How to Ace Math in College: 19 Study Tips for College Math

Are you wondering how to study math in college? Do you need tips on how to pass math in college?

This post is full of advice to help you succeed in college math. If you’re struggling with college math classes, you need to read this post!

If you’re a math major working towards a math degree or a student tackling a required college math course, this blog post will help you master math at the collegiate level.

Whether you’re taking college algebra, geometry, or calculus, your college math classes are probably the hardest college courses you’ll take before you graduate.

And you might find that studying math in college is a lot more hard work than your high school experience.

Mathematics in college often surprises students with its depth and complexity.

It’s not just about solving equations or crunching numbers; it’s about understanding abstract concepts, developing strong analytical skills, and learning to think critically.

Sounds intimidating, right? With the right approach and mindset, mastering college-level math is not just possible; it can be an immensely rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience.

In this post, we’ll dive into effective strategies and tips to help you thrive in your college math courses.

So, grab your calculator, open your notebook, and let’s unravel the secrets to succeeding in college mathematics with these great tips to help you ace your college math class!

1. Understand how college math topics connect to each other

Math classes each focus on a particular section of mathematics, and they are taught in a particular order. For example, in school, you learn algebra and geometry before you learn calculus.

Also, within each math topic, the lessons build upon each other. So if you don’t understand the previous section of your course, you won’t be able to understand the one you’re currently learning!

With math, it’s so important to understand every lesson because the components of math build on each other.

To study math effectively, you have to give master one concept before moving on to the next.

So if you want to level up your math skills, be sure you’ve mastered the core concepts of the previous section before moving on to higher levels of math.

Pro tip: before you start a new math class, review your notes, lessons and examples from your previous math course.

2. Read your math Textbook

To really understand math in college, you’ll need to engage with the material beyond the professor’s lectures. You’ll need to open your textbook.

When you’re reading, mathematics demands active engagement. This means not just reading the words but also trying to understand the concepts and theorems being presented.

You may not understand each passage the first time you read it. So read any section you don’t understand a second time (or even a third).

Be sure you can identify the steps taken to solve each equation.

Finally, to really understand the material, work through the examples at the end of each chapter.

As you encounter examples, pause and try to work through them on your own before reading the solution. This active engagement helps solidify understanding.

Don’t be afraid to write in the margins of your textbook. If your book is online, write in a notebook.

Jot down questions, insights, or connections to other material you have learned. This makes your reading active and personalized.

3. Don’t fall behind in math class

Since all the lessons in your math class are connected, it’s essential that you master each math concept before the professor moves on to the next.

If you don’t understand the lesson you’re in now, you are certain to struggle with the next one.

If this happens to you, as soon as you realize you’re having trouble learning the material, go back to where you first felt confused.

Learn that material and catch up, so you don’t fall farther behind.

If you realize you don’t really understand a math concept, ask questions immediately.

Go to your math professor’s office hours, seek out the TA, or go to a study session.

Keep asking for help until you’re sure you understand each math concept.

4. take good Notes in Math Class

Pay close attention to what the teacher emphasizes, as this often indicates key concepts or common pitfalls.

Anything the teacher writes on the board is usually important, and you should write it down. If you aren’t sure you’ve captured it all, take a photo of the board with your cell phone, and write it down in your notebook after class.

Copy down all examples the instructor demonstrates.

You can develop abbreviations and symbols that make sense to you for quicker note-taking, but be consistent in your use of symbols and abbreviations to avoid confusion later.

Keep your notes organized. Always use the same notebook for your math class.

If you don’t understand a concept, ask for clarification, and write down the explanation.

Also be sure to note due dates and times for homework assignments and tests. Take note of any changes to the syllabus.

5. Review after each math class

It really helps to review your lecture notes right after class. Right after every class.

You might think reviewing your notes right after math class is excessive, but you may be surprised to realized how much you’ve forgotten after just an hour or so.

Or you may find that a new concept that seemed to make sense when the professor was explaining it is not so obvious when you’re trying to figure it out on your own.

Get into the habit of making a summary of the key points of each lecture. This will reinforce what you’ve learned and serve as review guide later in the semester.

