Name__________________________

 

Prerequisite Review

 

More than 50% of College Algebra students receive final grades of F or W, mostly due to a lack of current high school algebra skills.   This Prerequisite Review is intended to help you decide whether you have the skills necessary for success in College Algebra.

·        start on the following review questions right now  (today, in class)

·        do your work neatly, in pencil

·        place all work and answers on this form - no extra sheets

·        show all work;  answers by themselves will not be accepted

·        12 out of the 15 problems completed successfully (80%) is a passing score

·        your grade on this review (2 points per question) will become part of your final grade for the course

 

You may discover for yourself in class today that your prerequisite algebra skills are rusty.   If so, please see me at my desk for advice.  You should try to register for a more appropriate class today.

 

If you feel confident about being able to complete the Prerequisite Review successfully, please finish it at home, and I will collect it next time (if this assignment is not completed by next time, you may be dropped).  I will then grade them and return them for you to make your decision.  If you would like first to practice on a sample Prerequisite Review, you may find one on the web at:

http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/prereqd/1743/index02.html

_______________________________________________________________

 

NOTE:  you should NOT be enrolled for College Algebra unless:

·        you will be taking (scientific) Calculus, or Business Calculus I and II, or

·        you are required to take College Algebra (by name, not just “College Mathematics” )

·        by your ACC program or

·        by another institution’s program

 

If you are enrolled in this course simply to satisfy the general requirement for college math, you are wasting your time.  See the handout Alternatives to College Algebra for other college-level courses that can be taken to satisfy that requirement.  See me for my recommendation.

 

(the test is inserted here)

Prerequisite Review Score and Recommendation

(to be completed when the graded test is returned)

Your Prerequisite Review score (2 points per question):  _______

 

Score

Advice

24-30

College Algebra appears to be appropriate for you.  It will, however, require that you set aside at least 8 hours of time outside the classroom per week to prepare for lessons and do the required homework.  If difficulties arise, you may need to seek extra help from me or tutors in the Learning Lab.

20-23

College Algebra may not be appropriate for you.  If you stay enrolled, you will probably need frequent extra help from the tutors.  Please consider the Alternate Plan.

0-19

College Algebra appears to be inappropriate for you at this time.  You should receive advising by me or the Math Office (2221) before deciding to remain in this course.  I strongly recommend that you follow the Alternate Plan.

0-19

You have failed the Prerequisite Review; furthermore,  I am unable to determine that you indeed have the prerequisites for this course.  In order to remain enrolled, you will need to see an advisor, who can give you documentary proof that you have the prerequisite, if you have it.  Return this proof to me at the next class period.  Failure to do so will result in your being dropped.

Alternate plan:  Take or re-take Intermediate Algebra (MATD 0390) (if College Algebra is a strict requirement for your degree program), or take (at a later date) one of the other college-level mathematics offerings (if College Algebra is not a requirement).  See the attached handout Alternatives to College Algebra.

Please follow the directions given in the ACC Course Schedule, which describes how to make changes by telephone through a certain date.  If you wish to move to MATD 0390 after that date, take the form Developmental Mathematics level change form (obtainable from me) to the Math Office (NRG 2221) to request a different course.

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Student:  After you have seen your graded test, please complete the following, sign and date it, and return both sheets of your Prerequisite Review to me.

___  I have read and understood the above recommendations

My intentions are (check one):

___  I will remain registered

___  I will seek additional advice

___  I will register for the following course:  _______________________________

Signed _______________________________________   Date ____________________