Math for college students can be a challenge, but the discipline is popular because of the lucrative career opportunities it opens up. According to government statistics, mathematicians and statisticians have an excellent employment outlook. Overall employment in the field is projected to grow 31 percent in the current decade. That’s much faster than the average for other fields. Another survey shows that the median annual pay for these professionals in the US was a whopping $93,290 in 2020. Not surprisingly, math degrees are in high demand among college students.
But there’s another side of the picture that you must see before joining the bandwagon. Did you know that 82% of learners between Grades 7-10 experience apprehension about math? This means that many high school graduates choose to avoid math in college.
But you can overcome the fear of math and learn valuable mathematical skills, even if you aren’t blessed with them inherently. If you want to unlock the secret to cruising through college as a math learner, we have a list of proven tips to help.
Think Beyond Classroom Learning
Undoubtedly, you should attend all your math classes and pay close attention to concepts to stay on track. But success comes easier for math students who think beyond classroom learning.
Fortunately, you can access online resources like Proprep’s math for college students to have an extra edge with video tutorials, practice tests, and study guides. Online resources are easy to access, flexible, and low or no cost.
Proprep recommends accessing their resources piece by piece in a way that is customized to your needs. Learning at your pace like this reduces the stress of trying to keep up with your peers and professors. With online learning, you can break down the topics and focus on your weakest areas for better results.
Invest Adequate Time and Effort
According to a national survey, an average American college student studies for 10-13 hours a week. But things are different when it comes to math for college students. This may not be enough study time for someone pursuing a math degree. When majoring in a math-related field, be ready to invest adequate time and effort.
Discuss the course timelines with your instructors and peers to gain insights into the best ways to maximize your study hours. Besides spending enough time preparing assignments and studying for exams, take the time to ensure the quality of your work as well.
When you are studying, make that your sole focus. You cannot expect to do your best in your math class if you try to complete your work while also watching a TV show, chatting with friends, or browsing social media. Whatever time you set aside for studying, ensure it occurs in a distraction-free workspace where you can focus effortlessly.
Discover Your Learning Style
Although mathematics has standard formulas and concepts, mastering it isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach. Discovering your learning style can help tremendously. If you are a visual learner, it may be easiest for you to incorporate graphs and other visuals. Auditory learners benefit from listening and repeating, as well as creating rhymes and mnemonic devices to remember formulas and operations. Kinesthetic learners should try acting out a story problem or sorting objects to solidify new math concepts. Be ready to experiment with different styles and techniques until you find what works best for you.
Stay Ahead of Assignment Deadlines
College students have a busy routine between classes, tests, part-time jobs, and social commitments. It is easy to fall behind on assignment deadlines when you have so much to juggle. At times, you may procrastinate just because you feel tired or overwhelmed. But, as a math college student, procrastination can cause unnecessary stress and low-quality work.
Staying ahead of deadlines allows you to complete your tasks on time with minimal stress, which will improve your comprehension and scores. To keep up with tasks that have due dates, try to:
- Track major deadlines in your calendar
- Break tasks into smaller parts and assign those due dates
- Set aside time each day to study
- Allow yourself some wiggle room, just in case
Slow Down
While completing homework or finishing a test for your college math course, remember it isn’t a race. Slow down and take time to understand concepts, especially when something seems challenging. You may also take breaks when you are tired, but schedule them to maintain control over your time. For instance, you can try the Pomodoro technique of working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute timed break.
You should also set aside regular time for self-care. Pick up a hobby, spend alone time, or have fun with friends during your off time. This will help you come back to your work with a clear mind.
Embrace Failure
Studying math in college can be challenging. Even the best math students make mistakes. But you shouldn’t let blunders and failures deprive you of motivation. Embrace them as a part of the process and learn from them. Consider them an opportunity to enhance your skills in the long term.
Students who learn from their mistakes are more likely to succeed in their college math classes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from instructors and peers. It does not make you seem weak or dumb but rather motivated and self-aware.
Conclusion
A math degree sets you up for several lucrative career options, but there are no shortcuts to achieving it. You need to invest relentless effort, master your skills, and stay committed throughout your journey as a math student in college. These steps can give you a good start and help maintain the momentum. Utilize online resources to stay ahead, understand your learning style to maximize the results, and stay ahead of math assignment deadlines.
If you need help with your college math class, hire a tutor with WorldWise Tutoring. Our expert educators can tutor for any class, no matter how challenging. They can also help you with the essential underlying learning and life skills so that you can improve your comprehension and control of your studies. Find a tutor today!
