Retaking a course for a better grasp on the material

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of a community college student considering retaking a Pre-Calculus Algebra course to strengthen their mathematical foundation before advancing to Calculus. The scope includes concerns about academic records, self-study options, and the overall approach to learning mathematics effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about how retaking Pre-Calculus Algebra alongside Pre-Calculus Trig might be perceived by graduate schools, emphasizing the desire to genuinely understand the material rather than inflate their GPA.
  • Another participant reassures that retaking the course should not negatively impact the student's record, focusing instead on the importance of building a solid math foundation for future courses.
  • A suggestion is made for self-studying using a specific textbook, highlighting its clarity and effectiveness, while questioning the student's comfort with self-learning.
  • The student indicates they are currently signed up to retake the course but may consider auditing it, acknowledging the potential benefits of a more thorough review of the material.
  • One participant offers encouragement, reminding the student that while math can be challenging, perseverance is key to understanding the concepts.
  • A casual inquiry about the student's location is made, which does not directly relate to the main topic of discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of a solid mathematical foundation and the potential benefits of retaking the course. However, there is no consensus on the implications of retaking the course for graduate school applications, as opinions vary on how it might be perceived.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various approaches to learning, including retaking courses versus self-study, without resolving the effectiveness of each method for the individual student.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering retaking math courses, those seeking advice on academic strategies in STEM fields, and individuals interested in self-study resources for mathematics.

M. Stewart
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I looked somewhat extensively through the threads to see if this question has been asked before, so if it has, I offer my sincerest apologies.

I'm a second year community college student and only recently decided for certain that I will be majoring in a mathematical subject (Physics or Econ). My first semester I took Pre-Calculus Algebra and it is the only math course I have taken.* At the time I wasn't planning on taking any more math so I didn't take the course seriously, but managed to squeak a B- (shows up as simply 'B' on my transcript). I'm taking Pre-Calculus Trig this semester and will take Cal 1 over the summer.

My question is this: Will retaking Pre-Cal Algebra alongside Pre-Cal Trig (my school allows this) next semester look terrible on my grad school application? I don't want grad schools to think I'm retaking the course to inflate my GPA -- I am not at all worried about that. I just feel that retaking the course and actually paying attention will benefit me greatly for the maths I will be taking in the future. I don't want to get to Cal 1 and struggle just because I didn't pay attention in Pre-Cal Algebra.

I suppose Christmas isn't best day to choose my first post on here, but oh well. Merry Christmas to anyone who reads this tomorrow!

*I realize this puts me way behind on the math courses I need for either or those subjects, but I will take summer courses which should at least partially make up for that.
 
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Welcome to PF and Merry Christmas?

I don't think taking the course again will reflect badly on your record. The key point are the courses and the grades. Are you auditng the course or actually taking it again? In either case, I don't think it matters.

Do well, study hard and get a solid math background for Calculus and beyond that's the key to doing well in physics.
 
Is there a chance you can self study by reading a textbook and going over your notes? My recommendation for a pre cal text would be,"Precalculus A Problem Solving Approach, "by David Cohen. The explanations are extremely clear (except his explanation about induction/not really needed until higher math anyways). His explanation of partial fractions was amazingly clear, and I did not have to read that section in my calculus book, because I remembered understanding a year ago from this book.

The book has harder problems than most typical pre-calculus books. Could be had for under 5 dollars.

Or are you not great at self learning?
 
jedishrfu -- Presently I am signed up to take the course again, but I may end up auditing it. Thanks for the reply!

MidgetDwarf -- I have spent these holidays going over a lot of the concepts from my textbook a few semesters back, but I feel the overall benefit of retaking (or auditing) the course again will be substantial. I appreciate the textbook suggestion, though. I will definitely look into it.
 
That is a wide decision. Remember that math and sciences are difficult but not impossible to learn. There is going to be times the material goes over your head, and you may feel like giving up. Remember to work hard and eventually you will understand.
 
Do you live in los angeles by any chance?
 

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