Placement tests..

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2006

I willing be taking my placements test in about 5 weeks to see what Math and English levels I will need to start at. I took Algebra 15yrs ago in HS, and I did really good at it, but now when I look at it I have no idea what I am doing?? What is a good and quick way to re-learn Algebra??
Thanks!

I am good at algebra and have not taken it since high school either. However, I have taken more advanced math (Calculus and Differential Equations), Stats, Accounting, Physics and Engineering courses since high school.

If you do not know what you are doing, then I suggest that you test into the math that is at your current level and take the classes you need until you are proficient to do well in Algebra assuming you do not test into Algebra right away. The last thing you want to do is fail Medication Dosage or Pharm or Chem courses because you found away around taking the right classes you need to be successful.

By the way, testing centers at your school should have study guides. There are also websites to help you practice for your placement exams. I just don't have any off hand. Good luck.

Jules A, MSN · Oct 22, 2006

Hi,

I didn't think the Pharm classes had any real basis in complicated algebra so my guess is that you will do just fine there. As for brushing up I'd get a basic algebra book, you could probably order an old one super cheap from amazon etc. I bet it will come back pretty quickly. Good luck.

lisabeth · Oct 22, 2006

I am exempt from Algebra unless I go for my BSN since I had more than 12 hours of college before 1987, but I probably will do that. I fear college Algebra. I really suck at math anyway. I did watch some nursing math being worked out once,and it didnt seem too hard, but I am sure that will be a challenge too.

Good Luck.

AZmom · Oct 22, 2006

There are probably some algebra refresher websites out there to help you.

You will need to know the basics for Chem. Won't survive without it. That said, I hadn't taken math since college 15 years ago and have done fine. It all came flooding back for me (but I always was excellent with math, made it through a few semesters of college Calc even; ymmv).

catzy5 · Oct 23, 2006

i willing be taking my placements test in about 5 weeks to see what math and english levels i will need to start at. i took algebra 15yrs ago in hs, and i did really good at it, but now when i look at it i have no idea what i am doing?? what is a good and quick way to re-learn algebra??
thanks!

amazon.com: all the math you'll ever need: a self-teaching guide (wiley self-teaching guides): books: steve slavin

i had not taken math in 20 years and even that was limited i was terrified of the placement test i knew i would have to take algebra for nursing but i didn't want to be taking remedial remedial to get into remedial lol. so i picked up the above book, studied it front to cover and was a tremendous help!!! i scored really high on my placements and did really well (a's) on my 2 algbra courses i took. its a great refresher i will warn you though it starts of with multiplication so you could skip that but i needed all the reveiw i could get it wwent into algebra and geometry but thats what i needed a starting from scratch type book. it was easy to understand and great practice i tell everyone about it.

BSNtobe2009 · Oct 23, 2006

My advice, because of Chemistry, allow the placement test to do it's job and test where you are CURRENTLY.

Even though I tested out, when I returned to college, of Algebra, I would have felt pretty lost in Chemestry without a working knowledge of it. So I voluntarily took the course and very glad I did.

Mamakidee · Oct 23, 2006

Thanks for all the advice!! Ok I know nothing about Chemistry and would neverhave guessed I be using Algebra for it ; ) I am now looking forward to taking algebra. I know I'll do good at it, I was just hoping it would be one less class to take! Sounds like I'll be needing it though. I did start looking at refreshers and some of it was coming back to me : )

Thanks again!

Tonia

catzy5 · Oct 23, 2006

Thanks for all the advice!! Ok I know nothing about Chemistry and would neverhave guessed I be using Algebra for it ; ) I am now looking forward to taking algebra. I know I'll do good at it, I was just hoping it would be one less class to take! Sounds like I'll be needing it though. I did start looking at refreshers and some of it was coming back to me : )
Thanks again!
Tonia

Bahahaha that makes me laugh, but not at you at me LOL. I am taking Chemistry this semester and thought the same thing. Ok well I knew I needed Algebra to get in but I didn't know why. I am actually doing my homework right now and let me tell you its pretty much just another name for Algebra.

need to go finish my Stoichiometry now

enjoy chemalgebra.

Mamakidee · Oct 23, 2006

LOL!! I am glad I am not the only one who didn't know you actually use algebra in chemistry ; ) And I ordered the book you suggested from the library!

Tonia

catzy5 · Oct 23, 2006

LOL!! I am glad I am not the only one who didn't know you actually use algebra in chemistry ; ) And I ordered the book you suggested from the library!
Tonia

great I hope it works out for you! it really helped me get my head around the basics again sometimes its good to get a refresher.

BSNtobe2009 · Oct 23, 2006

Thanks for all the advice!! Ok I know nothing about Chemistry and would neverhave guessed I be using Algebra for it ; ) I am now looking forward to taking algebra. I know I'll do good at it, I was just hoping it would be one less class to take! Sounds like I'll be needing it though. I did start looking at refreshers and some of it was coming back to me : )
Thanks again!
Tonia

When I took Algebra in high school, I was completely lost. But when I went back and took it again, older, wiser, I was like, "This is it? This is what I stressed out about so much?"

I got an A in both sections. I thought it was easy, easy easy. Just do ALL of the homework whether they require you to or not, and it's not hard.

Me, A, Math, same sentence...was a Kodak moment in our house.