1. MATH?!?! REALLY?? REALLY!! Dr. Yvette Hester Assistant Head for Lecturers and Freshman Programs Department of Mathematics

2. ATTITUDE Positive Math attitude is absolutely essential. Math is not going away. You need 6 credits!! I determine that I WILL do this, or I will get help!

3. Forewarned is Forearmed COLLEGE math is DIFFERENT from HIGH SCHOOL math ◦ There are NO retests, retries, extra credit or free lunches ◦ The pace is at least twice that of a high school math class, so keep up

4. Forewarned is Forearmed College MATH classes are different from OTHER College classes ◦ Don’t fall into the Freshman Failure to attend class trap!!! You can read a History book to catch up. Not just anyone can read a math book (or wants to). ◦ Math is not a spectator sport. YOU must do the work. YOU must work problems. Watching your professor do problems is not enough. Read a book on the War of 1812, you know about the War of 1812. Read a book about how to swim, you will probably drown.

5. Forewarned is Forearmed The 3 for 1 Rule: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~hester/3for1.pdf

6. PRACTICE!!! Learning Math is like learning to play the piano. ◦ Practice!! Practice!! Practice!! ◦ Suggested Homework DOES NOT mean OPTIONAL homework.

7. Get Some Help!!! FREE sources of help from the Math Department (because we care!!) ◦ http://www.math.tamu.edu/~hester/Flyer.pdf http://www.math.tamu.edu/~hester/Flyer.pdf

8. Time Management Be Organized Set a Study Time as if it were a Class Try your homework before going to office hours DO NOT wait until the night before to begin to study for an exam

9. SHORTCUTS There ARE NO shortcuts!! Work with your Peers. ◦ A lot of learning takes place in focused study groups. ◦ Encourage each other!

10. EXAMS Build your confidence by looking for problems that you know or look familiar When you get your exam back, make all corrections within 2 or 3 days while the material is fresh ◦ If you don’t know, or can’t find out how in your notes, ask your Prof, your friends, help session, whatever it takes

11. Profs Pet Peeves Cell phones in class Waiting until the last minute to do your online homework and then wanting extra time because __________

12. BOTTOM LINE Your Education is Your Responsibility Your Success in Your Classes is Your Responsibility Success in Math is Your Responsibility

13. BUT Don’t forget We ARE here to help!!! http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/