HisGraceFillsMe

As many of you here know, I'll be attending Sonoma State University in the fall. The CSU system requires all freshman to take tests known as the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test. I did not have to take the EPT because my SAT&ACT scores were so high...English has ALWAYS been my forte. However, I did have to take the ELM. I got my results back yesterday.

I didn't pass. While I wasn't expecting to blow the test away (just as English has always been my forte, math has ALWAYS been my weak spot), I did expect to at least pass. Somehow I now feel like I'm not as smart as the other students who did pass...I'm also a little bit worried that this may effect scholarships I applied for.

I even cried about it for a while yesterday...it just made me feel so inadequate. I've never been great at math, but I definitely don't want to end up in a class that won't challenge me at all and make me feel dumb. I also feel awful making my parents pay for a class that won't count towards graduation.

Also, what possibly upset me more than anything is that you need a 50 to pass...and I got a 46. The idea of being SO CLOSE but not passing just kills me.

As a side note, this isn't the only thing going on in my life...my grandmother is in the hospital with a Staph Infection, MRSA (MSRA? I can never remember.), and E Coli. Whenever we go to visit her we have to wear a glove and mask and scrubs, and as soon as we get home we have to wash our clothes and take a shower. I don't even know if she'll live the next 2 months to my graduation.

Any advice on not letting this dampen my last 2 months of senior year? You all have been such wonderful comforts in the past...

paying3tuitions

The only thing worse than failing a math screening test is being in a freshman class that's slightly too hard and you can't keep up.. then it's months of uncomfortable. It's a shame to have to start with an easy math class but you might just welcome some ease first term freshman year, compared to other challenges!

With your grandma, just take it a day at a time and be thankful you have a spiritual mindset. When you have to do all that washing, just realize you're protecting her from germs so that's a way of caring for her.

Hugs.

jmmom

Agree; enjoy the ease. My step-grandson had to start with a much lower level of math than his peers in his freshman year, but he is thriving in an Engineering program. The level of math you take in freshman year really wouldn't matter much, would it, if you're not planning to go forward in a math-heavy field?

I can't add any wiser words to paying3's thoughts regarding your grandmother.

You are getting a lot of life experience with these various bumps in the road. They will add to your wisdom and understanding of others.

kluge

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. There's not a lot that can be done when people get old and sick. It is something that happens. I know that's no comfort - but I'm with Paying3tuitions - let your faith guide you in that unhappy situation.

As for the math test - forget about it. It's a placement test, nothing more. If math isn't the direction you're heading it's just another annoying requirement you'll have to deal with. Congratulations on your college choice, by the way - Sonoma is a terrific school.

teriwtt

While I can't comment on your specific school, I have heard of students not placing out of a level of class they thought they should have (bad test day perhaps?), and register for the one the school recommends. Once the class starts, if you look at the syllabus and still believe it's a total waste of your time (and more importantly money), then make a case for switching classes. It's just an option. It just means the door hasn't been closed. With that, enjoy your last two month; you will regret letting such (what could be later considered) trivial matters ruin this special time.

As for your grandma, I'm not going to lie; MRSA can (note CAN) be serious stuff; how she gets through it depends on her overall health. The worst part for me when I visit with people with MRSA is wearing the mask and gloves; I think the best way we can comfort people is touch and talking... things that wearing a mask and gown can definitely feel intrusive of. But you have to accept it's in everyone's best interest. The last thing you'd want to happen is for YOU to get MRSA just prior to your graduation.

It's hard to have two such opposite experiences going on at the same time - it doesn't allow your brain to fully appreciate one or the other, but you do the best with the resources you've got. That's all you can do. Also, think about how your grandmother wants you to enjoy these last couple of months of school. In doing so, you're honoring her with your actions.

HisGraceFillsMe

Thank you all for your kind words. In looking at the course catalog again, it looks like worst-case scenario I could end up repeating Algebra 2, which might be a good thing (I haven't taken math in a year, and Algebra 2 was a rough subject for me...probably a good idea to take a refresher).

Thank you, also, teriwtt, for your much-welcome perspective on her wishes. My graduation is exactly 2 months from TODAY. It's so crazy to think about! The fun stuff is starting to roll around...prom is in less than a month (I'm taking my dress to be altered this week! ), and the Senior Banquet for my SLC (which we have looked forward to for 4 years) is a month and a half away. I'm trying so hard to just lean on my faith and remember that this is something I don't control.

As for the test...seeing that it's a matter of retaking Alg-2 (or, if I don't place into that, Elementary Algebra...which I did very well in ((I'm assuming that's liek Algebra 1))) made me feel a little better. ^_^ Thank you all again for your kind words.

Marian

My son flunked the math placement test at his college, went on to get an A in the remedial math course that he was required to take, and then majored in computer science and got through all the necessary math courses in that very math-oriented major with at least a B in all of them.

