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what math class to take at community college?

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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what math class to take at community college?

by sumayahlaura » Tue Jan 10, 2012 5:04 pm
Hello Beat the gmaters!

It's been a LONG time since i've been posting on the forums. Why? It's been my fear of re-learning math that's been hanging over my head for the past two years that has stopped me from taking the GMAT. Well, it's a new year and that fear isn't serving me any longer, so I'm out to tackle the test.

It's been ten years since I've taken a math class. And outside of percentage and basic math I use in my sales job, I'm beyond rusty. Taking the veritas prep math essential test and the Manhattan GMAT foundational math test, it's obvious I have a whole lot to re-learn before I can even biggen studing for the gmat itself.

I do better learning with a teacher than I do on my own, so I would like to take a class at a local community college to brush up on my math skills and have access to a math teacher (to answer my other math questions.) The question that arises is what class to take? Algebra, Pre-Calc? What would provide me with the best foundation for the type of math on the gmat, so I can move onto actually studying for the test itself?

Classes just started, so quick replies would be greatly appreciated!

All the best!
Laura
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by Mike@Magoosh » Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:27 pm
Hi, there. I'm happy to give my two cents on this question.

It's an interesting question. First of all, I will say: DON'T take Precalculus. That's a hard class, and it's more-or-less 100% unnecessary for the GMAT.

The tricky thing is: what the GMAT tests on Math is spread out over several classes. If you take Algebra II, it will probably cover the largest swathe of pure math, although if you take a Statistics class, that would help with quite a bit as well.

Are you planning to take your test after 6/5/2012? If so, that will involve the new question, the Integrated Reasoning question, and a Statistics class would certain build those skills. You can read more about the new question here: https://www.mba.com/the-gmat/nex-gen.aspx

I hope that's helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions about what I've said.

Mike :)
Magoosh GMAT Instructor
https://gmat.magoosh.com/
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by sumayahlaura » Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:48 pm
Thanks so much for your reply! I appreciate your opinion and it confirmed what I had I thought, that algebra 2 would be the best route to go. I know the class wont be a cure all for the GMAT Math, but my hope is that it will get me back in the swing of things and give me a teacher to check in. After the class I hope i'll be ready to start studying for the gmat.

Thanks so much!
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by sumayahlaura » Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:07 am
i'm sorry, i'm not sure what you are trying to say. Can you expand?
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by sumayahlaura » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:11 pm
So after an hour long meeting with an academic counselor at the local community college, they advised that I spend the money on a tutor and not take the class because none of the classes would give me a great foundation for the the type of math on the test.

Glad for the honesty, frustrated because I'm back to learning the basics on my own. I have the Manhattan foundations book, its good and I understand most of it, I just need a lot more practice. Also, there seems to be a big jump from the foundations books to their other quant and ds books in level of skill. I wish there was something in between for a rusty math person like myself.

Any thoughts would help!
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