College Algebra

1. How hard is college algebra?
   
   I haven't had a math/algebra class in years.
   
   I just ordered a fundamentals of algebra book online to refresh my memory.

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2. 

   About Cheryle

   Joined: Apr '03; Posts: 23

   20 Comments

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3. 
   May 9, '03

   I would say that it greatly depends on how good you are in math in general and how much you remember from previous classes.
   
   Does your school do placement test to see if you need elementary algebra or college algebra?
   
   If they do and you qualify straight for college algebra, which is what I did and expect to make an A, then you should be fine.
4. 
   May 9, '03

   Thanks Cynthiann,
   
   Well when I called the school to ask about all the pre-req's that were required for college algebra, (there were about 3) she told me that since I am TASP exempt that I don't have to take the pre-req's. She said that I could try the college algebra class and if it was too hard that I could change classes. She said I would know the first night if it was too hard.
   
   I guess I'll just try and see what happens...
   
   Thanks a bunch
5. 
   May 9, '03

   Cheryle,
   I am not a math person... at least I never thought that I was. I did fine in algebra in college though because I had a wonderful, fun teacher! She made it fun to go to class and made us accountable for our work so that we didn't get behind. I needed 4 more math classes for my degree requirements, and thanks to teacher Emily, I have had the confidence to do them. Ask around and find the best teacher... the one others have learned from and enjoyed learning with. We have some horribly boring, anal teachers here... I was sooooo lucky!
6. 
   May 10, '03

   Hey Cheryle,
   I just finished my College Algebra course last week and I pulled an A. It is really hard to say how you will do because everyone is so very different. I just tried to NEVER miss a class because there was so much you had to figure out on your own if you missed the lecture. I also tried to just remember that with math it is just knowing the formulas and understanding that most of it is just knowing what to plug in where. Alot of the students missed class and or did not ask questions. I always asked for help on any homework I did not understand. I also found that when doing homework sometimes it just did not "click". If I left it for awhile and went and did something else and came back to it later many times I would find that what I had been frustrated over had become clearer and I got it. Just relax and try not to stress and you should be fine! GOOD LUCK!
7. 
   May 11, '03

   I am not a math person at all. I hate it. But I got an A in college algebra. With a good teacher and perfect attendance you can do well in it as long as you are willing to ask questions and keep up with it. If you get to a section that you don't understand very well, jump on it and work it until you understand it because it builds off of itself as you go and you will get behind if you don't stay ahead. Good luck to you!
8. 
   May 11, '03

   I hadn't taken algebra since 1985, but I just finished college algebra this semester with an A.
   
   You might ask about tutoring. It turns out my school had a program where I got two hours a week of one-on-one math tutoring for free! They didn't publicize the program and only had limited spaces, but I asked about it before the semester started and got in. They also have a walk-in math lab where you can get help with your homework.
   
   I also agree that it is important to go to every class, even missing one class will put you behind. I also did all the homework. Often times I thought I understood a concept during the lecture, but found I couldn't figure out how to do the homework problems. It really showed me what areas I needed to work on.
   
   
   Good luck!
9. 
   May 12, '03

   I just finished algebra last friday (got an A!) It was a once a week class so I didn't dare miss a class. I don't necessarily agree with the statement that you'll know if it's too hard the first class. I cried after my first class because I felt lost and I didn't think I could do it. Dropping the class was not an option because this is my last semester. So I just buckled down and worked hard. If I had to do it all over again, though, I would have taken algebra before I started nursing school.
10. 
    May 12, '03

    LauraLou - I haven't had algebra since 1985 either. That is why I was thinking maybe I might need a fundamentals class or something. Really didn't want to do that because I have just enough time to take my pre-req's before the nursing programs begins. So I think I'm just gonna go for it, really buckle down.
    Thanks
    
    Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments.
    
    I feel much better and more confident about taking the class now. I think I was just a little scared about going back to college in general after so long.
11. 
    May 12, '03

    I consider myself mathematically challenged...and I got an A.
    
    Do the assigned homework and Study. You'll do wonderful!
12. 
    May 21, '03

    I just finished Intermediate Alg. with a "B" and dang proud of it. Half the class dropped out or failed-the instructor was tough. I didn't dare miss a class for fear of getting behind and staying there. I'm starting College Alg. Summer I session next week, and quitting is not an option. It's my last pre-req. before the RN program in August. I hate math- I feel the anxiety level going up as the first day of class approaches. Best of luck to you!
13. 
    May 21, '03

    If you can make it through coll. algebra, stats should be a breeze!! Coll. algebra was one of the toughest classes for me, but I struggled through and ended up with a 'B' (i'm not a math head). I went on to stats and had no trouble at all, easy 'A'. I believe most BSN programs require stats, and coll. algebra is usually a pre-req for it. Well, best of luck to you, muddle through, and do your best!!
14. 
    May 21, '03

    Buying the book to go over before the class starts is definately the best idea. It had been many years for me since I had taken high school algebra. I ordered a book from amazon.com and went over it the summer before taking the class. I was at the top of my class the whole semester. I am sure you will do fine.

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