As a returning adult college student, it's likely you're worried that some of your academic skills may be rusty. And you know what? They may very well be. That's to be expected, and it's okay. You probably had to take a placement test in Math, English, and Reading to determine your level of preparation for each subject. How'd you do? If your score placed you in a remedial or developmental class, it's really nothing to be concerned about. This is in no way a reflection of your capabilities as a student. According to an article in USA Today, about 40% of students entering community college must enroll in at least one remedial class.
It's Been a Long Time
Maybe it's been years since you've been in school.. Chances are, there are many academic skills you haven't used in ages. Take, for example, algebra. As an academic counselor, I could nearly always predict when a student would test into either Preparatory Algebra or Developmental Math just by talking to them for a while about their academic history. Many students fresh out of high school had difficulty with the algebra test. Do you know why? It's because algebra skills are not used every day. It's easy for us to forget the kinds of concepts we may have learned in high school Algebra class.
Concepts Build Upon Each Other
Developmental classes usually don't count for credit. Lots of students panic about having to take a class that doesn't count and fear they'll fall behind on completing their degree. The truth is, developmental classes teach the skills you'll need to build a foundation for higher level coursework. It's these very skills that will increase your chances of doing well in your upper level English, math, and science courses. Without taking the time to refresh your skills, it's likely that you would struggle greatly or even fail such classes, costing you more time and money in the long run.
You'll Learn Other Skills
Often, developmental classes teach other skills like time management and study skills, which are fundamental to the life of all college students. These skills are especially crucial to busy adults with families, households, and jobs to manage on top of their education. Those you've learned some of these skills through life experience, tailoring them to the college experience will help you to begin to apply them right away.
Seriously, please don't worry if you have to take a developmental class or two. It's likely you're already seeing the benefit of them. If not, you will by semester's end. I can tell you countless stories of students who've gone on to excel academically after taking remedial courses in their first semester. Drop me a line if you'd like to hear some of the stories!
Latest Comments