He is now a college senior. He applied to 12 Ph.D. programs in computer science and was accepted by 7 of them. He will be enrolling in a graduate program that's ranked in the top 15 in his field this fall.

My point is that failing a math placement test simply means that somehow, you didn't learn some math topics that you should have learned in high school. There is no disgrace in this, and it does not mean that there's anything wrong with you. It doesn't even necessarily mean that you're bad at math It's simply a deficiency that you need to correct, and then you go on from there.

The reason why colleges have these tests is that if they didn't have them, some freshmen would end up in math courses that they are ill-prepared for. That's a lot worse than having to take a remedial course so that you will be well-prepared for the next levels of math.

bluebayou

Hopefully, your grandmother will recover quickly.

As for the math test, don't be too concerned. Unfortunately, a LOT of kids don't pass the math and/or english component. At some Cal States, the number is well over 50% of matriculating frosh. A good friend had completed honors AlgII and AP Stats with B's and yet "failed" the math test at our local community college.

mathmom

Sorry about the math test. If it makes you feel better I knew kids at Harvard who had to take remedial math. But other posters are right, much better to get a good review of material that you were a bit shaky on, than struggle in classes that are slightly over your head.

kelsmom

I am so sorry about your grandmother. I hope each day brings better news.

I understand how you feel about the math test. Like others have pointed out, though, it's not as big a deal as it seems. You are much better off this way than getting into something that is too difficult (and a relatively easy class first semester can be a nice introduction to college). My neighbor cheated on her online math placement test --- she had friends help her --- because she didn't want to have to "waste her time" (her words) with an "easy" math class that wouldn't count toward degree requirements. Well ... it wasn't long before she dropped the class she placed into because she was failing it! She ended up having to take the class she should have been in the next semester --- losing time and money in the process. If math isn't your strong suit, the remedial class you take will help you & it will make the class that counts for your degree much easier to handle. You'll be fine!

happycollegemom

hey~ you're being way hard on yourself! PLEASE enjoy the end of your senior year. and relax about the math! i agree with all the posters about not stressing in a math class as soon as you start college. like i always say, THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN MATH!!! my thoughts are with you on your grandma~ be there as best you can for her, and feel good knowing you are. take care.

Lafalum84

I echo the others - the math test is discouraging, but better to start out in a class that you're comfortable with, maybe even a "review" for you, then to be lost from the get-go. You'll be much more ready to go on to whatever required math you have to take before you can finally be math-free forever!

My sympathies with your grandmother. My mother is also ill, but lives 1000 miles away. DD (10th grade) and I will be visiting her over spring break, and I know DD is nervous. Grandma has had cancer for 4 years, but the chemo doesn't seem to be working any more and she's getting ominous and uncomfortable symptoms and just doesn't feel well at all or have any energy. Every time we see her DD is afraid it may be the last time. It stinks for us, and your situation stinks for you, and for you to have to deal with this at a time when most of your classmates are celebrating the end of high school probably makes it all seem even worse. But this is all a part of life, and you are gaining wisdom and perspective. It just stinks that sometimes the process of gaining wisdom is so painful. In the meantime, try to be "present" with your grandma when you see her, but also try to "live in the moment" at your proms, banquets, etc - and don't feel guilty for having fun and celebrating this great time in your life!

dmd77

I know so many successful adults who flunked one or more math courses or tests before they got where they are. In fact, half of all engineers flunked part of calculus the first time... and look, they still have jobs.

Math is so important, and so useful, if you're comfortable with it. Double-taking a math course and getting really comfortable with algebra sounds like a great thing.

And best wishes for your grandmother's health. I hope she makes a speedy recovery.

PackMom

I'm sorry about your grandmother and understand the stress you are feeling. My FIL is currently battling MRSA and is on isolation also. It is hard.

As far as the math..don't let it get you down. I was a terrible math student and also failed the placement test at my college. I did the no credit remedial class and then moved on the required class. It was still not easy for me but I managed to make it through (BS Nursing) and so will you.

My S2, a senior, is also not a great math student (my genes,lol) and is pretty sure he'll not pass the placement test in June either. I've told him not to worry about it,but to just do his best. It's a small thing in the big scheme of things. It doesn't by any means indicate your intelligence.

overseas

Listen, life is a series of hills and valleys. I had a great teacher tell me that. Do the best you can to level out the hills and fill in the valleys. Over a lifetime you learn how, but first....

I was the worst math student and when I started back to school, I decided I could challenge that. I got books on overcoming math anxiety. And you know what: I started getting As. That's right. So I took that "high" that I got off that mountain of doing the impossible in my mind and told myself, "this is actually a game and it's fun. I can remember to this day finding those math anxiety books on the shelves of the college library. Overcoming that one thing, helped me to do many impossibles.

Now, a sick grandparent. Just be there for her. You can't do anything more. It is a valley for sure. Fill it in with your blessings. All my best to you.