How old is too old for an Algebra class

SweenyG · Mar 6, 2015

I went back to school 30 years later and my school accepted all my credits up to a certain number. I did have to take statistics, but did not have to retake Psych 101, which I had taken so many years ago.

Darby71 · Mar 6, 2015

At my school you had to retake any

science or math classes that were older than 7 years.

Mr. Murse · Mar 7, 2015

I don't think anyone on this site can answer that for you with certainty. It's school specific. Go to the office and find out the next time you have class.

Honestly though, algebra is really the main kind of math we use in nursing. Although computers do the majority of the work for us these days, we still have to figure out weight based meds and drips quite often which is basically just an algebraic equation and you plug numbers in. You'll have to do it in your calculations part of nursing school too. It's a good think to know how to do either way and worth sacrificing your GPA a little bit if that's the only thing you're worried about.

Not sure how true it is, but I read somewhere once that the portions of your brain that deal with math are some of the last to develop, and often it doesn't really click with people until their mid to late 20s. I never cared for math much, but when I went back to school for nursing in my mid 20s it all made sense and I got A's in all those classes and nursing calculations were a breeze.

42pines · Mar 7, 2015

I'm about to turn 58 and I'm thinking of a Master's and know that they too will want Stats. I will take a class but perhaps one of the Coursera or free self-paced ones. If you really think you need to re-study Algebra your community may have a math prep course possibly for free, that should give you what you need and does not need to be part of your transcript. Of note: If you get an A in stats, I doubt they will question your Algebra.

PlayaChickRN · Mar 7, 2015

I see that you say you fear they may not accept the credit. One of the biggest problems I see with myself and some I know is that word, fear. I would encourage you to seek out facts- it will completely remove your 'fear'. A simple call to the transcript or transfer office will answer your question of whether they will accept the credit or not... no need to stress. :) I say this from many many days of fearing for this or that until I just snapped out of it. haha!

I HATE algebra...like physical reaction to it kind of hate. I am now in statistics and actually enjoy this class! Who would have known!? The only algebraic concepts I feel I use in stats (only half way through the semester) is knowing how to solve for an unknown. If you know how to move that little x around from side to side and solve, that's the hardest part. Most of the class you will use a calculator and special functions that do the hard stuff for you (you still need to grasp the concept behind it, however).

At any rate, I encourage you to deny fear and find facts. It will keep you from stressing unnecessarily. :)

Good luck!! You can do it!

MidLifeRN2012 · Mar 7, 2015

It is essential that you can get through algebra before taking Chemistry which is usually a requirement especially for BSN. I absolutely struggled through chem because it had been more than 20 years since algebra. I had a bad chem teacher and only got through it with the help of You Tube.

Plus you will need basic algebra knowledge for pharmacology drug calculation courses.

ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2015

I think that it will have to be up to you. I went through Calc 2 when I was in college. Didn't remember a THING of it 8 years later and went straight into my BSN program. Statistics uses some algebra. I had to repeat the class. If you feel prepared, or that you can relearn as you go... jump on in. It would have cost the same had I taken a remedial math class or retaken Statistics, so I'm really not too bummed. It was just a headache trying to relearn algebra that quickly.

jensjo · Mar 7, 2015

(You do need to brush up on your math/algebra before you do statistics. You are concerned about your GPA. Don't risk the statistics grade later.)

that is a very good point!

jensjo · Mar 7, 2015

Thanks for all your replies. I did call Texas Women and and UTH. It's just that years of experience with different schools has taught me to take what they say with a grain of salt. Their offices tell you one thing and then when you actually execute they say something different. some times I really wonder about the people they have working for them. That's why I'm trying to cover my basis and I'm leaning more and more towards taking that algebra after all. I'm actually leaning towards taking the math just to make sure there are no surprises at the end.

jensjo · Jan 5, 2016

I know it's been a long time but I figured I would give you all an update. I finished algebra, statistics and chemistry (not the same semester). Made an A on each of them. I have started the application processes and I am getting ready to take the TEAS exam this week. It's funny now when I look back just how scared I was at the time of the original post. I'm glad I got it over with. Just have to keep reminding myself It too shall pass :).

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2016

I really think that Dead is the age that qualifies as being too old. Otherwise you aren't too old if you have the mental capacity. :yes:

benespace · Jan 5, 2016

Yes u r not too old, lik jensjo say, dead is old. In my chemistry class there was a 75yo man n he was acing the class..