Advisor is recommending Algebra

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My advisor says taking college algebra will increase my chances of getting into the nursing program. Is this true? They have their score card published and this isn’t a part of it. But I would love to know what factors they consider aside from the card.

Thank you for any help you can offer!

edit: ADN program, no math required.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

A few things are missing -- Is it a BSN? ADN? Do they require a college-level math, but didn't mention algebra specifically? If you don't have a college-level math course, you're going to need one anyway.

I have no idea what your program requires, but sometimes they have classes you must complete before applying, and then you must finish other core education classes prior to graduation. If there's a large applicant pool, having those core classes may put you ahead of your classmates.

If your advisor is giving you tips to make your application more competitive, heed them.

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Yes this is an ADN program. No math is required for the degree.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

It might not be required for the nursing program, but an associates' program probably has a math requirement. Math and English classes are core to any associates' program no matter the major.

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Specializes in MICU.
46 minutes ago, WhaleTails said:

It might not be required for the nursing program, but an associates' program probably has a math requirement. Math and English classes are core to any associates' program no matter the major.

It could also be required as a prerequisite for a class that is a prerequisite. For example, in some schools algebra (or testing out of algebra) is a prerequisite for chemistry, and then chemistry is a prerequisite for physiology. In this way you end up taking all sorts of classes that are not listed as prerequisites for a specific program but you’ll need them to get into the classes that are.

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Specializes in Addictions, Psych.

What college are you in, @MBucanek?

The "score card" you're referring to is the criteria for admission to the nursing program, I'm going to guess? Just because it might not be a requirement for the nursing program in particular doesn't mean it isn't a requirement for degree completion.

I'm also an ADN student in my last year, and my college catalog specifically requires two English courses, a math, a social science, and a life science to graduate with any Associate of Science degree. Some graduation requirements can be fulfilled by the nursing program, but not all.

A competitive nursing program is going to consider the students with the best grades and the most coursework completed. It's going to suck for you if you have to take a general education class concurrently with a nursing class, and it's going to suck worse if the class you need isn't offered at a convenient time and you can't graduate with your class because you have to make up your degree requirements.

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Specializes in MICU.

I’ll also add that, if you have to take it eventually just to check a box, and you likely will, you also will likely need to take an entrance exam of some sort. TEAS or HESI, etc. Algebra is definitely on these tests and you’ll need to know it to pass, let alone get a competitive score. Might as well take the classes that will teach you what’s on the entrance exams before you take the exam!

FWIW, I took three whole semesters of remedial math, English, and science classes before I got to my first actual nursing prerequisite. When I set out to “go to nursing school” I had no idea how much work there was to just be allowed to apply. It was a bit of a setback to realize how far I had to go, but I don’t regret taking these classes first and beginning the much more difficult prerequisites with a strong foundation.

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Specializes in ER OR LTC Code Blue Trauma Dog.
1 hour ago, Etak said:

Algebra is definitely on these tests and you’ll need to know it to pass, let alone get a competitive score.

Yup, it's definitely on the HESI exam. But it's Algebra 1 and not really that hard though.

It's mostly an exercise in order of operations, (PEMDAS) and breaking the Algebra question down into it's simplest form.

With a little study and practice, you can easily resolve these questions.

I would recommend visiting Sal to brush up on any math subjects: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra

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Specializes in Mental Health.
5 hours ago, MBucanek said:

Yes this is an ADN program. No math is required for the degree.

Well that’s not true at all. Maybe when you took your placement tests your math scores were weak, is that a possibility? I can assure you you will need to do some nursing math during your program.

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Hmm. I don't post much here, but I had to reply to this. I don't believe that an accredited ADN program requires no math. Unless you placed out of the math needed.

My program requires MAT 110 (College Algebra) and several other prerequisites including English and Social Sciences, etc.. anyway, I am really bad at math and literally had to start at the very bottom, Developmental Math. I passed the first classes with an A and B. But the harder stuff, I just don't retain the information very well. After those comes MAT 101, then MAT 102, then I can finally take MAT 110. I am about to try to pass MAT 101 (Beginning Algebra) for the second time bc I had to drop it the first time. I really wish I had not gotten behind, but I was involved in two different DSS cases and was caring for children that were taken from their mother which was a huge challenge. They acted out majorly. Since it has calmed down and things have a permanent solution, I am retrying. That is 3 math classes I have taken, (two classes were in one semester though) and I have 3 more including this one that I am repeating. That is 6 math classes! And that is only the math! This semester I am nervous because I had to take a full course load in order for my Financial Aid to pay for what I needed. I was told to take BIO 112 (Basic A&P) because the A&P classes are heavily weighted and very challenging at my school. If I don't get a good grade on them I will not place into the program.

I also am struggling to take everything I need before Spring 2021 because that is when TEAS testing becomes mandatory at my school. I don't want to have to test in math again because I know I will lose some of the information. I simply dont have enough spots to take everything I need before Spring 2021. I am hoping I can do really well and take some Summer classes... but taking BIO along with two other classes in Summer will be extremely difficult with kids out of school... I just don't know. I guess I will have to brush up on everything for the TEAS test and just suck it up and do it. My point is, no actual degree program will forego the general education unless it actually is just a diploma or certificate program. This is just my two cents, I don't know your school. What school is it?

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I have sorted it out with another advisor. The wording on the degree plan online was incorrect and have since received the right information! Thank you for everyone’s help! I will indeed be taking the math class ?

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