links and ways to ultimate mathdom

[thephilosopher9]

I'm trying to compile an archive to help me with math tests and learning. I have all the links at "http://centex.net/~texasmath/links.htm", but wanted to know if there are any other sites, or test strategies besides the comparison of tests and the like not mentioned in any other topics.

[AuSmith]

I think artofproblemsolving.com is about as good as it gets, currently. It depends on whether you just want to do well at Texas competitions or if you just want to learn good math, or maybe both. Texas competitions are, as the name suggests, more local than national ones. Not to mention, they are different enough that practicing the other tests doesn't necessarily help (crunchers and mental math, etc.).

If you want to end up studying mathematics, focus your attentions outside UIL/TMSCA, especially if you get bored with them. Mathematics is mostly concerned with proof, while UIL/TMSCA is not. The closest they come is some logic and problem solving, albeit extremely repeated problems (even with a "study guide" that seems to suggest brute memorization rather than creative problem solving). Forgive me if it seems I have a chip on my shoulder (I do), but serious academicians shouldn't take UIL/TMSCA seriously - it's only play given that you find it fun.

[AuSmith]

Okay, the chip was knocked off my shoulder. UIL got me interested in math, which should be good enough.