Hi everyone,
I’m not positive if I’m posting this question in the right category, so I’m sorry if this is in the wrong place.
I recently took the ALEKS math placement test to determine what my first college math course will be, and I received a score of 69. My college requires a score of 46+ to take College Algebra, and a score of 61+ to take Calculus. Although my score qualifies me to take Calc, I feel far more comfortable starting with College Algebra. I’m sure this varies greatly, but generally, can colleges force you to take the hardest class that your score on the placement test allows you to, or is there some flexibility? Do I still have the option to take College Algebra, despite qualifying for a higher level course?
I will be a freshmen entering in Fall of 2018, and my major is biology. (Not sure if this info is relevant.)
I really appreciate all insight. I know this answer can vary a lot based on school, but any experience that anyone has with this would be very helpful. Thanks so much!
The placement test is an assessment of a student’s readiness for college math. Many schools will not permit students to take any math course that is above his/her readiness level. The way I see it, you met the score to take either College Algebra or Calculus. Check to see which one is required for your degree program, and have this discussion with your college academic advisor.
Also consider splitting the difference and starting with precalc.
What math did you complete in high school?
http://www.math.buffalo.edu/rur_index.html is a collection of on-line quizzes that let you check your readiness on each prerequisite subtopic. For example, the “are you ready for calculus 1?” quiz has 11 subtopics of precalculus material to check your knowledge on. You may find that you only need to review a few subtopics to be fully ready for calculus 1, for example.
In many colleges, calculus and statistics are required for biology majors. If you are pre-med, these are expected by many medical schools.
I was in the same boat. My college required three math placement tests, you would only move on to the second and the third if you met a minimum score. I got the required passing score on all three and my admissions counselor “highly recommended” I take Calc.
As soon as I read that I freaked out! I’m also a rising freshman and I am taking six classes so I didn’t want to take a course that would be too difficult while I was transitioning into a new way of life. I decided to take Statistics because it is a good middle-ground and is required for both of my majors.
Instead of taking classes you may deem too difficult, I advise you find a good inbetween. Is there a way you can view the required classes for your major? See what math courses are required and if there is a non-Calc required I would consider taking that.
Just take calculus. College algebra is probably not a difficult class, but it most likely will be time consuming. You will still have to take calculus next semester anyway, which is also a time consuming class.