12-03-2009, 01:41 AM
STUDY STUDY STUDY!
If you are in a time crunch for spring, study only math. Here is why- lets say your college has a math line up that looks roughly like this:
MAT065 basic math
MAT085 pre-algebra
MAT095 intermediate algebra
MAT101 math for liberal arts
MAT120 college algebra
MAT129 college algebra with trig or Precal
MAT135 calc 1
MAT145 calc 2
Now, since each math is 1 semester, you obviously can only take these 1 at a time. If your degree is an AA and requires a 100 level math (all of them do) you'll need to complete the MAT101. If your COMPASS test places you at MAT065, you are stuck! You are looking at 4 semesters of math to meet your graduation requirement, and the first 12 credits (basic, pre, intermediate) won't even count- not even as electives. <swoosh> that's the sound of money down the toilet.
If you must take the COMPASS, you must study. Sign up for ALEKS it's only $20 and start rocking out the basics. For me, I found prealgebra not easy enough to do without study- but that's me.
Oh, if you are looking at an AS degree in one of the sciences or engineering areas, they'll require calc 1 as a first semester course (co-requisite) meaning the maths before it must be finished before enrolling.
My two cents- for the non mathy, CLEP the college algebra class and avoid the compass placement mess. If you come in with the credit, they won't give you the math section when you take compass.
If you are in a time crunch for spring, study only math. Here is why- lets say your college has a math line up that looks roughly like this:
MAT065 basic math
MAT085 pre-algebra
MAT095 intermediate algebra
MAT101 math for liberal arts
MAT120 college algebra
MAT129 college algebra with trig or Precal
MAT135 calc 1
MAT145 calc 2
Now, since each math is 1 semester, you obviously can only take these 1 at a time. If your degree is an AA and requires a 100 level math (all of them do) you'll need to complete the MAT101. If your COMPASS test places you at MAT065, you are stuck! You are looking at 4 semesters of math to meet your graduation requirement, and the first 12 credits (basic, pre, intermediate) won't even count- not even as electives. <swoosh> that's the sound of money down the toilet.
If you must take the COMPASS, you must study. Sign up for ALEKS it's only $20 and start rocking out the basics. For me, I found prealgebra not easy enough to do without study- but that's me.
Oh, if you are looking at an AS degree in one of the sciences or engineering areas, they'll require calc 1 as a first semester course (co-requisite) meaning the maths before it must be finished before enrolling.
My two cents- for the non mathy, CLEP the college algebra class and avoid the compass placement mess. If you come in with the credit, they won't give you the math section when you take compass.
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