Math Courses...

[Myoti]

Okay, I've got a problem.

First off, I have a dream. That dream is to get into the Digipen Institute of Technology and get into the gaming industry. Yes, I know how extremely difficult this will be, but I don't care. Nothing else will do for me.
I've checked on the school and decided the RTIS (Real-Time Interactive Simulation) is probably what I'd want to shoot for. One of the requirements is a B average in Algebra II, Geometry, Trig, and at least Pre-Calculus.
That's where the problem comes in...

I recently was called to our Guidance office to check up on my school schedule for next semester and my Senior year. Dr. Kelly, the one who works with Juniors, was suggesting I speak with the Trig teacher, as math as never been my strongpoint, but I really don't want to take more math than I have to, yet I got a C in Geometry last year (mostly my own fault for not paying attention...).

Then comes the worst part: my school no longer offers any Calculus classes.
My choices would be to either take the SAT, get a good score on it, and take joint-enrollment classes at our college OR to take an online course that counts for one of my classes. However, taking the online one means I may not be able to directly interact with a teacher, and math is hard enough for me with one.

I'm really worried about this and not sure what to do. For game design itself, however, one of my teacher ordered a couple of in-depth books on course.com about coding in game design, so hopefully that could help me in experience (I was one of the best ones with HTML in my Web Design Class, so hopefully this won't be THAT difficult -_-; ...).

Still, the math worries me. Prayer and suggestion would both greatly .

[agasfas]

have you considered or thought about taking pre-calculus at a local community college? That counts as college credit and would transfer over. THat way you still get the teacher student interaction. Also the community colleges usually has free tutoring sessions....

Anways I wish the best of luck to you. I'll be praying.

[Technomancer]

I'd definately recommend forgetting about the online course. Having classroom interaction and being able to ask for help can make a big difference, especially if your math is a little shaky to begin with. From my own experience (as a student and as a TA), I can tell you that those students who take advantage of real, personal help will do better. The idea of a community college course is a good one that you should investigate; although obviously your decision there will hinge on distance and cost.

Best of luck BTW.

[Doubleshadow]

I am also in favor of taking a dual credit course. I have always been told on-line classes are a pain. You should look into tutoring as well, and talk to teachers about what you can do to prepare for the course and how much study time they recommend so you can plan ahead. If God has this in His plans for you, He'll make a way.

[mitsuki lover]

How are your overall Math scores?

[Myoti]

Well, our joint-enrollment is basically taking classes at our local college, but our counselor said I would have to take the SAT to get in one. I mean, if I have to, I will.

How are your overall Math scores?

Well, Algebra I (8th grade) was my first B grade, I believe. Algebra II was also a mid or high B (can't remember which), but Geometry was a high C. This, however, was mostly my own fault. I couldn't understand (and still don't) why we had to explain what we were doing (like theorems and the like), so I just kinda went off about it, which really messed me up on tests. -_-

[Mithrandir]

Hmm, I actually have quite a bit to say, here. Go figure.

Online Courses. If you are taking something like higher Math, then you either: better have a GREAT tutor, know the material somewhat already or forget about the online course. Trust me on this one. The technologies really aren't there in the CMS (course management system) world to do this yet. We're about 5 years out, still.

Grades:
If your C in geometry was not following the rules (as opposed to not KNOWING them) you can still do OK. If you can't grasp the concepts, though, I would STRONGLY urge you to re-think your choice of carears. RTIS is going to be TOUGH and highly abstract.

Calculus:
Take the calc class(es), whatever it costs. Even if you fail them and have to take a year at a community college to get it right. Simulation is especially dependant on Multi-deminsional calculus and (to a lesser extent) descrete math.

Coding:
Sorry to have to break this to you, but you'll likely be coding in C++, C# or some derivative thereof. It's NOTHING like HTML. Since you are going to be dealing with the SAT, let me put it this way: HTML is to small stick as C++ is to Stealth Bommer. They are very different beasts, and will require a much greater shift in thinking. I would STRONGLY recommend getting a good book on algorithms (in C, if you can find it) and playing around. If you don't have access to the costly software Visual C++, then try this. Get an account on a linux machine (it's free (if you have an old computer lying around) and a good experience to build your own). If you don't have an old box, go to goodwill and look for one. It's also tough. You can play with C, C++ and even perl on that box. (Perl is C based and VERY powerful.) Experiment with the stuff in the algorithms book.

Follow this advice and *worst* case scenario, you'll be lightyears ahead of many of your classmates when you get in.

HIH,
Mithy

[Myoti]

Thanks Mith.

Sorry to have to break this to you, but you'll likely be coding in C++, C# or some derivative thereof. It's NOTHING like HTML.

I realize this. I realized it when I posted what I said. Yet I think I may somehow be able to grasp it fairly well (for reasons that are probably too strange to say...). I have been attempting to learn one of them myself, but haven't been able to find enough yet.
Do you happen to happen to know of any sort of tutorials on any of them (I'm trying to get some books on it, but it'll be awhile before I get ahold of it).

If your C in geometry was not following the rules (as opposed to not KNOWING them) you can still do OK. If you can't grasp the concepts, though, I would STRONGLY urge you to re-think your choice of carears. RTIS is going to be TOUGH and highly abstract.

I can understand them (though I may need to relearn them soon... bleah), I just don't understand why they have to be used, that's all. Like, I can do the work fairly easily, but it doesn't make alot of sense to me personally why I have to explain it, if that makes sense. :l

RTIS is going to be TOUGH and highly abstract.

I can tell, though that's something I've been wondering about.
I think what I really want to do involves more Concept Design than it does the actual coding, but I'm not sure how to get into something like...

Get an account on a linux machine (it's free (if you have an old computer lying around) and a good experience to build your own). If you don't have an old box, go to goodwill and look for one. It's also tough. You can play with C, C++ and even perl on that box. (Perl is C based and VERY powerful.) Experiment with the stuff in the algorithms book.

Um, what exactly is a Linux? I've heard of it, but I'm not sure of what it is. O_-

[Technomancer]

I can understand them (though I may need to relearn them soon... bleah), I just don't understand why they have to be used, that's all. Like, I can do the work fairly easily, but it doesn't make alot of sense to me personally why I have to explain it, if that makes sense. :l

It's a question of discipline, rigour and the amount of insight you can get from a theorem. It's important first, because you can't just write down whatever you please when doing math; you've got to explicity follow the rules and understand each step. You may understand them or think you do, but if you make a mistake somewhere you certainly need to be able to go back through your work and understand where you went wrong. It's a lot easier when you've got all of your steps laid out in front of you. Unfortunately, this is often a discipline that really needs to be enforced if it is to develop into a matter of habit. Of course, it also makes marking tests considerably simpler for your poor TAs as well (trying to figure out student's ideas of logic can be a very trying experience!).

You also need to understand where these theorems come from if you're going to apply them properly. In order to do that, you've got to understand the fundamental principles and what the equations actually mean. Why do you apply such and and such an equation at a particular time, and what are you really doing? If you also encounter any novel problems or algorithms, it also helps to be able to work what you need to do in order to solve the problem at hand rather than just randomly throwing theorems around and hoping for the best. Lastly, of course, you've got to be able to explain to other people what you're up to and why a thing works; you typically can't just pull a number down from the sky and expect everyone to follow.

[mitsuki lover]

I must say that I am rather bad at math myself which is why I took biology instead.

[Myoti]

I think I understand, Technomancer. Still, it was a bit tough for me, and I'm kinda worried now about trying Trig if I don't even remember them... -__-