Do The Homework!
Calculus is homework and when you get done, more homework. Teachers assign upwards of 50 problems a week or more for one reason. Practice, practice, practice. And you thought it was because they didn't want you to have a life! Be prepared to spend up to 2 hours in homework for every credit of calculus. For an average 5 credit college math course that could be about 10 hours of calculus each week!
Use All Available Resources
Just like teachers are either easy to understand or hard, books have the same tendencies. If you're finding your class calculus textbook hard to understand, try other resources like:
- Calculus for Dummies
- Study Guides
- Tutoring Services
- Class Notes
- Internet
- Study Groups
Algebra Smalgebra
Know when you're over your head. Calculus is full of algebra and trigonometry. If you don't have a good understanding of these two forms of math you will struggle in calculus. Know when the final drop date is and if you are still struggling or barely passing you may want to consider dropping the class and taking algebra or trigonometry as a refresher.