by nsguy1350 » Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:40 pm
Although I'm not sure, I think AIME is sort-of multiple choice: you have 1000 choices (0-999? maybe 1-999). I don't think they grade by solutions. Then again I've never done it, but I think that's how it works.
And even if you're in a proof-based competition, as long as you have a supported, strong solution, it shouldn't matter if it differs from the official solutions, as long as it's readable, understandable, easy to follow, etc. Some competitions even give special recognition if you have a brilliant or extremely insightful solution.
2013 District 1/Region:
NS - 319/355
MA - 340/332
CA - 294/287
SC - 344/292
CS - 212/124 (fail)