Published Jun 11, 2014
Lizzly
63 Posts
I'm an older student that went back to college after 10 years for a degree in nursing. I took Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra at a community college before dropping out of college for over 5 years. This summer I started classes again to get an associates in nursing. Of course, I need math to pass the nursing entrance exam so signed up for Quantitative skills and Reasoning to help me get through the ACT and Nursing Entrance Exam. My Community college requires a ACT and Teas V score so trying to prepare myself for it. Today was the first day of class and dropped his class because it was a waste of my money and time. He was covering only 4 chapters out of 15 chapters and on those 4 chapters, he wasn't covering them thoroughly. What should I do to help me get a good score on the ACT? Since I took math so long ago, I don't remember it, I thought about retaking the class. Maybe I can study Intermediate algebra on my own during the summer, and then retake College Algebra in the fall. Do you think this is a good idea, or a waste of my time? I really need help with this decision. The Quantitative Skills and Reasoning math was only bits and pieces of College Algebra and didn't make sense at all. Example, On chapter 7 on example 1, they talked about plotting numbers on the number line and on example 2 they were talking about what makes the line bend. The book doesn't cover anything thoroughly and jumps around so much that it's just a waste of time. I'm really confused about what I need to do to get through the entrance exams and ACT. I am studying hard to prepare for the ACT and even learned the Frequent words used on the SAT (500-800 words) to expand my knowledge in vocabulary. Can anyone please give me some solid advise. Hope I gave you enough information to help me.
RubySlippers06
139 Posts
I never had to take the ACT or SAT, so I cannot give you information on that. However, I would suggest getting an ACT review book. Most will give you a run down and explanation of the math and everything else. Then, if you are having major issues, sign up for an ACT prep course.
Side note: speak with your nursing program to find out if your algebra class from 5 years ago will transfer. I believe most do not take classes more than 7 years old. You may just want to check. If it will not count, I would suggest signing up for it. Good luck to you!
CajunShrimp84
39 Posts
The quantitative math class you were taking would NOT have helped you take the ACT anyway because they are so totally different. Quantative & Literary Math was basically "relating math to everyday life" & not standardized test type material. The best thing to do would be to go on Amazon & buy yourself an ACT preparation book & study from that.
thanks, I'll buy an ACT book and study it. Maybe take College Algebra in the Fall.
bnb89
57 Posts
You should definitely try viewing things on you tube to utilize for the ACT and college algebra it helped me out a bunch, because they give u step by step examples. I hope this helps too
BeachsideRN, ASN
1,722 Posts
Use the TEAS V book and online practice from ATI to study from. That book has everything you need in it. I scored 92.7% used only that book to review (it had been 10+ years since I had taken my prereqs). Also double check on the ACT requirement. Usually after a few years after graduating high school the ACT requirement is null and void.
MrChicagoRN, RN
2,605 Posts
Try Khan University online. It's a bunch of different courses, all non-credit at little or no cost I think.
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
ACT is for high school seniors for a basic college acceptance I'm not understanding why you need it for nursing school. You need to check on that because you cannot take the SAT unless you are in high school. I think you are misunderstanding something.
twinkerrs
244 Posts
Like someone else said make sure the nursing program will take your college algebra mine would not take anything older than 5 years.
Leonardsmom,LPN
367 Posts
I too would check on taking the ACT, from my understanding the test is for high school seniors. Also talk with an advisor about the classes that you have taken, I was under the impression that classes I had taken 15 plus years ago would no longer be accepted. After talking to an advisor all my classes are good. After putting off going back to school because I thought I would have to redo everything I found out I was misinformed.
Depending on the type of learner you are when it comes to math, if your math class is still good you might want to consider getting a cheap used copy of the book, an older edition would work also and start going through it. I am planning myself to review my old math book (since it has been over 7 years) before I start the actual nursing program. My class is still good, but personally I know that I need to review the material.
aeris99
490 Posts
Maybe OP's school uses Accuplacer. That could easily be confused with ACT. If that's the case the TEAS study guide out out by ATI would be adequate test prep. Assuming that OP has a basic math foundation and just needs a refresher.
Yes, I had to take the accuplacer as a placement test. But what I am confused about is the OP has already taken college algebra. So I just think the OP is misunderstanding the requirements. 5 years is not that long for classes. My school accepted my classes that were 15 years old because I went back to the same school. Usually it's science classes that expire after 7 years. The OP needs to speak to an advisor.