Algebra in the 10th grade - Will it influence future college admissions?

Question

I'm 15 and a freshman. I've had trouble with math since the 5th grade, mostly due to the fact that I missed a significant amount of school the year before.

Anyways, this year I was forced to drop algebra and didn't take a math class at all. My school didn't offer pre-algebra, and the independent study wasn't working for me.

I'm expected to take algebra this summer, but I don't know if I can pass the assessment test. (allows admission into the class, I still lack major fundamental pre-algebra skills)

Hypothetically, if I'm forced to take pre-algebra in the summer, and enroll in algebra sophmore year, how will it impact my chances of admission into my desired college?

I get A's in everything else, except for Math. I'm really worried I won't do well on the SAT or even get the required math level to even graduate high school. (usually A2)

I really need help. Academic achievement is sort of like a family tradition. (Jewish here)

Any responses will be greatly appreciated

I've had private tutors before, but I was still having trouble.


I work so hard at other subjects and get high marks, but then there is the lousy C in math which kills my GPA.

I want to go Northwestern, but I'm not sure how I'm going to get in without decent math courses. (even though I'm not going to be a math major)


Also, how do I reply to your responses?

Great community college? lol. Very funny.

I'm going to a unversity. And not some crap 90% acceptance rate poser college.

Answer 1

I hear you--math is also my worst enemy.

As for the SAT---Do. Not. Sweat. It. You have plenty of time before it comes, and you don't need to fret about it now. Just concentrate on trying to build your math skills.

It's obviously important to get a good grasp on algebra, seeing as how all other higher math classes are based on the concepts taught in algebra. I'm afraid my answer has already been said, though--try tutors. Have you tried a student tutor? Often students know how to interact and teach students better than someone who's 20-50 years older than you.

Also try to study as much as possible. Flash cards are the ultimate best study tool--you will never fail if you use flash cards. Mix them up, use color coding--it works. Write down concepts or theorems or methods or WHATEVER, and see how it goes.

Good luck to you, man. Just try to remember to take it easy--everyone is different and algebra is not your whole life. Perhaps you'll struggle through it during high school, but it's not life threatening or anything. :)

Answer 2

Well I'm taking algebra & i'm in the 8th grade & yeah math suxx a$$. But I suggest enrolling in Sylvan over the summer while you take your pre-algebra. Help from more than one method of teaching is more effective. You'll get your own private tutor & if you explain the problem in explict detail they will help you & do a good job @ it. U R very dedicated 2 Ur school work so I know U'll be dedicated to making it better and getting out everything from it. But as for colleges, they will look @ UR transcript & be reaaaaaaalllllly impressed. Once again if U explain the problem with them, they'll understand & if Ur not 2 ashamed to have a tutor in college,they;ll hook U up with one. Well......hope I helped.=)

Answer 3

I don't play on going to UCLA or UCSD. According to their requirements, you only need Algebra 2 to apply.



Trust me, being good or bad at math doesn't determine whether or not you'll get accepted into one of these schools.

Nowadays you need more than GPA and SAT scores. I think Algebra 2 will suffice, and if I need addition courses, I can take trig at the local college.


Community College is good, but it takes the excitement out of college freshman year. Plus it can be difficult to adjust to a big campus college Junior year when the only college exposure you've had is community.

Answer 4

You will definitely get into a great community college. But if you want to go to a University, I would suggest you take Algebra 1 in 10th grade and Geometry in summer school. Then take Algebra 2 your junior year and Trig/Math Analysis your senior year. Get plenty of help from others who brag about their math skills.

Answer 5

just keep practicing and when you take the sat's make sure you double check all your answers, dont stress too much about it because the more you think you're bad at it the more you'll be bad at it. dont look at math as a "problem" that's impossible to solve, when you're doing math just keep thinking that it is easy and you know how to do it, and about the college assessment test if you dont do very well all is going to happen is that you're gonna have to take a few more classes but they wont stop you from getting in.... good luck

Answer 6

Community College kicks ***. Its way better than a 4 year and you have to take Pre calc for all non science majors so ur screwed. Oh and if you cant do well in math u better pray cause there is no way u'd get in a UC or even USC

Answer 7

Oi man! Snap outta it aight!!!

I had the same goddamn problem when I was in 9th.
The trick to getting through is simple; Put your shoulder to the wheel and burn the Midnight oil.

I did it and it worked and hey man get in touch cuz what you were narrating in ur question is so like what ive been thru,,,I may be able to help

Answer 8

I got in college and I failed Algebra 2. I had to retake it my senior year. I never took Trig or Cal. Good luck.

Answer 9

dang, you should take algebra and geometry by 11th grade, you will also need to take algebra 2

Answer 10

take some help from the school counsellor he will guide you better.