New math with an old math mind

[The_Professor]

Such a conundrum… As per my unofficial Excelsior application evaluation report, their math requirement is College Algebra, Pre-calculus or Higher. Arrrrrghhh… This may prove to be a serious impediment to going the Excelsior route, which happens to be at the top of my short list of colleges I am considering. I simply do not have the aptitude nor inclination to attempt this, which based on my distant and vague recollection of how bad I did at it in high school way back in the day, would most likely prove to be an effort in futility. What to do, what to do?!?!?

Does any know if this course requirement might be negotiable with Excelsior, who wants me to enroll first before they will talk any further specifics. One alternative is to go with Columbia Southern University (highly-rated but DETC accredited, not Regionally accredited). CSU doesn’t have a stringent math requirement (Principles of Statistics is their only required match course), however, their testing/transfer credit limit is capped at 75% meaning I would need to take at least 10 actual courses with them. Not undoable, but it would be kind of a bummer go this route, increasing the cost of my degree, and extending the process by a number of months, just to avoid that dang Pre-calculus/Algebra. Suggestions or sage words of advice, anyone?

[alleycat]

Such a conundrum… As per my unofficial Excelsior application evaluation report, their math requirement is College Algebra, Pre-calculus or Higher. Arrrrrghhh… This may prove to be a serious impediment to going the Excelsior route, which happens to be at the top of my short list of colleges I am considering. I simply do not have the aptitude nor inclination to attempt this, which based on my distant and vague recollection of how bad I did at it in high school way back in the day, would most likely prove to be an effort in futility. What to do, what to do?!?!?

Does any know if this course requirement might be negotiable with Excelsior, who wants me to enroll first before they will talk any further specifics. One alternative is to go with Columbia Southern University (highly-rated but DETC accredited, not Regionally accredited). CSU doesn’t have a stringent math requirement (Principles of Statistics is their only required match course), however, their testing/transfer credit limit is capped at 75% meaning I would need to take at least 10 actual courses with them. Not undoable, but it would be kind of a bummer go this route, increasing the cost of my degree, and extending the process by a number of months, just to avoid that dang Pre-calculus/Algebra. Suggestions or sage words of advice, anyone?

Math stinks for alot of people. How about taking a math course at a local CC and see if you can relearn it from there. Or there is always Aleks. Just start out at beginners and move up. Also you could look into TESC because the math requirements are a little different.

[The_Professor]

Thanks, Alison... I applied at TESC as well, however, they only ended up offering a total of 4 transfer credits for all of my IT and Professional certifications, whereas I am getting 18 and 21 credits from CSU and Excelsior respectively.

[alleycat]

Thanks, Alison... I applied at TESC as well, however, they only ended up offering a total of 4 transfer credits for all of my IT and Professional certifications, whereas I am getting 18 and 21 credits from CSU and Excelsior respectively.

How about Penn Foster Tech Math 1. A few people have taken that route to finish up their degree. Don't let the math requirement hold you back. Just keep plugging along and find a solution for your math problem. Math is problem for alot of people. Going to a local CC and sit through it might not be the worse thing to happen.

[perrik]

Students in Excelsior's School of Liberal Arts can fulfill the quantitative reasoning requirement with 2 credits of either college math or statistics. So take the statistics instead! You can do it through Straighterline or ALEKS, or study on your own and take the DSST exam, or do the community college thing. In any case, you can avoid algebra. And that's always a good thing. :p

[The_Professor]

Good info... I’m seeking a BS in Business w/ MIS concentration. I wonder if I nixed the concentration if this would lower the math requirements. DSST Statistics I can handle, Algebra/Calculus is another story altogether...

[perrik]

Good info... I’m seeking a BS in Business w/ MIS concentration. I wonder if I nixed the concentration if this would lower the math requirements. DSST Statistics I can handle, Algebra/Calculus is another story altogether...

Bad news. According to the catalog for Excelsior's School of Business & Technology, all business majors must complete both 3 credits of statistics and 3 credits of mathematics at the level of pre-calculus or higher (there is no additional math requirement for the MIS concentration, for what it's worth). The catalog states that elementary and intermediate algebra don't fulfill the requirement, but college algebra does. And according to the current EC publication on credit by exam, DSST College Algebra does not fulfill the requirement. It doesn't specify whether or not the CLEP version does.

You'll have to figure out which is the least detrimental to your progress - the precalc requirement at EC, the minimal certification credits from TESC, or the cost and lack of RA at CSU. Practice those business skills by working out the ROI in cost/time/effort for each option...

[Ruddigore]

DSST Statistics I can handle, Algebra/Calculus is another story altogether...

If you do decide to tackle College Algebra (CLEP or DSST), take a look at the CLEP Professor program's College Algebra software. I used it for my College Algebra tests, and found it essential. It prepares you excellently for the test, provided you have a working knowledge of the most basic Algebra and are willing to think.

Maybe you could take College Math as a precursor to College Algebra? If you work at it, I'm sure you could pass. Math can be learned just like any other subject.

[nita_909]

If you do decide to tackle College Algebra (CLEP or DSST), take a look at the CLEP Professor program's College Algebra software. I used it for my College Algebra tests, and found it essential. It prepares you excellently for the test, provided you have a working knowledge of the most basic Algebra and are willing to think.

Maybe you could take College Math as a precursor to College Algebra? If you work at it, I'm sure you could pass. Math can be learned just like any other subject.

Hi,
I am new to this forum and will be taking a Clep test some time soon. I seen that you have taken the college mathematics test and I was wondering if you could give me any pointers on what exactly to study for? I would really appreciate it because I am so nervous since I have not taken a test in years! lol...

[LatinTea]

If you do decide to tackle College Algebra (CLEP or DSST), take a look at the CLEP Professor program's College Algebra software. I used it for my College Algebra tests, and found it essential. It prepares you excellently for the test, provided you have a working knowledge of the most basic Algebra and are willing to think.

Maybe you could take College Math as a precursor to College Algebra? If you work at it, I'm sure you could pass. Math can be learned just like any other subject.

Okay, you know how your dear old mom feels about Algebra, especially with the time pressure added in. College Math here I come and I'm 'willing to think'. Algebra is a different animal altogether than College Math. I would, though, consider doing a course online and have that count. Less time restraints. (You know I'm just sticking up for us 'older' students, don't ya?)