<p>My situation is quite similar to yours, as I noted above. I’m 26, and I’m a high school dropout just returning to college. I’m finishing up my second semester right now. I placed into elementary algebra, and that was what I was in last semester. However, over winter break between semesters…I did some serious self study, and I was able to place out of geometry, intermediate algebra, and college algebra all in one fell swoop. I retook the placement test, and placed into trig. I still decided to just register for college algebra though, because it wouldn’t have really saved me any time to skip it. If I’d taken trig this semester, I’d be starting calc in the fall…but I had the option of taking college algebra now, trig over the summer, and still starting calc in the fall. So, I figured it would be in my best interests to not skip college algebra. Managing to bypass some of the remedial classes though is going to save me an entire year at my community college…which means I’ll be able to transfer a year sooner than I’d be able to otherwise. Everyones situation is different, but I would strongly encourage you to try and do something similar. Khan Academy was a lifesaver for me. I can give you some links to some great free online math texts too if you’re interested. </p>
<p>That does create a dilemma with the course not being offered at night…but from the sounds of it you’re going to have to make it work somehow. The concepts from college algebra and trig are very central to calculus. Prerequisites, especially in math classes, can rarely be bypassed, aside from placement scores…but that assumes a working knowledge of the courses. </p>
<p>I’m going to go out on a limb here though an assume that if college algebra/trig isn’t offered at night…it’s quite likely that calculus won’t be either. Your goals for college are really going to require full time attendance…because a physics curriculum is a very demanding path. Is there any possibility of changing shifts at work or anything like that?</p>