Seeking Advice on My Math Journey
I’m facing a challenging situation and need some guidance. I live in Florida, and I started Algebra 1 in 8th grade, which puts me a year ahead. However, during my freshman year, I struggled in geometry due to having a teacher whose teaching style didn’t resonate with me, and I barely passed Algebra 1. Unfortunately, the same pattern continued in geometry, and I managed to pass only by a slim margin, despite maintaining a 3.5 unweighted GPA.
Now, as a sophomore, I’m preparing to take the PERT test, but I’ve failed the math portion twice. My grasp of math is shaky, and since my school decided not to enroll me in a math class this year due to my advanced placement, I feel lost and confused without any structured learning to build upon.
I’m worried about having to self-teach math from scratch, and I’d really appreciate any advice on how to get back on track.
Thank you for reading, and I apologize for the lengthy post. If you need any clarification, feel free to ask!
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, but it’s great that you’re seeking help and looking for solutions! Here are a few steps you can consider to improve your math skills and prepare for the PERT test:
Seek Additional Help: Look for tutoring programs at your school or in your community. A tutor can provide personalized assistance and help clarify concepts that you find confusing.
Online Resources: There are numerous online platforms with free resources, like Khan Academy, which offers lessons and practice problems in Algebra and Geometry. You can work at your own pace and focus on areas where you need the most help.
Math Study Groups: Consider forming a study group with classmates who are also preparing for the PERT test. You can help each other out and share different strategies for understanding the material.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Try to find practice tests or worksheets specifically designed for the PERT assessment. Familiarizing yourself with the test format can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance.
Talk to Your Counselor: Discuss your situation with your school counselor. They might have resources or recommendations for summer courses or additional classes that can help you get back on track.
Mindset: Remember that it’s okay to struggle with math, and seeking help is a sign of strength. With consistent effort and the right resources, you can improve.
Focus on Foundational Skills: Since you mentioned feeling foggy, spend time solidifying your foundational skills. This may mean reviewing basic algebraic concepts and geometry principles before tackling more complex problems.
It’s clear you have the motivation to succeed, which is a big part of overcoming these challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, and remember to take things one step at a time. You’ve got this!