I’m a freshman in college. I’m doing very well in all of my courses except in math. It’s embarrassing because the people whom I associate with are “intellectual” people. I feel like I’m an intelligent person regardless of my math skills. I love learning, reading, and playing music. But I CANNOT do pre-college algebra to save my life. Is there anyone out there that can relate to this? If so, can you provide me with any tips?
First, was math difficult for you in high school as well? Or is this a new problem?
Regardless, here is my advice:
- Find a good tutor. You really don't want to have to retake the class.
- Contact the disability resource center at your university. You might have a learning disability related to math, which would explain a disparity between your skills in math and other subjects. Anyone can have a learning disability, regardless of intelligence. If tests reveal an issue, the resource center may be able to help you get accommodations, tutors, and note-takers.
- It could be that you don't have a disability, but that you missed critical pieces of math instruction earlier, making it difficult to build on the (missing) foundations. Again, a good tutor might help you identify these areas and remedy them.
Will your college allow you to take your math class as a pass/fail? Many do.
You might have dyscalculia.
Maybe try this screening test: http://app.educational-psychologist.co.uk/screening/dyscalculic/questions.aspx
What is your major? I assume it is one that does not have high math requirements?
Look at this post for ideas on how to do well in a class.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
See if your college has a math center…if not, they have a tutoring center. Use it.
Watch Khan academy videos. Do extra problems.
Also read this for someone to relate to.
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/human_guinea_pig/2006/11/the_math_moron.html
Thanks for the replies. I am definitely going to find a tutor. I took the dyscalculia screen test and it said that I’m at risk so I might have to look into that some more as well. And I am a business major.
It might be worth getting properly diagnosed…then you could get accomodations at school such as extended time, a quiet room, and scrap paper for exams/tests/quizzes.
Your college may be able to do the evaluation for you…e.g. at Rutgers
"
Psycho-educational Evaluations
The clinic in Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology has personnel certified to administer the test batteries used in diagnosing learning disabilities. ODS determines students’ eligibility for this service. You are welcome to refer to us undiagnosed students exhibiting some of the signs listed above."
Also you have to evaluate if business is the right major for you. Obviously at work you could use a calculator/spread sheet, but to be able to estimate and see if a number seems like a resonable value are skill you will need. Some business majors may need advanced math (e.g., economics)
@bopper Are you sure this is a proper screening test? Half the questions are just asking for definitions you have to remember (which doesn’t have much to do with mathematical ability) and for the questions involving calculations the wrong answers can be excluded long before actually finishing. (I don’t have any experience with this kind of tests, the last thing is probably done on purpose.)
I don’t know much about dyscalculia, so it might just be my lack of knowledge that makes this test seem ridiculous.
Yeah, I got every answer correct but for a couple of them I put “I would be guessing”. Also, the reason I’m majoring in business is because my state has a program that helps pay for tuition with that major. I wanted to just do general studies but I don’t get the financial aid for it.
I would definitely say to get a proper screening!!