It's OK, don't panic! Unless you're one of those sick people who actually enjoys math, it's completely natural for your brain to clean house on all arithmetic knowledge the moment that high school diploma hits your hand.
Thank goodness I started studying for the College Algebra CLEP almost immediately after finishing Algebra 2 in high school, before my brain hit the "clean" button and turned every formula in there to ash. I bought the REA book on the subject and dove in, but little did I know that the next year would have to be devoted to plodding through textbooks, pretests, sessions with a personal tutor, and frequent bouts of tears. Math is my arch-nemesis, in case you couldn't guess.
Be forewarned: the Algebra CLEP is not for everyone. There are several points to consider before deciding to take this test, on which I will give my personal opinions here:
- If you're not a math whiz and want to get credit for Algebra the simple way, I'd recommend a college course. Just go to classes, do the homework, and get a private tutor.
- If you're not a math whiz and want to get credit the cheap way or at your own pace, consider taking the CLEP. It takes self-discipline, but the advantages are a custom study-schedule and affordability.
- If you're somewhere in the middle between whiz and non-whiz, then maybe you want to study for the CLEP test so that even if you don't pass it you'll be better equipped to breeze through a college algebra class. This is the middle road, with the CLEP acting as a safety net.
- If you're a math whiz and don't have the discipline required for self-study, then enroll in a college course, breeze through, and you're on your way.
- If you're a math whiz and want to skip the stuff you already know, take the CLEP test, then move on to something more advanced if you wish.
Going to a brick and mortar college wasn't an option for me, and I wanted to get math out of the way, so I tackled the CLEP. If you're doing the same, but are hindered by a bad case of math-memory loss, here are some resources that might prove helpful.
This is a great place to get started. Take one of the practice tests and see how well you do, then gauge how far you have to go. Keep studying until you can master most of the problems in this book, and you should be ready to pass with flying colors!
This is a book I used, and it was awesome! Rhonda Huettenmueller explains complex problems in a beautifully elemental way, and was able to help even my math-impaired brain through the steps of algebraic equations.
If you've really forgotten everything you ever learned,
this may be the book for you. It takes you through the basics and prepares you for the more advanced work covered in other books.
More algebra--not necessarily college algebra. The product description on Amazon.com reads, "If you studied algebra years ago and now need a refresher course in order to use algebraic principles on the job, or if you're a student who needs an introduction to the subject, here's the perfect book for you. Practical Algebra is an easy and fun-to-use workout program that quickly puts you in command of all the basic concepts and tools of algebra."
Amazon says that "this updated book is a self-teaching brush-up course for students who need more math background before taking calculus, or who are preparing for a standardized exam such as the GRE or GMAT.... Units conclude with exercises, their answers given at the back of the book. Systematic presentation of subject matter is easy to follow, but contains all the algebraic information learners need for mastery of this subject."
If you're looking for the full high school math education that you never had, it might be best to purchase a complete textbook. There are many available on used book sites, nearly all of which would give you an in-depth review of all you need to know to pass the College Algebra CLEP. I've heard Robert Blitzer's book recommended, but it might be a bit advanced for those who have truly forgotten most of the basics of algebra.
Lectures at Home
If you're looking for a more dynamic approach to the high school math experience, you might try a DVD series of video lectures. The Great Courses offers Algebra I and Algebra II, taught by award-winning professor James A. Sellers, Ph.D., that provide a stimulating, easily-understood format for the nonconformist student.
Online Learning
There are tons of helpful sites all over the internet to answer your toughest and most specific algebra problems. When you hit a tough mental block there's probably no better place to go than Google. Best of all, most of it is free! Check out the Virtual Math Lab for College Algebra and see if this method fits your style!
I hope that all of this has given you some helpful guidance in deciding whether or not you should take the College Algebra CLEP, and if so what books to use for study. I can tell you from personal experience how incredibly rewarding it is to tackle this difficult task and succeed, walking out of the testing center with a paper in your hand and three more credits to your name!
