Is college algebra really passable

It seems like college algebra is a class that it not passable for most people in the standard way like go to class take notes do the homework and study. There is so much information being thrown out that one needs to start preparing for this class about a month in advance by learning all of the concepts and how to apply them. I feel like I'm going to fail right now which is not passing with at least a C even though i have been working really hard on it and the main issue is once i learn and master one thing there is something very confusing the next time I'm in class. I feel like there is no option other then to fail and prepare for the next class once its over? And it turns out I'm not alone about half the class failed or got a bad grade on the first test.

Yes, it is passable and considerably easier than a good first year calculus course. But it is hard work and requires working at solving problems and sticking with a difficult concept until you get it.

The University with which I am familiar has a 50% drop-out rate in the sciences and engineering programs after the first semester. Many of these students attended high schools in which the mathematics teaching was essentially non-existent - the students hadn't learned even simple concepts and were unable to solve even simple algebra problems. This isn't the students fault - it reflects the general dumbing down of our educational system and it isn't likely to change for awhile - probably until we again recognize that some students have a lot more potential and design courses(and the necessary quality of teachers) to allow these students to develop their skills.

It may be that you will have to rethink your major - or repeat some courses.

Good luck.