Help! I've Forgotten Algebra.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

The College Algebra REA Guide

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!

College Algebra Demystified

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.

Basic Math & Pre-Algebra Workbook for Dummies

If you've really forgotten everything you ever learned,

The Wonders of the Portfolio

Get credit for your awesome trip to Europe! 

Tourists are weird., originally uploaded by another sergio.

Here's a little freebie not exactly related to CLEP: the portfolio. This is one great way for "nontraditional" students to get college credit for life experiences.

Basically, a portfolio is a package of written documents (charts, or even videos) that show your extensive knowledge of a subject learned outside the classroom. For example, say you did an internship at a local preschool--you might get a few college credits if you write a nice report, include some good photos, testimonials, and are very convincing about how much you learned.

If you really get into this, you can get college credit or a convincing résumé for tons of things, and you'll be looking everywhere for chances to learn. This can develop an interesting way to look at life: like a constant learning opportunity. Instead of saying, "Oh, that's an inconvenience," or, "I don't have time for that," you can dig deeper for the value in almost everything! The next time the chance for an activity comes up, think twice about its worth. On the surface it might just look like a fun time (example: being in a little theater production) but maybe it's more than that (a couple of credits for a drama class).

For more information on making your own portfolio, check out: www.edtech.kennesaw.edu

But I'm An Extrovert!

Pho Chang College of Art Students, originally uploaded by Ian Fuller.

I'm social!

I love people!

I want to interact!

Why would I choose CLEP testing‽

So you want the college experience--I completely definitely understand. There's a gorgeous campus in a town not far from here (John Brown University), and every time I go there I feel a longing to be actually walking down those sidewalks as a student, being a regular at the cafe, stressing over homework on those cushy couches.... Sometimes I have regretful pangs about pursuing an online degree, no matter how cheap and quick and educational it is.


But distance learning does not mean that you have to forfeit the college experience! In fact,