Summary sheets should include important theorems, useful formulas, and key vocabulary words.

It might seem like reviewing your notes after each class takes up a lot of time, it will save you so much time in the long run.

6. Form a Math study group

Get together with other students in your math class and form a study group.

Discussing your college math class with peers can provide new insights and help you clarify misunderstandings.

By working with your friends to study math, you will learn the lessons so well that you can explain them to another group member.

This might feel really intimidating to do, but you will find that other students will also appreciate the opportunity to learn together.

Tackling college-level math courses through group work can lead to more effective learning for you and your fellow students.

Lots of people find math to be difficult, so you are not the only one who is struggling!

7. Master each math test

Another great way to keep yourself from falling behind in your college math class is to rework and fix all the problems you missed on a test.

If you find silly errors, you’ll know to look out for those in the future.

If you realize you simply don’t understand the material, take the test to your professor or a tutor and have them explain it to you so you can master the concept.

Reworking math problems that you missed will help you completely master each concept so you don’t fall farther behind in the next unit.

8. Practice, practice, practice

Do your homework assignments as soon as possible after class, so the math concepts you just learned are fresh in your mind.

Continue to do homework problems until you are extremely comfortable with solving that type of equation.

Your math professor will probably assign plenty of practice problems, and you should do them all.

These exercises are designed to test your understanding and might be difficult.

You can always look up more of that type of problem if you think you need more practice.

Check your work after every problem or every section to be sure you’re solving that type of problem correctly.

The goal is to work enough problems, and different types of problems, that you’re able to solve them quickly and correctly when you’re facing a time constraint on the exam.

When you’re done with your homework, quickly make a note of any concepts that were particularly tricky for you, so you remember to review those first at your next study session.

9. Save your work

When you’re doing homework, solve problems in a notebook instead of on loose paper so that you can refer back to those math problems later in the course.

Use a notebook with plenty of space. Use colored pens or highlighters to highlight different parts of the problem or write notes.

If you need to refresh your memory or just refer back to how you solved certain equations, you’ll have lots of examples handy.

10. Be your own calculator

Know how to solve math problems by hand rather than relying on a calculator. If you do use a calculator, be sure you understand how the formula works.

You will understand the math concepts better because you’ll understand all the steps necessary to solve the problem.

Also, this way, if you aren’t allowed to use a calculator on a test, you’ll be prepared.

11. Get the easy points

Turn in all your math homework assignments and participate in class.

You might not get a ton of points for those things, but just a few points could be enough to the difference between letter grades or even a pass/fail.

Also, it’s always a good idea to sit in the front of class, ask questions in class, and introduce yourself to the professor.

If the professor knows you’re trying, that might work in your favor later in the semester.

12. Seek understanding, not memorization

Your goal is to understand the processes and concepts being taught.

It’s fine to memorize symbols and definitions, but you need to thoroughly understand the concepts being taught, in order to pass your college math class.

Focus on understanding the underlying concepts rather than rote memorization of formulas or theorems.

Mathematics is a logical progression of ideas, and understanding these connections is crucial.

Ask ‘Why?’ Always ask why a theorem is true or why a formula works. This simple question will help you understand the topics being taught in your college math class.

If you can explain a math concept to someone else so that they understand it, then you’ve mastered it.

13. Go to office hours

If you’re just not understanding the material during class time, go to your professor’s office hours and ask them to explain the concepts to you one-on-one.

If you’re just not able to understand your professor’s way of teaching, go to a teaching assistant. Ask around to find a good one.

If that doesn’t work, find a private tutor. Some colleges provide tutoring. At others it might be simpler to find a tutor on your own.

14. Use online resources

There are some fantastic online math resources. Check out:

15. Create your own math study guide

Your college math professor is probably not going to hand you a comprehensive study guide before a test. So, create your own!

To pass your college math class, review the exams from each math unit.

List all the topics you expect to be on a test. Use a different page for each concept.

Work out example problems—and make a reminder note about parts of each type of difficult problem you find tricky or tend to get stuck on.

Write out all the definitions and formulas you’ll need to know. Continue to review these until the test.

