Math has always been my weakest subject. In high school, I had to retake Algebra 2 twice and Statistics almost cost me my diploma. Now, I am attending community and experiencing the same problems. I was placed into Math 125 (Intermediate Algebra) and failed the class twice. I managed to pass with a C on the third attempt (a steady B that fell to a C with the final) and moved onto my transferable options. As they were Statistics or Calculus, I opted for Statistics.
Now I sit here looking at my second failed grade in Statistics and my lovely Academic Probation status. Now I, the Creative Writing major, am seeing my Gen Eds be completely stonewalled by the single math class I need to pass to transfer, with the possibility of it costing me my entire academic career. I have had little to no trouble in most of my other classes, but my GPA has plummeted due to these class.
So I’ve looked at my options for fulfilling the requirement and it seems that I have three:
Precalculus
Statway (A two-semester version of Statistics 1)
Attempt #3 at Math 227 (Stats 1)
Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? Does anyone know what “Statway” actually entails, as the web page on it gives little info? Or do I just dive into Precalc and hope for the best?
I still have a recurring nightmare that I haven’t got my degree due to the math requirement. I graduated from college in 1988. I really feel for you.
Can you talk to a counselor at your college and find out if it is possible that they will allow you to substitute some other class to meet the math requirement? Have you met with the counselor to find out which math class is “easiest” for kids who struggle with math? Failing all that, I am guessing that a two semester course is just a much-slower paced version of Stats 1 and I would opt for that. Is it possible that you could wait until you transfer to meet the math requirment at a four year college that might have more options in terms of differnt types of math classes? I think a visit to the counselor is in order. Good luck to you, I know how tough it is.
I would talk to your advisor and also gather opinions from your recent stats instructor and even the head of the math department. If you talk to them in person or on the phone you might get some good advice on which instructor is known for being the most nurturing or less demanding, and this discussion wouldn’t be the kind of information that they would put in writing. No one is going to say in an email, take Mr. X for stats because everyone who shows up for class everyday gets at least a C, but in an in-person conversation you might pick up on hints like this.
Edited to say that I hope you do show up everyday even for the classes you are retaking because being there is the biggest determinant of success that you have under your control.
I did a little bit of searching on Statway and there’s an entire PDF document about it. Apparently, the state of California developed the Statway curriculum as a two-semester replacement for the “developmental” (remedial) math sequence for students who place below college-level math, which usually takes three semesters. Before Statway, a developmental math student would take elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and then a college-level math class (which precalculus probably is). You placed right into intermediate algebra, so your sequence should’ve been two semesters - whatever you take next would, theoretically, be your last math class.
However, given that you are struggling with intermediate algebra, it may make sense for you to try the Statway course. It will add an additional semester to your time to degree, but it may make sense because it’s intentionally pitched at developmental math students who are struggling with math concepts. Evaluations of Statway show that Statway students are more successful at earning the math credit they need than students on the regular developmental track.