Some courses have options so check your math course page (math course page directory) for the syllabus to help you make the best choice.
Be cautious about buying used from elsewhere. Many OSU courses have custom editions that differ from those found on Amazon.
Most courses require access to an online homework system. Check your course syllabus or book buying guide for information.
If you’re waiting for your financial aid money to come in, nearly all online homework systems allow free access for approximately 2 weeks. In addition, the textbook can be found within most online homework systems.
Map your way around campus and to your classes
Plan out how long it will take you to get to each class. OSU is a large campus and it may take you more time than you think. (link to map)
Visit each building and classroom you are scheduled to be in prior to the first class meeting. Avoid being stressed the first day of classes because you are unsure of where you are going.
Have a separate notebook and folder, paper or digital, for each class
Use the notebook for note-taking while reading the book, during classes, and for showing your work on homework
Although your homework may be online, you should still work out problems in your notebook and show every step as if it were handed it. This will help you review, assist in asking questions when you are stuck, and is an important skill to have when it’s time for the test.
Additional information on switching classes and other department policies can be found on the department's website.
In Class
Read your syllabus and course calendar
Take note of your instructors’ office hours, assignment due dates, quiz dates, and exam dates.
Exam dates are often in the evening. Mark these dates and times in your calendar and take note of any conflicts you have. The policy for exam makeups should be in your syllabus. If not, ask your instructor.
Read the section assigned for the day prior to coming to class. If it were your English class, you would read the book before class. Do the same for math.
Take notes and mark any questions you have while reading.
While reading, try the examples before you view the solution. Math is about doing. If you get stuck, you can look at the solution but make sure you understand why you got stuck. Try another similar problem from the book to make sure you can do it on your own. You won’t have the answers on the test.
Pay attention to words in the text that are printed in bold, italics, or underlined.
Look for relationships among topics. Math isn’t about memorizing definitions and procedures. You need to understand why the procedures work and how the definitions are all connected. In college, not all problems look the same but with different numbers. Think about the big picture.
Take notes
Note taking is not copying; write down what is important to you.
Label your notes in the margins to organize them better for review
Make indications to yourself where you are confused.
Ask questions during class if you are lost or confused about a step. If you’re confused, others probably are as well.
If you are uncomfortable asking questions during class, see your instructor during office hours or seek help at tutoring.
Avoid using your cellphone or laptop during class. It will only distract you.
Make a friend in the class who takes good notes that you can copy from in case of illness. This person could also be your study buddy.
Outside of Class
Review your class notes every day after class.
Clarify any notes that are messy.
Plan how to get your lingering questions answered.
Start your homework as soon as you can after class.
The material will be fresh in your mind.
It will help you space out your homework so you’re not cramming many hours of work into one night.
It will give you time to find help and answer questions if you need it.
You will spend more time outside of class studying than you did in high school.
Via university policy: “One credit hour shall be assigned for each three hours per week of the average student's time, including class hours, required to earn the average grade of "C" in this course.” This means if you’re in a 5 credit hour class, you should plan to spend at least 15 hours per week on the class.
Plan your time.
A semester calendar showing all major events can help you plan your big picture appropriately. Include dates of exams, due dates for papers and projects, and any personal events such as important birthdays or weddings.
A weekly calendar can help you make sure you stay on track and are realistic in how much time you have during the week.
Be efficient with your time.
Eliminate distractions such as social media, your phone, and socializing. Instead make these a reward for your study efforts.
Find a quiet place to study.
Don’t waste time between classes. Use that time to study.
If you’re stuck on a problem, move on until you can find time to seek help.
Plan weekly reviews. One hour reviewing every night is better than cramming for five hours right before an exam.
When working on homework, it’s often helpful to think out loud. Explain to yourself why you are doing each step. Even better, find someone else to explain it to.
Write down all of your work in your notebook. Even if your homework is online.
Draw pictures if you’re stuck.
Don’t look at the solutions or hints to your homework problems until after you’ve solved them. If you’re stuck and need to check hints or solutions, then make sure you can do a similar problem without hints. If you need hints for several problems, this is an indication you need to seek help.
Attend MSLC tutoring or see your professor/TA to answer any questions or get help on material you don’t feel comfortable with.
Relate new material to previous material. (How does it all fit together?)
Keep, correct, and review all returned homework, quizzes, and exams.
Aim for an “A”, to understand everything, to leave yourself a margin of error.
MSLC - Math and Statistics Learning Center (Cockins Hall) (http://mslc.osu.edu)
Free drop-in math and stat tutoring. Check the MSLC website for times and location within Cockins Hall.
Workshops cover a range of difficult topics throughout the semester to give you additional practice and support.
Instructor office hours are one of the most underutilized resources!
Your syllabus will have your instructor’s office hours. If you can’t attend during those hours, contact your instructor to make an appointment.
What types of questions can you ask?
Content: questions about lecture, recitation, homework, etc.
Grading, course policies
How should you prepare to meet with an instructor?
Be prepared with specific questions
Have your class notes and written-out homework attempts with you
What should you not do?
Say “I don’t understand anything”. Instead have specific questions in mind.
Miss class and then expect your instructor to re-teach the lecture.
If you miss class, get notes from another student and try to learn the section on your own. Once you have answered as many questions as you can on your own, then go to your instructor with your list of remaining questions.
Ask your instructor to review your entire exam for points.
It is legitimate to ask for clarification about a question you think was graded wrong. However, don’t ask your instructor to review your entire exam.
If you’re unsure why you got a question wrong, see if you can figure it out on your own first through your book, notes, classmates, tutoring
Exams
Questions to ask about the exam (Much of this will be stated in your syllabus)
Find out what will be covered on the exam
Find out what type of questions will be on the exam
Will calculators be allowed?
Prepare in advance, don’t wait until the last minute
Review for several short periods of time rather than cramming in a large chunk
Dispute negative messages you give yourself. Think of a positive thought which argues against the negative thought.
Consider the realistic importance of the exam
Remind yourself that a test does not measure your self-worth
Mentally prepare
Be thoroughly prepared for the exam. Don’t cram.
Prior to the exam, go for a walk to clear your mind and relax.
Visualize as part of your preparation. Imagine arriving at a difficult question and calmly and confidently working your way through the question. Imagine getting to a difficult question and moving to another question that you can confidently answer.
On test day, try to relax and take deep breaths if you get stuck.
Physically prepare
Find the room location the day before the exam.
Have all of your materials ready the night before. Make sure your pencils are sharpened and your calculator has batteries.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early, choose a seat and relax.
