natedagg
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As a Math/Psych major, I feel that I can relate to the difficulty of the material and the frustration of not doing well at times. I just flirted with a girl, took a ton of classes with her, and ended up marrying her, but I fear that the strategy might be hard to repeat, so here's what works:
1. Study groups. Even a group of 2. All of the time. That way you have accountability so that you are putting in the time, and obviously, misery loves company. Look for people who are smarter than you with "I can't say no" written all over them. That way, even if they are annoyed with you, can admire the view from their shoulders as they re-explain things to you. You can still bring things to the team, like coconut water, coffee, and liquor for a post-exam celebration.
2. Be a scrapper. In general, figure out how to will your way to success. This is a life thing, but applies here. Read the internets for the easier teachers. Look for transferable credits. ALWAYS take the easy points to the fullest (homework, written papers, quizzes). Remember, easy doesn't mean quick, but it isn't about time because you are a scrapper. Many teachers will give partial credit on things that you have to show work for. If it's ever that kind of party and you don't know the answer, run down a bunch of possibilities and get your partial credit. Scrapper.
3. Enjoy yourself when doing the work. I am extroverted, so I think for me, that was a big part of the study group thing, but find your way to enjoy it. I always look at math/engineering/physics as untying a giant knot, like a puzzle. I like solving puzzles, so if you are the same way, enjoy the fun of it. Enjoy the recognition of new patterns, putting more tools in your toolbelt, more weapons in your arsenal, to solve these problems.
4. This might not apply, but try to pay attention to the theory of it all, and what these numbers represent. If you don't, then when the test problems are written in a different way, you might have the tools but not know which ones to use.
1. Study groups. Even a group of 2. All of the time. That way you have accountability so that you are putting in the time, and obviously, misery loves company. Look for people who are smarter than you with "I can't say no" written all over them. That way, even if they are annoyed with you, can admire the view from their shoulders as they re-explain things to you. You can still bring things to the team, like coconut water, coffee, and liquor for a post-exam celebration.
2. Be a scrapper. In general, figure out how to will your way to success. This is a life thing, but applies here. Read the internets for the easier teachers. Look for transferable credits. ALWAYS take the easy points to the fullest (homework, written papers, quizzes). Remember, easy doesn't mean quick, but it isn't about time because you are a scrapper. Many teachers will give partial credit on things that you have to show work for. If it's ever that kind of party and you don't know the answer, run down a bunch of possibilities and get your partial credit. Scrapper.
3. Enjoy yourself when doing the work. I am extroverted, so I think for me, that was a big part of the study group thing, but find your way to enjoy it. I always look at math/engineering/physics as untying a giant knot, like a puzzle. I like solving puzzles, so if you are the same way, enjoy the fun of it. Enjoy the recognition of new patterns, putting more tools in your toolbelt, more weapons in your arsenal, to solve these problems.
4. This might not apply, but try to pay attention to the theory of it all, and what these numbers represent. If you don't, then when the test problems are written in a different way, you might have the tools but not know which ones to use.