Courses
The AMC 8/10/12 and AIME are in the middle of the school year, but my student would only be able to finish half of the curriculum by the test dates. What can be done?
Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable issue on our part with the typical fall/spring semester schedule. We recommend enrolling in the Fundamental courses at least one year prior to the test date. Additional options to consider are our summer courses/camp, which cover the Fundamental course material in 3 weeks during the summer, as well as our self-study and [1-1 lesson](https://alphastar.academy/private-lessonFew readersIs there a required textbook?
We develop and maintain our own lecture notes and problem sets (with many problems from past competitions), and do not use a third-party textbook for any of our courses. By enrolling in a math course (MC15 through MC50), students will have access to all materials for that course online.
For in-person courses, students will be provided a hard copy of the textbook for their course. Students enrolled in online courses can email info@alphastar.academy to inquire aboFew readersWhat are the differences between MC20 and MC25, or MC30 and MC35, or MC40 and MC45?
In general, each pair of courses covers the same topics and curriculum. The difference is that MC25, MC35, and MC45 use more difficult problems than MC20, MC30, and MC40, respectively. These advanced courses are designed for students who want to deepen their understanding and master each level's concepts at a higher difficulty.Few readersWhat are the differences between Fundamental and Booster courses?
The Fundamental courses within each level (e.g., MC20F, MC25F, etc.) are split into two parts (Part 1 - algebra and counting; Part 2 - geometry and number theory) and cover the necessary topics for each level.
Booster courses emphasize test-taking strategy and include practice tests, exam strategy sessions, and solution sessions. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend students who are new to math competitions to start with the Fundamental courses.
In our course catalog and schedule, FundamenFew readersIs it possible to take Part 2 of a Fundamental course before completing Part 1?
In general, we recommend Part 1 first since selected algebra and counting topics do appear in Part 2. However, for students with a strong algebra background, Part 2 can be taken before Part 1.Few readersWhat mathematical topics are covered at each level?
You can find more information about each course here. To see the topics in each course, click on the course name, and scroll down to the “Content” section.Few readersApproximately how many hours per week should I commit for one Fundamental course?
For students taking the year-round “live” option, plan to allocate 1.5 to 2 hours per week for each class session (depending on level), plus an additional 1-2 hours per week for assignments/review. This amount may be more or less depending on the week and the topics covered that week.
See also: What are the deadlines for completing assignments in math courses?Few readersWhat are the deadlines for completing assignments in math courses?
While there are no strict deadlines for completing assignments, we recommend that students work on their homework weekly to maximize their learning. Students have access to course materials for two years from the enrollment date, allowing them to complete assignments at their own pace within that timeframe.Few readersHow do I find which course is right for me/my student?
You can find course descriptions, along with a self-diagnostic exam and our recommended level, here: https://alphastar.academy/mathematics/.
If you are new to math competitions, we generally recommend starting with the following levels:
MC15 (Elementary School)
MC20 (Middle School)
MC30 (High School)Few readersWhat is the typical class structure for the Fundamental courses?
For our “live” courses, a typical class session consists of a lecture on any new topics/theorems for that chapter, followed by a set of example problems that illustrate the topics from that chapter. These courses also include review/exam sessions where the instructor reviews the previous chapters’ material and answers students’ questions.Few readers
Master Courses / AlphaStar Teams
Do I (or my child) need to submit a new application to continue in the next academic year?
Yes, a new application is required for each academic year, even for returning students.Few readersIf I (or my child) am taking a Math Master Course, should I also take a Fundamental Course?
Yes, we recommend taking a Fundamental Course alongside a Master Course, as the two naturally complement each other. Master Courses focus on team-based competition practice, but they do not aim to cover the full competition curriculum. Fundamental Courses, on the other hand, are designed to build strong problem-solving techniques and provide comprehensive coverage of key topics within a specific level or area of math. Taking both helps students strengthen core skills while also gFew readersWhen do applications open for the new academic year?
Applications for the new academic year typically open in mid to late May. We recommend checking the Math Master Courses page around that time for updates and details. To stay informed, you can also subscribe to the AlphaStar newsletter — visit the AlphaStar homepage and scroll to the bottom to find the subscription form.Few readersHow can I (or my child) join an AlphaStar Math Team to participate in competitions?
To be considered for an AlphaStar Math Team, students must first be enrolled in AlphaStar math courses. Participation in competitions is selective — while we’d love to include everyone, space on the teams is limited. Priority is given to students enrolled in Math Master Courses, as these courses are specifically designed to prepare students for team-based math competitions.Few readers
