Math learning disorder. What can I hope for with just college algebra completed?

[cookderosa]

These replies are very helpful, thanks. I was able to compete college algebra through ALEKS but now I see that the date has been extended another month. I'm going to try statistics there and hopefully I can get that done in time. If I can't I will go for a general studies degree. All that really matters for HR Job requirements is a college degree from an accredited college.

I've never taken algebra, and found the ALEKS stats challenging. So much so, that at around 58ish percent I ditched it and watched Khan videos instead. I passed the stats DSST using what I learned on Khan vids alone. I understand that taking the stats DSST might be too difficult for you, however, you could use those along with the ALEKS class if you're struggling. Since you've had algebra, this may not be your experience, I just wanted to share what worked for me. You can do it!

[sanantone]

Well, speaking as one of those employers who actually hires people during the great depression, I can tell you that it has NOT changed much from the way it was when I got started decades ago.

Employers want the best person we can get. That is the bottom line. That was the bottom line 20 years ago. It is the bottom line today. It will likely be the bottom line 20 years from now.

In the IT field experience is king -- even for entry level positions (maybe more so). Suppose I'm interviewing two candidates. One of them just graduated with a CS degree from the University of Rhode Island but has no experience. The other one has a Liberal Arts degree from TESC but also started his own company and has been developing and selling iPhone apps written in Java for the last 18 months. Take a guess at which one I'm going to hire. Trust me, it isn't even a close decision.

When we advertise for a position we may say something like "BA/BS in Computer Science required" but it really isn't. What is really required is that "you need to convince me that you would be the best person for me to hire."

The vast majority of IT related jobs are not Computer Science jobs. They are programming jobs for businesses and healthcare. They're networking infrastructure jobs for the same industries. They're jobs were you're building apps for the iPhone/Android, or building websites, or even building games. They're jobs where you work as a liaison between us programming types and the business people. They're project management jobs that require basic programming knowledge but even more business and people skills knowledge. Jobs requiring a computer science degree, because you're building compilers or printer drivers or whatnot, are not as common, but even then, most of them don't really need a background in high level mathematics (of course there are exceptions).

BTW, my first "real" job was designing the internals of a file management system for UNIX minicomputers in the late 1980s, and now I interface Laboratory Information Systems with highend laboratory testing equipment -- not sure if this counts as a computer science job, but close enough.

Kids coming out of school with degrees in [whatever] who think that this is some kind of ticket into an automatic job are in for a rude awakening. On the hand, a kid with a Liberal Arts degree from TESC who thinks he doesn't have a chance because he doesn't have the "right" degree is being just as foolish.

Then, your company probably doesn't screen people out based on keywords on online applications. If your application doesn't have the right words (including in the degree field), it will automatically be screened out by HR software. Being the best person for the job might include having the right degree. There is a lot of competition today. Someone with a computer science degree and internships is probably going to beat out a person with a liberal studies degree and internships. It would be foolish to think that you won't be competing with people who have the right degree and experience.

[publius2k4]

What is your degree in? All of the Big 3 have several programs that don't require statistics. However, COSC's Information Systems program does require statistics. If we're talking about liberal studies, then statistics is not required at any of the Big 3.

I'm in the individualized studies program. The OP could do individualized studies, and take IT courses without having to take statistics.

[Lindagerr]

To the OP have you considered a one on one math tutor? It can be expensive I agree but if you could pass college Algebra I know you could pass Statistics if you have the right help. I was eligible to teach Middle school math in NJ, but I can not here in NY. I have volunteered to help a friend who was classified ""retarded" in his school. We have come a long way with the one on one. Find someone who has worked with learning disabilities before we understand the need to change things up when the info doesn't get through with one method.

I know what you mean about colleges being inflexible my older son has Disgraphia which is like dyslexia of the hands. He can print but poorly, and drawing is impossible for him. When he tryed to get a computer graphics degree they made him start with drawing classes. That was like asking someone legally blind to read the small print, it is not possible. These limitations should not make you incapable of doing the degree or job you are working on.

@Daithi- I know some companies want people with experience, but that doesn't mean your resume will ever get to someone that will see that. I have 30+ years experience in a chemical laboratory, but other than that One interview I have not even got one Thanks but no thanks letter. I have experience and a Math/science degree. Now I never know was I missing a vital buzz wird or is it just age discrimination. All I know is I have excellent references on my years in a laboratory and a 3.9 GPA but I don't even get a chance for a phone interview to make those points.

Sometimes the market is so overwhelmed with candidates they can come up with arbitrary requirements to weed people out. I can not even apply for several teacher (even Substitute) positions because they will only accept applications with 3 written references and I only have 2, they want the written form before they will even look at a candidate. I once thought of suggesting a seance because several of my best references are only reachable in that way. :reddevil:

[publius2k4]

I'd also like to point out that the WGU Statistics course really isn't that difficult. I took and passed the final exam without any course prep. At WGU, with their performance assessments, you can take the final exam without doing any coursework. If you pass the test, you get credit for the test.....much like a CLEP or any other credit by exam.