College Algebra Summer II... can anyone provide any advice or tips?

gninab · Jun 11, 2012

Hey guys!
I will be taking up college algebra as a summer course starting early July. I wish that my timing could have been different, but I just wanted to get most of my complex courses (A&P I, II, English Comp I, II) out of the way first before I take this course. I plan on applying to my CC nursing program in the fall. I will be taking up Micro, college chemistry and developmental psych in the fall as well. As you can see, I need to complete this course by the end of summer. Like any other ambitious student, I would prefer an 'A' in this course. At the very least, I can accept a 'B', but if I get any grade lower than a 'B' at the moment, my chances of acceptance into the CC nursing program are pretty much shot.
Is there anyone out there who can offer me any advice or tips on getting through college algebra with a decent grade. Math is certainly not my friend, and I would deeply appreciate whatever help I can get.
Thank you!

Go to www.ratemyprofessors.com , locate your school and the math department. Or, if you are familiar with the names of the professors offering the college algebra course for the semester in which you are enrolled, search by name and read reviews left by students.

When I was a student, I chose the professor teaching college algebra who was rated as easy and helpful, but not for serious math majors looking for a challenge. By looking at the reviews, you should be able to determine which professor is consistently rated as being helpful and better for the student who may not necessarily need college algebra in order to excel in future, more difficult, math courses.

In addition, if your professor lists required AND recommended texts, be sure to purchase the recommended text books! I purchased the text recommended, but not required, for my college algebra class and loved it! The entire thing consisted of brief explanations and loads of practice questions with the answers in the back which detailed each and every step needed to find the correct answers to the problems.

I also watched youtube videos of certain concepts which were giving me trouble. The videos are great, because you can pause and rewind while trying to figure something out. If lecture during algebra class moves along too quickly for you to fully grasp a concept, just jot down what it is you need to know and then figure it out on your own at home. That worked the best for me.

In addition, check out the tutorials here: http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/index.htm They were incredibly helpful when I was a student. Another good site is http://www.khanacademy.org/ , for video tutorials. I used all of these tips and I got an A!

I was a bit of a problem child in my teenaged years and dropped out of high school in the tenth grade. I took pre-algebra in eighth grade, but turned to business math in high school when I got off track. Over thirty years later, I got my GED before applying to college and then to the nursing program. I've been a registered nurse for three years now! Good luck to you, but most importantly - work hard for what you want!

leenak · Jun 11, 2012

I never had to take college algebra so I can't remember what an algebra course entails but like most math courses, practice is your friend. Work problems out in the book, first without looking at the explanations, then with them. Seek out tutoring if your school has it. For extra practice and explanations, you might also look for a college algebra or dummies book. Practice, practice, practice.

Ev1987 · Jun 11, 2012

Thank you very much for your advice! I am looking forward to having 'no life what-so-ever' during the next few weeks. I just hope that I can continue to stay focused and discipline myself!

LexiMena · Jun 12, 2012

Does your college offer tutors? If so get the schedule immediately so that if you ever get stuck you know when someone is there to help you. I'm taking the 2nd remedial math class right now & I was in the tutoring center yesterday getting help on a a take home quiz and homework. I don't know what I would have done otherwise!

willowita, ADN, RN · Jun 12, 2012

My advice is just to learn the formulas like the back of your hand and when to apply them. Granted, there are a lot of formulas to go through but it's really not that bad. In my experience with college algebra, understanding concepts and the idea of math is key so you have a better understanding on when to apply formulas to certain problems. The deeper you go, the more it might look the same if you haven't grasped the concepts. A graphing calculator also helps but not required.

I also agree that practice makes perfect. Do a ton of homework. Even problems that aren't required just so you get a good handle on how it all works. You may think you "get" it with a few problems but lack of practice shows on a test. Most textbooks have answer books too so I found that to be helpful as you do the homework. The answer book will give an explanation about how to do a problem, not just the answer, so you see where you go wrong.

Ev1987 · Aug 26, 2012

UPDATE: I just found out yesterday that I passed college algebra! I feel very relieved about that. Math is surely not my friend. 'Khan Academy' and 'Purple Math' were a big help. Now, I am in the process of studying for the nursing entrance exams. Thank you again for your comments and suggestions!