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The placement test helps you decide whether or not an algebra class is right for you. Maybe you don't need algebra, or maybe you need to take a different math class to prepare you for algebra. Usually, a placement test is free and comes with an appointment with the academic counselor; they will be able to tell you about your specific situation. When registering for a college course, you can choose your own professor. Ask around and find out about the different professors. Choose a section taught by a quality professor that you think would fit with your learning style. Choose a section that also fits with your schedule allowing you to attend every class. Use websites that have reviews from students have taken the course with that professor to find out who would be a good fit for you. Many community colleges have testing centers that allow you to schedule your exams to be taken outside of the classroom. This can allow for flexibility in case you need a few more days of study. You also may be given more time to finish the exam than you would during a normally scheduled class period. Speak with your professor at the beginning of the course about scheduling exams outside the classroom. If this course is essential to you continuing on to the next course, make it the highest priority when you're choosing your schedule. If you are a morning person, choose a section that meets in the morning when you are awake and ready to learn. If the best section fills up before you can schedule it, try speaking directly to the professor and explaining why it's important for you to attend class at that particular time. Many people tend to lose focus after lunch time so if you're not a morning person choose a section between 10am and 12pm or after 3pm. If you have the opportunity to do so, taking the class on its own allows you to spend all of your time and energy on truly understanding algebra. Not having to split your attention between multiple courses lets you focus specifically on the task at hand. If you really want to succeed at a four-year college, take college algebra at a community college the summer before to gain a solid foundation in math. Homework, quizzes, and exams will likely have different point values associated with them. Knowing what percentage each contributes to your grade can help you further in the course if you are struggling. Avoid falling behind because you didn't put in the time to do the homework properly! Determine how much time you will need to spend each week to really master the course. Make sure to set aside this time by scheduling it into your day.
Take the math placement test at your school before the semester starts. Choose your professor carefully. Sign up for a course that allows you take exams in a testing center. Schedule the course during your optimal learning time of day. Take the class over the summer as your only course. Know how homework, quizzes, and exams contribute to your grade.