Hello,

I need some advice. I haven't had an Algebra class in 30 years and now I have to take College Algebra at a local community college.

I scored a 23 in math on my ACT which allows me to take the class without taking the Intermediate class first which would not give me a credit anyway.

Would it be dumb to attempt the College Algebra class under these circumstances? I am a relatively bright person and know/understand general math and am a good student otherwise. I am a hard worker and will certainly take advantage of math labs and such that are offered at school. I am not looking to obtain an A .... a C would be fine.

Thanks in advance.
nancy

I'd say go for it. Your lecturers/tutors would be happy to help you in any way that they can if you need it, and there's always your friends at MHF :P

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Two things are infinite - The Universe and Human Stupidity. Though I'm not too sure about the universe...

Well, it looks as though you're still in good condition with your math skills, but I'd definitely brush up rather than take Intermediate. If all you're willing to obtain is a C, not that I'm in any real position to give you good advice, you could probably get one in this class if not better.

Having said that Nancy, there's no reason why you shouldn't aim high - chances are you CAN get an A...

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Two things are infinite - The Universe and Human Stupidity. Though I'm not too sure about the universe...

My advice is, go for the highest class you can and aim for an A!

I am in a similar boat.. well not 30 years, but about 15 since I've taken an actual math course. My bachelor's degree is in Art and I never took a "real" college mathematics class. I thought I'd be starting back with college algebra or at LEAST precalculus. I was feeling really uncertain, but my husband is an engineer who is also working on his Master's degree, and he convinced me that a reasonably bright and driven adult can succeed far beyond what "they" (the school) suggest, as they are working under the assumption of many apathetic teens and young adults.

I still wasn't convinced, but I took his advice and I reviewed all my high school math independently.. starting with basic Algebra. I was not proud, I seriously started with reviewing even some pre-algebra stuff like order of operations! I spent a month or two studying independently at a reasonable pace (an hour or two a day - sometimes more, sometimes less) and reviewed algebra, advanced algebra, and trigonometry. ("Precalculus" courses are just a mix of algebra and trig, I've discovered.) After doing this I took the college placement exam and was amazed at how easily I placed into Calculus (I NEVER took a Trig class). I am halfway through the course and have a solid 'A' and I see no reason I won't keep that A going. And don't let this site intimidate you either.. people post up their most challenging homework problems. When you are in a basic class, your instructor is not going to start you off with the most challenging problems, (or in my case, we are occasionally given such problems with our homework, but we are only tested on our comprehension of the basics.)

You will be amazed at how much easier school is as a competent adult. Well, maybe some of the bright people here at Math Help Forum are 'A' student as young adults, but for those of us who slacked a bit when we were younger, being mature and reasponsible goes a long way. If you focus and take your course seriously, and review any material where there are gaps in your memory, there is no reason you can't succeed in the highest class you can place in (or even higher, if you REALLY wanted to prepare and retake your ACT.) Let me tell you, I am SO glad I took my husband's advice and I've thanked him repeatedly for giving me the encouragement and confidence to start in the higher level course. You'll be surprised how quickly things can come back to you, and starting lower than your potential is a waste of time and money.

Also, do you plan on taking any math beyond College Algebra? If you do, I'd highly advise aiming higher than a C. I don't see how you can have a real comprehension of the subject with only a C, and that could haunt you if you plan to take more advanced courses.