Don't let math stand in your way!

If you are worried that I'm going to simply rattle off a hundred reasons why you really are good at math, when you have 12 years of grades and experience to prove otherwise--relax.  This post is not a discussion about whether or not you are good at math.  It is not a post to convince you to pursue a career in the STEM field.  This is a post about how to get through math in college, or better yet before college, especially if you see yourself in a non-STEM career.

Now, hoping that I haven't already ticked off people that are pro-STEM careers, I'll continue.  (I should add here that I think STEM is a wonderful push in education--but let's be honest:  if you enjoy STEM, you probably won't need help getting through the basic math requirement for college.  On the flipside,  if you are NOT pursuing a STEM career, it's probably because you don't feel comfortable in STEM classes, and therefore, will avoid math classes to the grave.)

There are some things to consider about completing the math requirement for college.  In fact, you don't have to wait until college to jump through the math hoop.  Look for ways to get through the college requirement of math while you are STILL in high school.  This might be taking concurrent enrollment or AP math.  Check out the policy of what score is needed for you to receive math credit, such as the Weber State AP Guidelines.  Weber State's policy is extremely generous, allowing you to be fulfill college math with the minimum score of "3" on the AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics exam.  Some schools require a 4 or a 5--so take note.   For Weber State, a "3" on either AP exam grants you the Math 1030 credit, which is the math required for students pursuing a NON-STEM degree.  Non-STEM degrees would include English, History, Communications, Humanities, etc.  Double check possible major to understand if Math 1030 would qualify.  And if you are pursuing a STEM degree, being able to jump to the higher math courses will save you time and money.

Second, check out the math courses available at the OWATC.  Even if you aren't interested in earning a certificate from the OWATC (which I hope you'll reconsider...), you should definitely check out taking the math courses 950 (Pre-Algebra), 990 (First Course in Algebra), and 1010 (Intermediate Algebra) at the OWATC.  These are considered "developmental math" courses, which means that the information should be mastered during high school.  Your ACT math score is used for placement in a math course, and you might be placed in a "developmental math course" (950, 990, 1010) to make sure you understand the material.  Here are some reasons you would want to get through these developmental math courses at the OWATC during high school instead of waiting for college:

1. You will PAY for these courses at a University, but they won't go towards your Gen.Ed. requirements or Degree requirements.  
2. Pell-Grants will not cover these courses since they are considered "developmental".  
3.  You can take any and all math classes offered at the OWATC (950, 990, 1010) during the school year OR during the summer as long as you are 16 years old and finished with your sophomore year.  
4. You do not have to pay tuition for the OWATC courses...including developmental math courses!  You only have to pay fees (usualy $70 / year)

Did you catch that--you will have to pay out-of-pocket for Math 950, 990, 1010 if you wait to take it at a university BUT you won't have to pay if you take it NOW at the OWATC.  If you want to save money and time, this is a good option!  Also, talk to the school counselor to see if you can also get any high school credit for the OWATC math credits you complete.

I hope this helps many of you plan early and plan well to finish any of these math courses during high school!