1) Always attend the first class meeting! This lets you know what the teacher is like and what is expected of you.

2) Read the class syllabus! (Or whatever the teacher passes out the first week.) This will let you know all the rules regarding absences, exams, etc.

3) Be on time for class!  In fact, always try to be a little early, so you can get out all your stuff.

4) Don't miss class unless you are sick (nobody wants your germs! 8-) ). Your teacher can explain something to you in a fraction of the time that it would take you to figure it out on your own (or even with the help of a tutor).

5) If you do have to miss a class, always call a classmate (before you return to class!) to find out what you missed and if your teacher assigned anything that will be due when you return.

6) During class, always have your calculator on your desk and have your text book out.   Teachers often do problems out of the book as examples.

7) If the teacher is making some sort of computation, work along with him/her.

8) Take very neat class notes. Write down everything the teacher writes down and try to write down most of what he/she says. Put stars by problems or points that your teacher stresses or get excited about. These are good potential exam questions!

9) Participate and ask questions!

10) Do your homework the same day that you hear the lecture on the material! If that isn't possible, always be sure to do the homework before you go to the next class.

11) Make friends in the class and study with them! Form well-balanced study groups. A good study group consists of 4 or 5 students with a range of capabilities. (Students getting D's and F's should never study together - this doesn't benefit anybody.)

12) The second that you start to feel overwhelmed with the material (for example, you didn't understand a thing the teacher said or you can't do the assignment that night) then get help! Go to your math learning center, get a tutor, ask for help from a classmate and go to your teacher's office!!

13) Get in the proper frame of mind! This class is your job. How much effort are you putting forth? Do you always clock in late or do you just not show up? If this class was really your job, would you get fired or would you be up for a raise?