HELP! College Algebra holding me back for my MBA...

[derek12538]

HELP!
College Algebra, a seemingly antiquated form of mathematics only applicable to scientists and math teachers, is absolutely killing me!
I reaching out to the board for help, as I am in a holding pattern and cannot progress into my MBA program until this course is done. The college algebra class through Patten is basically designed for students who have completed algebra classes previously and is not in any way remedial. My understanding of algebra is unfortunately very remedial.
It has been suggested to me that I take the college algebra through straighterline, as it is an easier class to get through for students like myself. I have contemplated hiring a tutor, using mathhelp.com and even taking a class at my local junior college in beginning algebra... all very time consuming endeavors.
CLEP may be an option, but I have to set it up through the registrar and I am waiting a call back form them. However, I don't think I can pass a CLEP exam in the topic. Statistics or another type of math course is no longer transferable to satisfy the requirement, or I would be looking into that.
So, I am stuck.
Any advice, thoughts or insight is appreciated as always!

[rebel100]

Will they accept it on an ACE transcript? If so ALEKS is likely a good choice as its very cheap and self paced. One could hire a tutor for the rough spots and get it done quickly.

I ended up doing mine through straighterline, it was a great choice for me.

[bluebooger]

I like him better than Khan
PatrickJMT arithmetic

PatrickJMT algebra

but Khan is ok
go here and scroll down to see all his subjects
https://www.khanacademy.org/math

this is a good site
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/index.html

she's good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHuXf9KHUIk

all her videos are listed here
https://sites.google.com/site/harlandclub/Home/math

[dfrecore]

Taking a course in Beginning Algebra will not satisfy the College Algebra requirement - it needs to be College Algebra (I'm inferring this from your original post - check to see if a lower-level course will work). I feel your pain, I'm struggling through it now (and I was an A student in math all the way through Trig/Analytic Geometry in HS). If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken College Algebra and Statistics my first semesters in college when it was fresh. Now, it's 27 years later and not so...fresh.

I would find out what your college will accept, and then work on that. ALEKS is good, even if you can't use the credit, I think you can learn enough to pass the CLEP exam. If they won't take CLEP, ask about a TECEP. Ask about Saylor. UExcel. TECEP's and UExcels are on actual college transcripts, they may just have something on the transcript that shows it was not a regular course you took. UofIdaho IS has a course, so does CSU Pueblo IS. They will both be on a college transcript.

Again, I feel your pain. I am taking the College Algebra TECEP on Friday with minimal study time, just to see how I do. If I don't pass, I will continue with ALEKS, when I get to the 70% on the assessment, I will transfer it to ACE so I can get the credits, take the TECEP one more time, and if I still don't pass, I will just take another TECEP that will be easier for me to pass (I need 8).

You CAN do this, it just takes some people more time than others to learn a subject, but don't let this stop you!

While you're at it, you will probably need Statistics (most MBA programs require some sort of quantitative reasoning course), I would do that after College Algebra. While you're in "Math mode".

Good luck!

[bricabrac]

I agree with the others. I would advise you use aleks to bring yourself up to date. Google a free trial offer. Start with Beginning Algebra, Intermediate then tackle College Algebra. This method, along with the tutorial sites mentioned, should have you well prepared for the CLEP exam. Most colleges will accept the CLEP, not ACE credit so I would first investigate to confirm prior to start.

Do you have books on hand to use as reference? All math books have tutorials that teach you shortcuts and how to use your calculator. If you need them, send me a PM, I have a a few math books that may be of use in your studies.

Good luck!

[alleycat]

I went on the ACE website and Patten U is listed as accepting ACE. I would do Aleks Alg and put it on an ACE transcript and send it on over. With any luck you could have this done in a weekend.

[derek12538]

First, thank you to all who responded. I appreciate all of your input.
Second, a few questions come to mind...
What is the main difference between straighterline college algebra and ALEKS college algebra? Is one easier than the other?
I can sign up for ALEKS, but then have to get ACE to transcript the class? A touch confusing.
ALEKS courses can be completed in that short of a time?

My time limit is basically the end of December to finish microecon (which I am half way through with straighterline) and college algebra.

Thank you again to all of you!

[bluebooger]

if you think you're going to CLEP you might have to schedule the exam soon (not take it soon, but schedule it)

I find this time of year difficult to schedule exams

many schools that administer exams close for winter break and for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas

and when they are open they seem to have a shortened day

so open slots fill up

[dfrecore]

Major difference: Price - Aleks is $20/mo.

I haven't taken SL, but I can tell you how ALEKS works. You sign up, and get a "Master" account and a "Student" account. The master account is where you can schedule assessments (tests). The student account is where you do the actual work.

You sign in as the student the first time, and you take an ASSESSMENT. This shows you where you stand at that moment for the course. If you were to score a 70% on that assessment (BLUE LINE), you could be done and get the credits transferred to ACE. If you are using it to study rather than take a class, you will want a higher score. If you need to continue on in the course either to learn more, or you scored lower than 70% on the exam, you just start working in the course.

There is a "pie" that you work in - each slice is a different type of problem. I like to work within a slice, to get better at that one section before moving on. As you do problems, you will start to see your % change. As you master problems, you will start to get GREEN added to your BLUE. This shows you how much you've learned, but you must score a 70% on the ASSESSMENT in order to pass the course.

At any time, you can go into the master account and ask for a new assessment be given. The next time you log in as a student, you will take the assessment.

You continue learning in the pie until you score at least a 70% on an assessment, or higher if you want.

ALEKS and SL are similar in that their courses are ACE-approved, and you can get them put on an ACE transcript. But, SL has some partner colleges who will accept their transcripts directly, while ALEKS does not have that. If you had a college who accepted ACE, but was not a SL partner, you would have to get your SL courses sent to ACE as well.

And yes, some people are able to get their ALEKS course done on the first assessment, in a matter of 30 minutes. I finished Intermediate Algebra in a week, after doing Beginning Algebra to 100% in a few days.

[LaterBloomer]

You know those folks who say "Nazi homeowner's association, or Nazi this, that, or the other thing?" Well, I HATE the use of Nazi in that context as it minimizes what those people (the Nazis) did. Because I feel that way, I can't say that your e-mail caused a PTSD flashback (don't want to minimize PTSD), but I WILL say that I'm VERY empathic about your problem. I tried a college algebra (distance learning at my own speed), and ALEKS. I FINALLY passed College Algebra using ALEKS, but it wasn't fast, nor was it painless.

Not to go all Clinton on you, but I feel your pain. I wish you the best of luck.