Plan Derailed

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Hello all, this is my first "real" post!

So, I went to register for classes today after months of planning for Fall 2007. This will be my first semester of nursing pre-reqs and I'm attempting to get into my local community college's ADN program for Fall 2008. The application period for next fall is from September 2007 to January 2008. I'm trying to get into the Fall 2008 class so I don't have to wait another year. In order to do that, I would need to take 5-6 classes, only two of which are required before applying. I wanted to take 6 classes because the program's admission is points-based and one point is awarded for each class completed out of 8 that they recommend. You get points for other things, as well, but I wanted to up my chances by taking extra classes.

I had taken the TSI testing that is required and didn't do so well in the math portion. They said I would need to take remedial classes before I can get into College Algebra. I thought I could by-pass that by studying on my own and retaking the math portion of the TSI in November, but today I was told that is not possible. Apparently, Texas law states that a student has to be continuously enrolled in remediation until reaching college-level courses.

Anyways, that really messes up my plan. I'm two remedial classes (2 semesters) away from college-level algebra. There's no way I'll be able to apply for the Fall 2008 program because I won't be "TSI complete" by the application deadline. I'm very bummed about that. I just can't think of any way to get around it. Now I'm thinking the soonest I'll be able to get into the ADN program would be Fall 2009. Maybe I might as well keep taking pre-reqs until I can get into a BSN program. Or maybe even an LVN program instead. Either way, I wanted to be done as soon as possible because I'm making lousy wages and my boyfriend has to help to support me.

I'm tired, frustrated, and anxious! Ahhh!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

There are other ways of becoming TSI-complete in Texas...

1. Take and pass the College Algebra CLEP exam. You'll receive 3 college algebra credits if you pass.

2. Achieve an extremely high score on the math portion of the ACT or SAT.

3. Take remedial math during fall '07 and spring '08 to become TSI-complete by May 2008.

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CLEPing sounds like a great idea. I'm not sure about the ACT/SAT as I have never taken either of these. Those seem like they could be more involved since they include reading and writing. With the CLEP I could just focus on algebra. Have you had any luck with the CLEP test?

Thanks for your help. I enjoy reading your posts.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Have you had any luck with the CLEP test?
I am in the same boat as you, since I failed the math portion of the TSI testing (passed the reading and writing on the first attempt). I enrolled in the remedial math earlier this year, but it was being taught in the same manner that it had been taught to me during my youth...you know, the chalkboard, the teacher as the conduit of knowledge, and the students as the listeners.

The problem with remedial math is that it is being taught in a way that benefits auditory learners. In other words, you will succeed if you are a great listener and can follow abstract directions. However, only 30 percent of the student population are auditory learners. I am more of a visual and hands-on learner, so the traditional methods of math instruction do not work well for me. I ended up dropping the remedial class.

I purchased a computer program, and I intend to start from the basics (fractions, decimals, percentages) to build my skills from the bottom up. If that does not work, my last resort is to find a personal tutor. Either way, I am going to somehow "get it."

Sometimes I get the feeling that college algebra is one of those gatekeeper classes: those who pass it will progress, while those who fail it will stay behind the gate.

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Like you, I think learning on my own will be much more beneficial than the traditional classroom setting. What's the name of the computer program you purchased? That sounds like a good idea. I'm going to get the official CLEP Algebra study guide. I'm not sure if testing out of algebra by December is a realistic goal, but I will at least give it a shot so I don't have to wait another year until starting nursing school.

Good luck to you on your algebra practice!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

What about the summer session of 2008? Can't you take your College Algebra class then? It will be intense, and should be the only class you take, but it would be done by Fall of 2008.

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What about the summer session of 2008? Can't you take your College Algebra class then? It will be intense, and should be the only class you take, but it would be done by Fall of 2008.

Unfortunately, the remedial courses would need to be completed before I can even apply for the nursing program. The deadline for the application is in January 2008, so I was originally planning on applying right after the Fall 2007 semester is over in December.

I appreciate your help!

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