Your ACC Assessment Test result should have told you which math course you are supposed to enroll in. If it did not recommend this course, then please contact me to discuss this before enrolling. If you enroll in a course you were not placed into, you may not be able to continue in it. If you feel that your ACC Assessment Test placed you too low and you really could handle a higher course, then please look over the math department's advising information and review sheets for the Assessment Test and the pretests in the various courses.
The prerequisite for Elementary Algebra (MATD 0370) is a grade of C or better in Basic Math Skills (MATD 0330) taken in Spring 2000 or later, or C or better in Prealgebra (MATD 0350), or its equivalent knowledge.
To determine whether you have the prerequisite knowledge to take this course, please complete the Review for the Elementary Algebra Pretest. This review will be turned in with your first homework assignment. If you are able to understand and work correctly at least 30 out of the 42 problems on this review, then you are probably ready to take Elementary Algebra. If you cannot work correctly and understand at least 30 of these problems, then you should enroll in Basic Math Skills (MATD 0330). Once you log into the software for the first time, you will need to take the Elemenatry Algebra Pretest online and make an 80% or better grade on that before you can start the other work. (Don't panic, you can retake this pretest several times if necessary.)
Elementary Algebra is designed to prepare you for Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390) and to help you pass the math portion of the TASP/THEA test. It also offers you one way to prepare for MATH 1332 Topics in Mathematics and MATH 1342 Elementary Statistics if you have had two years of high school algebra, after you have passed the math portion of the TASP test. The course covers topics normally covered in the first year of algebra in high school.
Please be aware that if you begin in this math course, you will have to take one other math course (Intermediate Algebra) before taking College Algebra (if you need College Algebra for your degree) or Mathematics for Business and Economics. If you think that this course may be too easy for you, you may want to try doing the Review for the Intermediate Algebra Pretest. If you are able to understand and work correctly at least 43 out of the 61 problems on this review without help, then you might be ready to take Intermediate Algebra.
If you feel that this course will be really very easy for you, but you want to stay in it anyway, please read this information. If you have any questions, please contact me and describe your situation, including what math course the Assessment Test printout recommended that you enroll in and what math courses you have taken before (and when). Make it clear that you are considering enrolling in my MATD 0370 Elementary Algebra class so that I can give your message top priority.
Before you go further, please consider whether this is the right course for you. This is the second of a sequence of three courses which cover the school mathematics needed to prepare for College Algebra.
- Basic Math Skills, MATD 0330
- Elementary Algebra, MATD 0370
- Intermediate Algebra, MATD 0390
Many students have already taken and passed courses covering this material in the past and merely need a review. It is important to consider how much review you really think you will need before you begin the sequence. Unfortunately it is common for students to start in a lower course, do very well, and expect to skip one of the other courses in the sequence. That won't work. If you do want to complete your review more quickly, there are various options available.
There are several different entry-level college mathematics courses, so it is quite possible that College Algebra may not be the most appropriate course for your educational goal. And you may be able to prepare for some of these other courses more quickly.
Distance learning courses provide students the ability to plan their school schedules around their lives rather than planning their lives around their school schedules. But not everyone is well-suited for a distance learning course, let alone a distance math course. Everyone has different learning styles and different personalities; therefore, it is important to for you to assess your own style and your own characteristics before enrolling in this course. To help you do this, please complete go here, read the info, and take this survey. Also, please be sure that you have a computer that meets the minimum system requirments for this course.