American
High
School
Math
Exam. An
exam administered
annually nationwide to
high school students. The test covers
math through
calculus, and is scored on a 0-150 basis. There are 30
problems to complete in 90 minutes, with 5 points for a
correct answer and 2 points for a problem left
blank. Thus, scoring less than 60 requires a certain, special
talent.
This is the 52nd year in which the test has been given. The test is typically given in February. Scoring better than 100 on the AHSME causes one to receive an invitation to the AIME, the American Invitational Math Exam. Doing well on the AIME allows one to take the USAMO, USA Mathematics Olympiad, a qualifier for the United States Mathematics Team which represents the US in international competition. The AHSME is open to all American high school (and below) students, homeschool students under the age of 18, and is also administered in Puerto Rico. The test is sponsored by a number of mathematical, statistical, and actuarial societies, including MAA and Mu Alpha Theta. Some think it's an artificial data-gathering construct, secretly financed by the NSA, and used to identify promising young cryptanalysts. I wouldn't know anything about that, of course...
And besides, even if I did, if I told you I'd have to kill you.