A couple questions about community college

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I plan on asking these questions when I talk to my college counselor in a couple days. Since these issues are worrying me now, I am hoping someone here would know.</p>

<p>I just took my placement test two hours ago. The test placed me in Intermediate Algebra and English Fundamentals. I under stand the Intermediate Algebra choice. I didn't understand a lot of the college level algebra questions. I am a little distressed over the English Fundamentals selection. I believe the score I recieved doesn't accurately reflect my knowledge of the english language. I looked at the english curriculum flowchart for the college classes. This is the list of the classes from the lowest level of difficultly to highest:</p>

<p>Basic Grammer & Usage
Basic Writting Skills
English Fundamentals
Freshman Composition
Critical Thinking & Writing</p>

<p>I was in an advanced placement english literature class last year. This was the highest level of english available at my high school. I believe I should at least be in the freshman composition class. There are no retakes allowed for the placement test. Is there a way to test out of the class? Do the professors that teach the class give their own placement test to assess where everyone is at? Maybe I can test out that way.</p>

<p>I really want to eventually take the critical thinking & writing course before I transfer to a 4 year college. That is 3 english classes to complete within a 2 year time period. Is there a solution to my dilemma? Am I just overreacting to being placed into english fundamentals? Is there a way to test out of the class?</p>

<p>The only reason I did so bad on the math portion of the test was because the highest level math I have recieved is Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1st semestor. My Dad had been fighting Leukemia for 2 years. He recently passed away. It really hurt my grade being away from school. That is why I am not complaining about my math placement. I plan on teaching myself the fundamentals of the stuff I missed in class.</p>

<p>Thanks for your time.</p>

2

<p>Well, from your post, it looks like your english skills are definitely up to par. </p>

<p>I've had several friends that also had to take crap classes at their CC because of their placement tests. To be honest, I doubt I would have done much better than them in some areas. I got past all of that by submitting my SAT scores. If you've taken the SAT and done pretty well, you can probably get out of taking those classes by submitting those scores. The ACT would also work. Good luck.</p>

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<p>I never took the SAT or the ACT. I didn't think I would have to since I am starting off at a community college. I hope I am not out of luck. I am willing to do any amount of extra work to get into the Critical Thinking & Writing course.</p>

4

<p>You might get a better response in the transfer forum.</p>

<p>"Is there a way to test out of the class?"</p>

<p>Not necessarily test, but you can go to the dean or president for approval to start at freshman level, especially so since you have evidence of success in AP english.</p>

<p>"Do the professors that teach the class give their own placement test to assess where everyone is at?"</p>

<p>No. Unlike HS, professors have little administrative authority. Though a letter of recommendation to the dean wouldn't hurt, by the time you get one you might as well finish the course. </p>

<p>To give you a feel for the layout of the typical english course:
In a freshman level english course, within the first two weeks you are assigned reading (with discussions following the nightly reading), and asked to complete a 4 or 5 page essay (of 5 or 6 you'll be asked to complete during the course of the semester) which will be a major part of your semester grade. If your not comfortable with your writing or reading comprehension skills to handle that within the first two weeks, I would suggest you take the fundamentals course. Otherwise, as I said before, talk to the dean of students or a counselor to see what they can do for you.</p>

<p>"That is 3 english classes to complete within a 2 year time period. Is there a solution to my dilemma?"</p>

<p>Remember that these english courses are only a semester long (or 10-weeks on the quarter system), so 3 semester-long courses only amounts to a year and a half, taken consecutively.</p>

<p>"Am I just overreacting to being placed into english fundamentals? Is there a way to test out of the class?"</p>

<p>Maybe, maybe not. The thing to take away from this is the importance of not taking placement exams lightly.</p>

<p>"The only reason I did so bad on the math portion of the test was because the highest level math I have recieved is Algebra 2/Trigonometry 1st semestor."</p>

<p>Don't worry, if your major is in the liberal arts and you're not going into a science major you won't need to take much math. I’d say, with your placement level, maybe 3 or so classes. Intermediate algebra, college algebra, and stats/trig maybe.</p>

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<p>Do you pass the AP test? If so ask if it would be a replacement for one of those courses.</p>

<p>CLEP is another option if you pass you can get credit for freshmen comp.</p>

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<p>I forgot to ask one more question. How does class selection work? In those 2 years, how many times would have to pick new classes? Would I be able to take those 3 english classes that I want (I think Matt30 answered this)? I never thought of this before since I haven't been in college before. Normally in grades k-12 there is a required amount of classes to take in a day. In college it is different. You get to pick how many classes you want. I am unsure how many to take my first year. Whay types of classes do people usually take in their first year? Also, I never took the AP test. I took the class as a challenge. I didn't take it for the college credit (though now I realize I should have taken the AP test.)</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>You should probably take about 4 classes each semester. College classes only last a semester, so you'll be fine taking the 3 english classes. Go ahead and get all your basics out of the way: math, history, english, science, art, foreign language if needed, etc. I wouldn't recommend taking math and science in the same semester though, too much logicy thinky stuff there. Maybe math, history, english, and one more class. This should be at least 12 hours, but no more than 15 probably.</p>

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<p>Everyones answers have been great! That is true AUlostchick. Math and science would be a lot to handle. I'm told myself that I am dedicated to giving all that I can in college. I will spend all my spare time working on getting the best grade possible. If I have to take math and science together, I ready and willing. Math, history, english, and art sounds like a good schedule to me. I'm trying to think of what times to take my courses. I really want to get my classes the same day my friend does so we can hopefully schedule for the same time.</p>