Borrow or purchase college algebra books. Most libraries have books on college algebra that are easily accessible and well-structured so that a reader should not require a teacher's assistance. You can discern a college algebra book from a high-school algebra book by its title, cover and applications. The title should not contain a roman numeral such as I or II, as these numbers represent high-school levels of algebra. The cover should appear formal and academic rather than colorful. The in-book applications should focus on the sciences and business rather than games or basic problem-solving.
Keep a notebook. Write down all the important terms, equations and examples in your notebook. Allow your notebook to become a summary of the text that you can return to when you have a question.
Review nightly. By making sure you study every day, you are likely to learn more than in a twice weekly college algebra course. Studying at night before going to bed will help you memorize the important information learned that day.
Find the website for an open-access college algebra course. Many college algebra courses have course websites that contain a wealth of information that may or may not overlap with your text. Read any information that your text does not provide, as well as any special applications of algebra given on the website.
Take exams. You can try the unit exams that should be provided in your text. In addition, the exams offered on a college algebra course website allow you to test your algebra skill at the college level. If you can complete a college algebra course's midterm and final exams and yield high percentages of correct answers, consider yourself successful in learning college algebra at home.