Do I have a chance of passing business math? (dantes/dsst)

[ds9voy]

Hi everyone

I have 57 college credits so far and am working on my associates degree. I only need 3 math credits to earn my associates degree.

I went back to school when I was 24 so I COMPLETELY forgot almost all the math I learned in high school.

I took the COMPASS test and scored a 98 on the pre-algebra math, but something like a 40/50 on the algebra. According to my school this places me in to "introduction to algebra", which would then be followed by "intermediate algebra", and would finally conclude with "college algebra". (college algebra being the only one of the three that actually counts for college credit)

Basically I am really bad when it comes to math, and if I take both of these remedial classes and then college algebra I am looking at over a year to get my degree.... over a year to earn 3 credits!

Well I realized that my school will accept BOTH the DANTES "business mathematics" AND "college mathematics" CLEP as substitutes for taking college algebra on my degree plan.

So my question is - based on my COMPASS score do I stand I chance of passing either of these tests? Or would I be wasting my time/money?

Also which would be easier? DANTES business mathematics, or CLEP college mathematics? From the exam descriptions it sounds like business mathematics would be easier, but honestly both of the descriptions make them sound very complicated....

Thanks for any advice!

[BurnieGirl]

Hi everyone

I have 57 college credits so far and am working on my associates degree. I only need 3 math credits to earn my associates degree.

I went back to school when I was 24 so I COMPLETELY forgot almost all the math I learned in high school.

I took the COMPASS test and scored a 98 on the pre-algebra math, but something like a 40/50 on the algebra. According to my school this places me in to "introduction to algebra", which would then be followed by "intermediate algebra", and would finally conclude with "college algebra". (college algebra being the only one of the three that actually counts for college credit)

Basically I am really bad when it comes to math, and if I take both of these remedial classes and then college algebra I am looking at over a year to get my degree.... over a year to earn 3 credits!

Well I realized that my school will accept BOTH the DANTES "business mathematics" AND "college mathematics" CLEP as substitutes for taking college algebra on my degree plan.

So my question is - based on my COMPASS score do I stand I chance of passing either of these tests? Or would I be wasting my time/money?

Also which would be easier? DANTES business mathematics, or CLEP college mathematics? From the exam descriptions it sounds like business mathematics would be easier, but honestly both of the descriptions make them sound very complicated....

Thanks for any advice!

To me, College Math was easier. I was in the same boat. I didn't want to go through all that for 3 credits!!!:ack:

[bawhitsett]

Just a word of advice, do not underestimate the newly revised business math exam. To my knowledge no one on this board has passed the revised exam, including myself... it's my only CLEP / DSST fail. I'm getting ready to take it again, based off some notes I made for myself immediately after my last attempt. I'll be sure to let the board know the results.

[brutus10]

I don't have any idea of the level of difficulty of the CLEP exam, but I will tell you this regarding the DSST Business Math exam:

-the DSST study guide severely "dummies" down the example questions. I reviewed these and thought the test would be a piece of cake.

-the study guides I've reviewed for this exam from sources other than DSST seemed to reflect the exam before it was "refreshed" because again, the material seemed very easy.

-I am an accounting major and fairly skilled in all areas of math (algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, etc) and FAILED the business math exam when I took it at the end of May. HOWEVER - I was told I could not use a calculator, only the one provided in the testing software, which is completely inadequate for this exam if you've ever experienced it. SO - I appealed to retake the exam, with my own calculator (which IS allowed) in less than the mandated 6-month wait period. I was awarded a free retake.

THE SECOND TIME - I passed the exam with a score of 410. I don't know what this translates into in terms of roughly the amount of correct questions answered, but as I was taking it, I felt fairly confident and still didn't score that great.

The exam covers annuities, sinking funds, present and future value extensively, and a lot of other business measures. If you are not savvy with this type of calculating, I would seriously deter you from this exam unless it is required!

Obviously, it's not impossible to pass this exam, but I have to admit that I feel like I had an advantage of basically "previewing" the exam 6 weeks before I took it again. In other words, if I had been able to use my calculator the first time, I still don't think I would have passed. Unfortunately, InstaCert doesn't provide much help in studying for this exam, so I bought BOTH recommended text books and read them through thoroughly.

Best of luck! Work hard and you will be rewarded!