Online Classes

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Want to learn how to tackle those tough AMC/AIME/Olympiad algebra problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's NEW Intermediate Algebra by Richard Rusczyk and Mathew Crawford. Over 1600 problems!

Frequently Asked Questions about our online classes

I'm going on vacation during the course. What happens if I miss a class?
All of our classes are transcripted, so you'll be able to review everything that happened in class. There is also a message board to support each class, so you'll be able to ask any questions you might have. Finally, instructors will occasionally stay after class to answer questions.

Which course should I take?
The Pretest and Posttest are meant to be a guide for the subject courses; you can find these on the Enrollment page. If you can't correctly answer more that 75% of the Posttest, you should strongly consider taking the course. You can also correspond with the instructors via the message board or email, or give us a call at (619) 659-1612 to ask more detailed questions about the course.

I took the Do You Need This test but I'm still not sure if I should take the class or not. What should I do?
If you can't answer more than 60% of the problems correctly, you should probably take the class. If you can answer 90%+, you shouldn't. If you're in-between, you can use your prior experience as a guide. If you have never passed the AMC-12, or haven't scored more than 3 or so on the AIME, then you should strongly consider our introductory courses. If you have never qualified for the USAMO, then you should strongly consider our intermediate courses, such as Intermediate Counting and Algebraic Problem Solving. You can also contact us directly at classes@artofproblemsolving.com for more guidance.

What is the difference between the Problem Series courses and the subject courses?
Problem Series courses are designed to prepare students for particular programs such as MATHCOUNTS and the AMC series of contests. Each class will be a series of problems designed to teach students a certain set of problem solving tactics that are useful for the program in question. Test-taking strategies and preparation methods are also discussed. The subject courses investigate a certain subject area in mathematics, sometimes to greater depth even than these contests. One primary difference between the two is that there are no problem sets in the Problem Series courses. In these courses, extra problems are given for student discussion on the class message board.

Will I get to work with other students?
A message board is provided for each class. Students can use this message board to correspond with each other about the course.

Are there solutions to all the problems given?
Full solutions are provided for every problem on the problem sets.

Can I take a class more than once?
Yes. Students do sometimes take our classes more than once to help reinforce the course material. We offer a 25% discount for students taking a course for a second time. (Not applicable to WOOT.)

When are transcripts available, and for how long?
Transcripts of every class are available to participants until about 3 weeks after the course ends. They are usually posted immediately after class.

Do I need any special software to participate? Is my internet connection fast enough?
All you need is a Java-enabled web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox. All recent computers come with one installed. If you want to make sure that you have Java installed, visit our classroom page. If you can see the interactive fractal picture, you have Java. To try out the classroom itself, you can attend one of our free math jams. You can use the classroom with any internet connection; you don't need high-speed access.

Do I need to know LaTeX to participate?
Knowledge or mastery of LaTeX is fully optional. Students do not need to learn it or use it for the course.

NEW! NEW! NEW!
Want to learn how to tackle those tough AMC/AIME/Olympiad algebra problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's NEW Intermediate Algebra by Richard Rusczyk and Mathew Crawford. Over 1600 problems!
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