What math course should I take?
That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself. A good way to start is by asking yourself, "What possibilities do I want available?" and work backwards from there.
Nearly half of all college majors, including those that prepare students for the most lucrative fields, will require at least one Calculus course. This includes all engineering, all science, all business/accounting, and most marketing. Taking an AP Calculus course in high school can earn you college credit, putting you ahead of the curve before you even enroll (and it saves money!).
Regardless of major, all college graduates of an accredited university must fulfill a college-level math credit. Dual-enrollment College Algebra and AP Calculus credit are opportunities to take math for potentially the very last time.
I/my student has never gotten a C in my/their life. What happened?
There’s a first time for everything.
As many students quickly discover, the bar is set high in our upper-level math courses. This isn’t with the goal of ruining anyone’s GPA (or their weekend plans), but to better prepare them for the next level. Working your way through a year-long calculus course, then failing one test and receiving no credit, would be a punch to the gut. Same goes for putting yourself through a slew of honors courses, only to be unprepared for and blindsided by a college math course.
While the bar is set high, there are many means of learning provided, as well as a lot of opportunities to get help.
It’s worth mentioning the occasional C in math doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of being a doctor.
What are some good resources for learning math?
For starters, the notes found on this website!
All students can check out a textbook at any time, should take notes during class, and should receive a hard copy of a study guide in the classroom. If you don’t have one of these for any reason (like an absence), all lecture notes and study guides for the entire year are posted on this site.
Outside of that, Khan Academy is a popular site that teaches a wide variety of math topics, including a lot of worked-out examples.
For Calculus students, we have copies of many popular handbooks that help you prepare specifically for the AP exam. Any of them can be checked out at any time.
I/my student is interested in UIL Math.
We’re always looking for enthusiastic members of our team. All are welcome!
There are four UIL Math events: Mathematics, Number Sense, Calculator Applications, and Accounting. No matter your strengths, there’s probably a team that’s right for you. WHS has a strong history in UIL Math, frequently sending both teams and individuals to state-level competition.
Even if you don’t expect you’ll be competitive, there’s a spot for you on our team. Many contests also have a freshman/sophomore division, so if you don’t know as much math as your upperclassmen friends, you can still go home from a contest with a shoebox full of medals. On top of that, joining the team now means when you’re an upperclassman, you’ll be leading the team and taking home the big prizes.
Lots of college applicants get good grades. If your application includes "I’m so good at math I win awards for it, and our team advanced to state-level competition," that’ll turn some heads.
What’s the best way to contact you?
Send an email. I should answer quickly, as long as it’s not past my bedtime.