[Serious] How should I prepare to take math classes again as a returning student?
[Serious] How should I prepare to take math classes again as a returning student?
Hey guys! Was doing great in college until 2019 when I was kicked out at 18, finally back on my feet and going to school again but was wondering how I should get ready to take math again?
Wasn’t bad at math or anything, just changing from a polysci degree to an engineering degree so it’s going to be more intensive and I’m not sure if I’m ready after a 4 year break. I have all Fall semester to prepare, going to be taking Calc I in the spring. My last math classes were Trig and Stats.
Sorry if this isn’t the type of questions this community does, didn’t know a better one.
Maybe https://www.khanacademy.org?
Highly recommend Khan Academy. I used them to refresh my self for the GRE after not taking any math for the previous 6 years. It was a very well laid out progression from simple to more complex concepts. Granted this was in 2015, so their lessons may have changed over the interim, but I assume they will have only gotten better.
I recommend Khan Academy as well. My daughter got her geography degree in 2020 and is starting back this fall for civil engineering. She was worried as well after the break, especially since she didn't need a lot of math with her first degree. Khan is what gave her the confidence to go for the new degree! It's an amazing resource.
I teach physics. I suggest going to Khan Academy and taking the course challenges for algebra and for trigonometry. This will give you an idea at what skills you have, and which skills you should work on. Then work on those skills.
I'm willing to help if you'd like some, but you can probably figure it out with no problem. Just don't be afraid of any of it. You can learn any math that you don't know.
I ran away from university and went on tour with a rock band for a few years. I came back pretty toasted, and calc I was my first class during my first semester back. Just keep up with the practice problems, and most importantly CORRECT THEM when you get the solutions, and try to understand why your work is wrong. There kinds of mistakes you can make are finite, so if you focus on them you'll do great.
Good luck!!
My biggest suggestion is to actually read the math book. They are carefully written and designed to build understanding and reinforce concepts.
Don't breeze through the pages, do the examples and do the problems. Try to keep pace with the class it can be tempting and easy to charge ahead.
Good luck!
One of those test-prep books or KhanAcademy would probably be a good place to start. Pick lessons that go over what your last class was, which I'm assuming is algebra and trigonometry based on your next class being Calc I.