How to satisfy Charter Oak Math req -- HELP!

Hi All --

First let me say, I'm hopelessly useless at Math of any kind. It took a team of double agents working 24/7 to garner even a D in highschool Algebra and that was over 20 years ago!

So I find myself scared to death and really not looking forward to even trying math again. However, as fate would have it, I HAVE TO. I have to satisfy that little Charter Oak math requirement as you all know.

Can someone (or multiple people even) please give some advice for this Olympically Math-challenged person on how to even begin this horrible odyssey? Do I start at the beginning and spend the next three years tyring to get to a college level math course or is there some other way that I'm not aware of (magic perhaps?) for getting this done?

Thank you in advance for what I'm sure will be great and uplifting advice.

K.

 

I took the General Math CLEP and used a Comex book.

It was not that bad.

Good luck.

 

First, I too did poorly in math. In fact, the person sitting next to me in high school carried me for two years through the subject and I still only earned a "C." He later went on to earn two degrees from Oxford. I thought I was finished with math (for a grade) for the rest of my life. I was wrong. I investigated my "easiest" options. Here is what I came up with:

• CLEP College Mathematics - if you know how to get the "mean" then this should be your first option (it's cheap and counts as 6 credits). This is the one I took.
• TECEP Principles of Statistics - if they count this one, and I think they do, then this is going to be about as easy as they come (you don't even need a calculator).
• An open-book type of DL course (a couple of these exist).

 

I took a DL statistics course from Bemidji State University that used a step-by-step method of teaching the subject. You might be able to find something like that. It did require two or three proctored exams, but they were open book. I am mathematically challanged, as well, but I got a B in the course.

Don't underestimate the importance of motivation. If you are more motivated to complete your degree now, than I doubt that you will have as much trouble with math as you did in the past. I used to think learning math would be hopeless for me, but once I came to realization that I could not escape it, I was better able to apply myself to the subject. The same may be true for you.

 

I am also hopeless with math. You should look into taking a residential class at a local community college, just make sure ahead of time that COSC will accept the course. I think the face-to-face interaction with a teacher will make a huge difference.

 

RE:

Thanks so much for the quick replies, guys...

If I were to choose the TECEP Statistics route, would it behoove me to go back and study algebra of any kind (argh!) or just dive right into studying for that particular test?

I guess what I'm asking is is it necessary to have a good working knowledge of other kinds of math in order to crack this test or can it be learned as an entirely separate entity?

Thanks!
K.

 

Re: RE:

No algebra required! See it for your self here. Just learn the concepts and terms of statistics. Also, it is awarded simply as a "pass" (no letter grade if I am not mistaken).

 

RE:

Well, I just looked at the exams accepted by Charter and it looks as if that isn't one of them -- not the TECEP version anyhow.

Depressed.... Depressed... Depressed!

Am I wrong? Am I reading it wrong?

Thanks again so much,
K.

 

COSC does not list ever exam accepted by them. Many are missing from the list, you just have to ask.

 

Oh goody goody!

Will not have to resort to black market anti-depressants now!

Much obliged,
K.

 

I am in the same boat as you, I need a math.

Someone has mentioned previously about the Colorado Community College system having DL math classes that are not proctored and are open book. I am looking into them. Another option I am considering is the DSST Business Math (which IS listed in COSC's manual as accepted). From just looking over the guide I have for this test, much of it is common everyday real life math, not that stuff that means nothing to those of us who are not engineers and scientists. It's percentages, fractions, etc. I am considering taking this. While I have had college level math as recently as 6 years ago, COSC would not give me credit for it, even though it closely mirrors the math THEY offer for about 600.00. I am currently protesting this, maybe I'll get them to agree. If not, I've got to figure it out too. If I have to pay for a math class, it will definately be an open book, non-proctored class.

Also, please read the thread World Religions or Social/History Clep. CMT has the correct link in there for the award levels of the various tests. Don't make the mistake I made and plan to take tests that won't fit the bill. COSC really needs to get their act together on getting out the right information. Had he not given me the right site, I would have made some terrible mistakes.

Also I'm open for any other math (cheap) alternatives for this requirement.

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

 

This seems like a mathematics course for those who don't like mathematics and it is only $214.00:

http://www.is.lsu.edu/shared_asp/factsheets/factsheets.asp?coursedept=MATH&coursenumber=1029

 

Spam deleted.

 

I tried instacert for the week then asked for my money back. They do promptly refund your money, that's about the best I can say for them. Perhaps their method just isn't my learning style.

 

Reed -

I need to correct information I gave you, I was wrong wrong wrong. The DSST Business Math WILL NOT meet the math requirements at COSC. It is given credit in Business not Math. I am having them check two classes for me to see if they will meet their requirements, both are entry level psych or soc statistics classes at BYU. If they do meet their requirements I will post them here. Each class has less than 20 assignments and only two tests. I'll let you know. Sorry for the incorrect information.

Also, as cmt pointed out to me, be sure you are using their updated list of tests to figure out what you are doing. They have changed the level of credit granted on some tests.

 

RE:

Thanks for the update. Does anyone know where it is that I might find the list that they keep the latest info on? I just don't want to end up taking something that doesn't count. I might have to commit Hari Kari if that were the case!

Much obliged,
Reed

 

I don't know how to do links in a post. As I suggested before go to the thread World Religions or Soc/History Clep, should be near the bottom of the page and cmt posted the link to the page. You can also access it via COSC webpage, and it is also in their Information Bullentin 2003-2004 which they will send you (nice to have a hard copy) . Don't use their catalog, it is what I was working on and it is wrong.

Also, they just called me and will accept BYU's Psychology Statistics independent study course #301. You might want to look at it. It says the prereq is college algebra but the topics look more like analyzing information with maybe some lower algebra needed.

I understand your hesitancy. COSC will take statistics or algebra to meet their math requirement, I just have to find the right statistics class or suffer through the math clep. Remember, they will analyze a class you bring to them to see if it fits their requirement. Just because it's not on their preprinted list doesn't mean they won't take it. They have to analyze the content.

Have you paid to have your existing credits evaluated?