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For reasons that are mundane, I started college at 24 without any math foundation. I did a full year of remedial mathematics as 0 credit courses, and by the end

For reasons that are mundane, I started college at 24 without any math foundation. I did a full year of remedial mathematics as 0 credit courses, and by the end of that, I was prepared for pre-calculus, the first course with credits for an undergraduate degree. From there, a bevy of other math classes - Differential and Integral Calculus, Math Proof, Combinatorics and Graph theory, and many half-math, half-something classes like physics, regular expressions, and everything between. But all of it was based on the foundation of that year of 0 credit courses. At the time it seemed like a risky, almost foolish gamble, but in hindsight it has paid off several times over - by that I mean I have been able to pay off the entire college tuition, several times - there is zero doubt that it was a good move, for me, at that time of my life. I encourage anyone facing the uphill journey of (re)learning math to take a deep breath, make an itinerary, and sleep on it. And if you decide to start that journey, don't go alone: Resources exist along the way, like Interstate rest stops, to help you recharge and get ahead. Remember, that a tutor is also improving themselves as they teach you, for each time they learn a new way to explain a concept, they too gain from the experience. It's not a charitable action to receive extra help learning math. As you continue, you will possibly feel inclined to pay back and tutor those following. You too will rediscover the path and improve your math foundation as you are generous with sharing your perspectives and techniques. Good luck! It seems like it will take forever, but is over before you know it.

dhimes 7y ago
Along these lines, if you are in the US I recommend a local community college. You'll get a solid foundation, you be on the correct pace, and you'll be working with people whose primary mission is to teach you. You'll also find that you're not alone. I don't recommend self-study, simply because if that was for you then you probably wouldn't have asked the question. It may turn out after a couple of classes jump-starting you that you then want to self-study: fine, you can make that decision then (we'll even give you advice lol). But don't start there. Source: I used to teach in a community college, and saw a lot of students just like you.

dhimes 7y ago

Along these lines, if you are in the US I recommend a local community college. You'll get a solid foundation, you be on the correct pace, and you'll be working with people whose primary mission is to teach you. You'll also find that you're not alone. I don't recommend self-study, simply because if that was for you then you probably wouldn't have asked the question. It may turn out after a couple of classes jump-starting you that you then want to self-study: fine, you can make that decision then (we'll even give you advice lol). But don't start there. Source: I used to teach in a community college, and saw a lot of students just like you.