Welcome to your first college math class! This is a big milestone, and we’re excited for the learning and growth ahead. As you begin this journey, it's important to recognize that college math classes often come with different expectations compared to what you may have experienced in a high school math class. We want to share some key differences to help you succeed and make the most of your experience.

• In high school, it may have been possible to pass a math class just by attending class and doing minimal work. In college, that approach is likely to result in failure. Here, simply attending class is not enough. You are now responsible for your own learning, and your success will depend on your active effort both inside and outside the classroom. The graph below illustrates the difference in time spent learning math in class and outside of class in both high school and in college:

High School versus College

Note:

• Outside of class may include all of the following: working with a peer tutor, doing homework, practicing additional problems, finishing problems from in-class, and working in the Math Studio.
• In-class/videos typically includes watching videos created by your instructor if you are taking an online class; it typically includes lectures/demos, discussion, and activities if you are taking an in-person class.
• Participation may no longer count toward your grade, and your instructor will primarily evaluate your ability to demonstrate your knowledge of the material—not just your effort or presence in class. This means that coming on time, engaging with the content, staying current with assignments, and studying are more important than ever. Your grade is meant to reflect what you’ve learned and can demonstrate, not how hard you tried.
• At some point, you may hit a wall where your old study habits no longer work. That’s okay. College-level math can be challenging and often requires a different approach. It’s important to be adaptable—change how you study, seek help when needed, and explore resources that are available to you.
• You're not alone in this. Free support services such as peer tutoring, the Math Studio, your instructor’s office hours, and email are included in your tuition and fees. These aren’t just for struggling students—even students on the President’s List use these services! Use these services early and often.
• Remember, productive study time is key. Don’t spend 30 hours stuck on one problem. Try every problem, and if you get stuck, skip it and come back to it later. Ask for help. Learn to recognize when you’re not making progress, and use that time wisely by reaching out to someone who can guide you.
• One of the most important changes in college is that you need to advocate for yourself. Communicate with your instructor—let them know if you’re struggling, explain absences, and seek feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember that your instructor is expecting you to continue with the assigned work even when absent.
• Understand that your current class is building a foundation, and your next math instructor will expect you to know this material.
• Retests and late assignments may not be accepted, and missing a test could mean a zero—always check your syllabus for policies.
• Think of learning math like learning to ride a bicycle: understanding how to ride isn't the same as being able to ride. You will probably “fall” (get stuck or make mistakes), but that’s part of the process. Keep practicing. Don’t just look up answers—try problems on your own first, even if it means doing them multiple times. If you always rely on help or answer keys, your first independent attempt will be on the test, which is a risky situation in which to put yourself. So be sure to do problems independently before the tests.

At the end of the day, you’re in the driver’s seat now. College is about taking control of your education and growth. Strengthen your critical thinking skills. Accept the struggle as part of the journey. Be curious, stay resilient, and remember: progress comes from effort, reflection and persistence.

You've got this—and we’re here to help!

Sincerely,
The GCC Math Department