Should I take College Algebra?

[Laurren]

Hi,

I am eligible to take Pre-Calculus, however, I plan to stay at this college (I'm a freshman) for the spring semester, and possibly for the summer. I haven't accumulated enough credits to transfer as a regular transfer, thus if I was to transfer, it would be just applying as a freshman, which means I would need to re-take my ACT (my math was HORRID). I'm thinking if I take the College Algebra class, it would refresh my mind and I would do well on the ACT (I'm good on everything else, I had a 29 out of 36 in English). However, I am thinking that if that transfers and is shown on my transcript, that veterinary schools will think I struggled in college and had to take that in order to take Pre-Calculus or I was undecided (because pre-veterinary is Pre-Calculus or Calculus 1) at the time when I started college
I just think it would really help me, but I don't want it to look bad.

Any advice?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Frozenshades]

Shouldn't be a big deal, just make sure you do well in the math classes. It seems like a lot of people start at different math levels in college (algebra, pre-cal, calculus, etc), I wouldn't worry too much.


If the idea bothers you though, have you considered taking the pre-cal class and taking a prep class on the side for the ACT math? Or just buy a book and review on your own time.

 

[Laurren]

There are NO prep classes ANYWHERE around here.
As for the book, I've tried that. I just can't do it.

But thanks. I'm just trying to make my application look as good as it can.

 

[Frozenshades]

There are NO prep classes ANYWHERE around here.

That's surprising. Nothing online either I guess? I know online prep is pretty big for the graduate school exams, but it's been a few years so I'm not sure about SAT/ACT.

As for the book, I've tried that. I just can't do it.

Heh, I understand. Try to get used to doing that though, you're going to need it for the GRE 😉 Just a few minutes a day is all ya need, it adds up over time.

But thanks. I'm just trying to make my application look as good as it can.

Isn't everyone? Focus on your undergrad now though. If you really need to retake the ACT to get where you want to be, then do what you think will help you most with that right now. Taking an easier math class won't be a stain on your application; besides, it's your first year. If you're fit to be a qualified veterinary applicant it will show from your long term academic performance.

 

[Laurren]

Well, the online ones are too pricy, so the ones I have looked at.
Since I'm starting freshman year, I don't know if I would be able to handle the load AND that on top of it. I don't know, though.
I just don't want it to look bad. I'm wanting to go to college every summer, aswell as spring and fall, and the way I figure, I can be finished in 2015.

 

[Emiloo4]

It won't look bad. I have math for idiots on my transcript and it didn't matter. I even took baby bio for non science majors lol. Everyone takes a different path. As long as your pre reqs get completed the rest is sort of up to you.

 

[hai1983]

.

 

[CanHardlyWait]

It won't look bad. I have math for idiots on my transcript and it didn't matter. .

Me too! I started at CC and hadn't taken a math class for so long (10 + years) that I had forgotten super basic math concepts and bombed the placement test. I was in remedial math and then 2 basic algebra classes (which didn't even count as college credits) before taking pre-cal and trig.

OP-I wouldn't worry about the tiny details on your app, especially at the beginning of your undergrad experience. What seems like a glaring problem to you is likely a minor blip on the radar of adcomms. Very few of us in vet school had perfect apps, perfect references and perfect GRE scores. We're a diverse group, with a diverse set of successes and missteps on the way. Don't worry🙂

 

[Nechochwen]

Also, I think that adcomms would understand that qualified students are coming out of high schools with varying degrees of academic rigor. A student may be really smart, but had less than ideal high school prep (which is somewhat out of your control).