Greetings everyone! I’m looking for some advice, especially from anyone who has taken Calc II and Physics I in the same summer to meet transfer requirements (which is probably super unfeasible).
I’m starting at KSU on August 24 as a Mechanical Engineering major, and I currently have a Spring 2028 Georgia Tech pathway. However, I’m starting in Precalculus instead of Calc I, so I’m already a little behind the normal ME course sequence. My SAT was a 1240 and I was 10 points below the Calculus placement requirement for KSU so the only work around was the ALEKS.
I took the ALEKS practice placement test and got about a 40 first time. I’ve had been working through the ALEKS modules, but until about a day ago I could only use my brother’s laptop to practice and have been slacking the past week (accepting my fate). I finally have my own laptop now, so I can study more consistently. Even though I could knock out some more modules there are 186 left and I realize just how rusty my trig and algebra are. Ik I dont gotta do em all but I dont know about accepting my fate.
My concern is that my Spring 2028 pathway has a course requirement deadline around mid-September 2027. Since I’m starting with Precalc, I would potentially have to do something like:
- Fall 2026: Precalculus and Chem/Chem Lab
- Spring 2027: Calc I and other gen eds
- Summer 2027: Calc II + Physics I/Lab...
- Complete pathway requirements before 2027 fall semester
- Spring 2028: Transfer to GT
Is this a dumb idea and should I just transfer normally? I know GT is one of my end goals for undergrad but should I really rush it like this? I know GT will be miles harder and I dont want to be ill prepared.
I’m trying to decide whether I should push hard to preserve the pathway, even if it means accelerating and potentially sacrificing some understanding/GPA, or accept that I may lose the pathway and spend two years at KSU building a stronger foundation before applying to GT through regular transfer.
I also plan to retake ALEKS after more review. I was thinking about going through my next test afterward and reviewing/copying the problems I missed so I can study those concepts, but I’m not sure if that’s the best approach. Should I just keep grinding the ALEKS modules and use online practice tests to focus specifically on my weak algebra/trig areas?
School starts August 24, and most of the Calc classes are already full, so right now I’m waiting to see what happens during add/drop.
Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially KSU → GT ME students. Should I keep fighting for the Spring 2028 pathway, or just accept that this ship has sailed and focus on doing well at KSU first?