GBS students placed highly in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) and American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) in January and March respectively.

Students from high-level math classes and members of the math team were invited to take the AMC test, according to Phil Gartner, Math Department instructional supervisor.

“[For] the AIME, you have to reach a certain level depending on your AMC score and that can be, depending on the year, three to five [GBS] students typically,” Gartner said.

This year, senior Niam Abeysiriwardena, junior Isabella Kang and junior Cindy Yang qualified for the AIME test. Students who place on the AIME test go onto the United States of America Mathematics Olympiad. If they pass this level, students represent the United States team in the International Mathematics Olympiad.

The AMC test is given to raise interest in math and develop problem solving skills, according to the Glenbrook Public Relations office. Students answered questions individually with numerical responses, applying basic math tools to complex problems according to Yang.

Gartner noted that these tests prove to be very beneficial for those who choose to take them.

“We just think it’s a very valuable experience,” Gartner said. “There’s a lot of students who have fun doing the problems; they are challenging. They’re great problem solving experiences, and then some students do well enough where they want to put it as part of their college application.”

Kang recalled being encouraged to pursue math and take state and national tests by both teachers and parents.

“In math there is always a right or a wrong answer,” Kang said. “There are no grey areas, and I like that. I like the assurance of knowing that my answer can only be [completely right or completely wrong].”