<p>I'm tragically inept at math...I've been hearing that UCF's math courses are basically 50 minutes of class and then like another 3 hours of YOU teaching yourself in Math Lab. Is this true? I'm nervous that I won't do as well as I hoped. ):</p>
<p>Here’s the thing, there’s this brand new interactive math computer center that the school just built last semester (by built, they cleared out a wing of the math building and made a bunch of rooms into 1 big computer lab). I’m not entirely familiar with the facility (other than walking by it and looking in the windows). I’m assuming it’s a new hybrid program with reduced class time that the school is rolling out. I’m not sure what classes it applies to.</p>
<p>My guess is that is applies to the lower level math classes, which would be finite math, intermediate algebra, college algebra, trig and pre-calc (don’t quote me on those, though). I think there may also be some sections of Calculus set up with this new interactive environment.</p>
<p>But, not all math classes at UCF have this structure. I’ve never had a class like that. I went through the whole calc sequence in the last year without anything like that. I’m currently taking linear & matrix algebra, and we don’t have that type of structure.</p>
<p>Honestly, it’s probably not that bad of an idea. Of course I like to do math the old fashion way, with a pencil and paper. I’m not sure doing it on a computer is the best way, but I haven’t used the software.</p>
<p>Also, if you start taking math classes at UCF and struggle, there are ample places to get help. That’s one thing UCF is great for.</p>
<p>1) They have a Math Lab (different than the computer center), that has tutors on staff pretty much all of the time. If you struggle with any math classes they are there to help you.</p>
<p>2) Many of the Math classes have SARC sessions. These are supplemental tutoring sections that are facilitated by upperclassmen (which typically are majoring in the subject and have taken the class before). </p>
<p>3) Almost all of the professors are available outside of class to help you with any problems you might be having. Just go to their assigned office hours. Every time I’ve sought out a professor for help they have been great.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. The key to math (anywhere, not just UCF) is to stay on top of the material and do TONS of practice problems. You have to study to succeed at anything math related at UCF. </p>
<p>However, there are plenty of majors at UCF that don’t require a lot of math. What is your intended major?</p>
<p>I have also heard about the math classes at UCF running that way. I will be attending in the Fall as a Transfer Student.</p>
<p>The question I have (towards anyone who can answer) is, would it be worth it to attend Valencia Community College as a Transient Student and take math courses there, or should I just take my math courses at UCF? I’m sure the class sizes at VCC would be smaller, and the classes would be cheaper (correct me if I am wrong).</p>
<p>Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>Many students take math classes at Valencia. Hell, half the adjunct math professors at UCF also teach at Valencia. Like both places, the classes/professors can either be hit or miss. Both of my Calc I and Calc II professors taught at both Valencia & UCF. The Calc I professor was horrible, but the Calc II professor was great.</p>
<p>In general, the classes at Valencia are probably a bit easier. I’m fairly sure they allow graphing calculators for the Calc sequence at Valencia, but they are banned at UCF.</p>
<p>In general the classes at Valencia will be cheaper (I think about $100-$200 less per course). Class size is probably not that much different. UCF keeps their math classes to around 40-48 students. I’m guessing it’s the same at VCC.</p>
<p>If you’re majoring in something that requires the math sequence, don’t you have to take those classes at UCF unless you transfer in with an AA?</p>
<p>No, UCF allows transient status. The only condition is that you can’t take courses at a local CC in your final semester before graduation. The only reason for this is because they can’t get the grades back from the CC in time to confirm the graduation.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you’re going full time to UCF it’s just “easier” to take all of the classes at UCF…it’s easier “time wise”. It stinks to have to get into a car, drive to VCC, find parking there, go to class…then have to drive back to UCF, find parking, go to your next class. That’s a bit of a pain.</p>
<p>However, I know there are many students that do it.</p>
<p>In reality, many students complete their Calc sequence at a CC as part of their AA because they know they are going to major in something quantitative when they get to UCF. It can be done either way.</p>
<p>Thanks OminousRun!</p>
<p>@ OminousRun</p>
<p>Thank you SO much for all of your help. That actually made me feel a lot better about the math classes. I’m probably going to have to take one of the lower classes, but I’m sure the Math Lab will be plenty of help! I am most likely going to major in Communications/Journalism so I don’t think that I will need to take a whole lot of math courses, but still it’s inevitable. </p>
<p>Thank you so much for all your help. BTW, has anyone heard back from the admissions yet? I hope everyone gets in! (:</p>