Review your quizzes and rework the problems. Also go through homework assignments and review any particular type of problem that you struggled to understand.

Check out this post on how to create a study plan for college.

16. Be neat and careful

Write as neatly as possible so you don’t don’t confuse yourself with sloppy writing.

You don’t want to make a mistake because you didn’t notice a bracket or a negative sign.

Writing neatly will make it easier for the person grading your test. It would be awful to lose points because they simply couldn’t be sure what number you wrote.

Some professors will ask you to show work in a certain way or to draw a box around your final answer. Be sure to follow directions.

17. Study Smart

Developing good study habits will give you the necessary skills to succeed in your college math class.

Work on your math homework first, while your mind is sharp. Save easier homework for later, when you’re tired.

Study in a quiet environment so you can focus on your math textbook, summary sheets, and notes from class.

Be prepared with graph paper, scratch paper, pencils, erasers, and highlighters.

Take frequent study breaks to help maintain focus.

If you get stuck on a problem, do homework for a different class, then return to the challenging problem.

18. Prepare for your math test

You really can’t cram for a math test. The better way to prepare is to set aside time each week to review sections of your math text book, review different concepts, and answer practice questions.

But when it’s time for the test, here are some additional ways you can prepare.

Take Practice tests

Create your own practice tests using chapter reviews, quiz questions, or questions from your book.

You want to practice doing these problems so that you not only understand the concept but are confident that you can work through the material easily and fairly quickly.

The more comfortable you are with the practice questions, the easier the test questions will be.

Time yourself

Time yourself taking a practice test. You want to be able to solve any given problem quickly, so you’ll have enough time to complete the entire exam.

Keep practicing until you can do the each type of mathematical problem efficiently.

Be sure to check your work so you know that you’re doing the problems correctly.

Eat and Sleep

Get enough sleep the night before the test. Wake up early enough to eat a meal or a snack before taking the test.

19. Be Strategic to pass the test

Whether you’re taking a unit test or the final exam, these tips will help you be strategic about answering the questions.

Don’t get flustered

When you get the test, immediately write down any formulas you’re afraid you might not remember or get confused about later.

Read the directions carefully

If the directions say you need to show your work when you’re problem solving, show your work.

Remember to write neatly so you don’t get points off and so you don’t make errors you could have avoided.

Start with the easy problems

Start working on the easiest problems first, then move on to the more difficult ones.

If there are problems you don’t know how to solve, work out a different problem and come back to the most difficult ones.

Check your work

If you have time, check your work to be sure you got the right answer. You don’t want to lose points due to careless errors.

Final thoughts on how to ace college math

For most people math is the most challenging subject they will have to take in college.

It’s pretty likely you’ll have to take a math class as part of your higher education career, whether you attend a public state university or a private college. And whether you study basic formulas or differential equations, you’ll still be challenged by math.

Succeeding in college-level mathematics requires consistent effort and a proactive approach.

It’s important to recognize that understanding complex mathematical concepts takes time and practice.

Stay persistent, and don’t be discouraged by challenges; they are a natural part of the learning process.

Remember to engage actively in your studies.

This means regularly attending lectures, participating in discussions, and not hesitating to seek help when needed.

Working with classmates can also be beneficial, as it allows you to gain different perspectives and enhances your understanding.

Pay attention to all the assignments to end the semester with a good course grade.

Keep practicing and applying what you learn.

Doing exercises and practical problems is crucial for reinforcing theoretical concepts.

And, as you progress, you’ll find that the skills you develop in math classes – problem-solving, analytical thinking, attention to detail – are valuable in many other areas of study and professional life.

Finally, stay organized and manage your time effectively.

Balancing your workload and setting realistic study goals can make a significant difference in your performance.

In essence, success in college mathematics is about dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn and improve.

Remember, mathematics is a challenging course of study. For high school students taking undergraduate level courses at community colleges, or advanced students taking on mathematics degree programs, getting good grades requires a lot of hard work.

Stick with it, and use these tips to master difficult concepts and pass your college math class and achieve academic success.

In the end, you’ll gain not just proficiency in mathematics, but also everyday life skills that will be useful throughout your academic and professional career.