COSC Math Question

[burbuja0512]

Hi,

To meet my math requirement at COSC, the most basic class would be 101 Contemporary Math. I wasn't considering actually taking an online math class until I failed my initial ALEKS exam. (OK... so I know that ALEKS doesn't say that you actually fail, but I consider being proficient in 0 out of 311 topics failing)

The syllabus says that High School Algebra 2 is a pre-requisite to Contemporary Math, but I graduated in 1993, so I'm not sure how much I acutally remember and I don't need anything beyond an occasional equation in my career, so I haven't practiced at all.

Has anyone taken Contemporary Math? How challenging is it? Would it be a better option to just suck it up and get through ALEKS somehow? What about Straighterline or other options?

Any comments/ideas/feedback would be greatly appreciated. Even if you didn't take a COSC math class - do you have something that worked well for you?

Thanks!

[Bunbu]

I was in a similar position. Math is by no means one of my fortes so after a "just OK" experience with StraighterLine ENG101 I was ready to enroll in their College Algebra. Someone suggested me instead to go for ALEKS and it was a terrific advice. In my initial assesment I scored 25 out of 300+ topics (and most of them were pure luck.) I enrolled regardless; the price can't be beaten and I'm actually enjoying their system. This is the first time in my life that I can say that I understand Math. I also love that I don't need to commit many hours to study their material (my math attention spam is very limited), which means you could squeeze a couple CLEPS while REALLY learning Algebra.

[burbuja0512]

Thank you Bunbu for the response about ALEKS. I have heard wonderful things, but the horrible assessment made me want to throw in the towel.

I will try to move forward. I did pay for a year of ALEKS, partly for me and partly for my kids, so I should probably take advantage. I just need to convince myself to like it.... I have the negative self-talk that's making it harder. I keep telling myself that I will never use college algebra and I think that makes it harder to move forward. Your encouraging words help.