How to Study Math or Physics in College: from the viewpoint of a professional student

Summary

The purpose of this text is to convince the student that their choice of major is correct. Also, their concept of studying and how college works may be flawed. Motivating the student to alter their habits will result in higher grades, a better understanding of the material, and a reduction in the amount of time spent studying.

All colleges have slightly different approaches to delivering data to the student, so please take the information as a universal approach to studying that bests fit you. But, keep in mind that my directive is focused on students either entering into a STEM (or research) style university straight out of high school or transitioning to the university. Although the courses and the material covered are, in essence, synonymous throughout educational institutions, the way the material is taught and tested can be significantly different.

Note: If you are a teacher or professor, this book is not for you—that is, it is for a student who is learning for the first time. Your point of view is incorrect. You should not offer a student advice on studying as your position is not only generationally different, it is skewed by the knowledge you’ve obtained that surpasses the uneducated mind.