Research addressed the importance of high ability in mathematics at the secondary school for the well preparation of engineering profession. However, factors like self-confidence in mathematics learning (SCM), values on mathematics (SVM), and positive attitudes toward mathematics (PATM) received less attention. This paper utilized TIMSS 2007 data to conduct a global comparative analysis on factors influencing mathematics performance at varied International Benchmark levels. TIMSS report showed that remarkable percentages of Asian students (Chinese Taipei, Korea and Singapore) reached Advanced International Benchmark. However, the report also showed that students from Chinese Taipei and Korea tended to have lower levels of SCM, SVM, and PATM. This paper aimed to provide comparative study on how the eighthgrade students of the top three Asian countries and the United States were allocated at the International Benchmark levels and the three factors at different International Benchmark categories. Results showed that compared with Chinese Taipei and Korea, Singapore students tend to have high level of PATM, SCM and SVM. In Chinese Taipei and Korea, students in categories lower than Advanced International Benchmark tend to have low SCM, SVM and PATM. United States students, although not ranked high in average mathematics achievement, tend to place good values on mathematics, have self-confidence in learning and have positive attitudes toward mathematics.
