The fastest, cheapest, and best way to complete a college degree
is to avoid remedial math classes, which cost money, earn no
credit, and can delay entry to college-level classes for one to
two years. Here's how to avoid the remedial trap: • Work hard in
high school math to save time and money later. If you're earning
C's in high school math—or B's with low scores—you're probably
on the remedial track. • Take math in 12th grade so your skills
don't get rusty. Some high schools now offer a 12th-grade class
designed to help students prepare for college math. [Learn more
about STEM education.] • Study for the community college
placement test. It's a high-stakes test. • If you're placed in
remedial math, look for an alternative. In addition to the
Statway and Quantway programs that the Carnegie Foundation for
the Advancement of Teaching has designed, community colleges may
offer self-paced math labs, a "learning community" for
developmental math students, or a chance to start in college
math with extra tutoring.