How to Survive College Math

BEFORE THE EXAM

Take Notes
Writing down what is covered in class is a good way to remember the material. Your written notes are also a good resource when you need help on the homework, or if you want practice problems before an exam. Your notes can also serve as a record of what was covered.


Do the Homework
Math is a skill. To develop that skill you must practice. Do your homework in a quiet place, similar to the classroom if possible. Do not spend "hours" on one problem. If you can not solve a problem, look for a similar problem in your notes or your text. If you still can not solve the problem, skip it and work on other problems. Try the problem later. Many times you will come up with an idea after you have done something else for a while. If you still can not solve the problem, get some help.

Spend Enough Time on the ClassThe California Education Code defines one unit of college credit as THREE hours of work per week. So plan to spend two hours outside class for every hour in class.

For a 3 unit course you should spend at least 6 hours per week on homework/studying.
For a 4 unit course you should spend at least 8 hours per week on homework/studying.
For a 5 unit course you should spend at least 10 hours per week on homework/studying.

Make a study sheet before each exam with all of the formulas and concepts covered in class. Then practice doing problems similar to the ones covered in class and in your homework.

Make an exam similar to what you think the teacher would make, and then take the exam. (You can do this with a classmate and then take each other's exams.)

Explain how you are doing a problem to someone else. This can sometimes help if you are stuck on a problem. Also, if you can explain what you are doing, you will better understand the process.

If timed tests make you nervous, use a kitchen timer, set for 10 minutes, while you do your homework. You will be surprised how much math you can do in ten minutes, and will also develop a better sense of time.

DURING THE EXAM
If you feel nervous or your mind goes "blank", take a deep breath, count slowly to 10, then sigh.
Plan to stay for as much time as allowed.
If you finish early, use the extra time to check your work.
When you get the test, write down any formulas you are worried that you might forget. (Warning: Do not spend a lot of time doing this!)
Read and follow the directions.
Underline important words.
Start with the first problem that you are comfortable with.
Work quickly, marking any problems you want to come back to, and skipping any you aren't sure of. Then go back and do all the problems that you left blank.
Then check the problems you have marked. If you have time, re-read/check all of the problems again.
You can check your work by folding the paper so that you can see the problem, but can not see your work, and re-doing the problem on the back of the page.
Then compare answers.
After you have finished, if you have time, turn the test over and imagine that you have turned it in and are leaving the room.
Then turn the test back over, and check it again.I
f you are easily distracted by other people in the room, or noise in the hallway, try wearing ear plugs.

AFTER THE EXAM
Analyze your mistakes.
If tension is a problem for you, practice relaxation techniques.
Start studying for the next test.

Remember, the more you practice the better and the faster you will be!