparation depends on rhythm, not intensity.

Parents can set small weekly goals:

“Solve 25 problems this week.”
“Improve accuracy on counting problems by 10%.”

Add short puzzles or family math games to make learning fun.

Remind students that steady effort beats cramming — one quality problem a day builds champions.

Bonus | AMC 8 Formula Checklist

Quick reference for daily review:

Number Theory: divisibility rules (2, 3, 5, 9), GCD/LCM, remainders.

Algebra: linear equation solving, arithmetic sequence, percent formula.

Counting & Probability: nCr = n! / (r!(n–r)!), probability = favorable / total, complementary counting.

Geometry: Pythagorean theorem, area and perimeter formulas, πr², coordinate distance.

From AMC 8 to AMC 10 — Building the Path Forward

October isn’t only AMC 8 season — it’s also when older students sit for AMC 10, the next step toward AIME.

Many Think Academy learners continue from AMC 8 Booster to AMC 10 training, applying the same reasoning strategies to more advanced algebra and geometry.

Early, consistent AMC 8 preparation gives younger students a head start on that journey.

Join Think Academy Canada’s AMC 8 Preparation Courses

At Think Academy Canada, our AMC 8 Preparation Program is built to guide students step by step through Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, and Probability — the same key areas tested in the contest.

Our experienced math coaches help students strengthen problem-solving skills, manage timing, and understand tricky concepts with confidence.

In addition to the AMC 8 Booster, Think Academy also offers AMC 10 and Math Contest Training Camps, so students can continue advancing from one contest level to the next.

All courses follow a proven structure of live teaching, weekly homework, and mock exams that replicate real contest experience.

Try a Free Evaluation Test

Not sure where your child should start?

Take Think Academy’s Free Evaluation Test to receive a personalized skill assessment and study plan from our academic advisors.

You’ll find out exactly which math contest track fits your child’s level — from foundational problem-solving to advanced AMC training.

It’s Not Too Late! How to Start AMC 8 Prep in October (With Weekly Plan)