Going from high school to college math is challenging, especially if you have not completed any AP classes. Calculus is an essential branch of mathematics for STEM majors. Still, even if you've been good at math in the past, you should prepare before your first calculus class.
In this guide, we'll look at the core concepts of calculus, the challenges that students face in college calc classes, and the best ways to succeed in your class.
Let's get to it.
Key Takeaways
- Preparing for college calculus classes
- Why college calculus is difficult
- How to succeed in a college calculus class
Understanding College Calculus
There are two main areas of calculus: differential calculus and integral calculus. Don't worry if you don't know what these are yet; we'll quickly explain them.
Differential calculus focuses on rates of change, which can include the slope of a curve or an object's instantaneous velocity.
When studying differential calculus, you'll likely cover limits and derivatives, which can help you understand how functions behave at specific points.
Then, there's integral calculus, which is the area that deals with the accumulation of quantities. Here, you'll see integration and definite integrals, which help calculate areas under curves or the total accumulation of quantities over time.
Calculus courses will focus on understanding these two main areas and how they're connected. Again, don't worry about these too much just yet, as that's the point of your calculus class.
Preparing for Your College Calculus Class
You'll learn about differential calculus and integral calculus during your class. Still, these will build upon other types of math that you should know.
Before starting a calculus class in college, you should have a solid understanding of math including algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus, of course.
These areas, and the rest of your math education, will form the foundation of your studies, especially when you start looking at calculus concepts like functions and equations, which appear regularly throughout calculus classes.
If you're feeling rusty or have struggled with any of these areas, we recommend you either study them or work with a private calculus tutor to prepare for your first college calculus class.
For students who already feel relatively confident about studying calculus, we still recommend reviewing these mathematical concepts in particular.
Learn how to manipulate and analyze different types of functions. Make sure you focus on polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric functions.
Make sure you know how to solve quadratic and trigonometric equations. These form an essential foundation for your college calculus class.
Limits are fundamental to understanding differentiation and integration. Make sure that you're familiar with the concept before college calculus.
Why Students Struggle with College Calculus
Throughout almost every student's academic career, there will be a point where the difficulty of a subject increases beyond their current level, and they'll be faced with a challenge.
For many students, calculus is a big leap from the math they studied in high school.
There are many reasons why calculus is difficult.
Here, you can hear Neil deGrasse Tyson talking about calculus.
Abstract Mathematical Concepts
For one, calculus is likely to be one of the most abstract areas of math that most students will have encountered so far in their studies. Students must think about and visualize mathematical functions in ways they've never done before.
The Pace of Calculus Classes
Since calculus courses are at a college level, the difficulty and pace of the class are likely to be more advanced than in high school. Within the first few weeks, students will quickly be bombarded with complex topics like differentiation and integration.
Mathematical Language and Notation
Calculus also has specific language and notation. While you may have been somewhat familiar with using the same symbols and notations in math up to this point, you now need to understand the logic and notation used in calculus. You'll get there eventually, but it will likely feel daunting when you begin the class.
College Class Workloads
A college calculus class will likely require a heavy workload and time commitment. This will be more work and time than you may have dedicated to a math class in high school.
Be sure to regularly attend your class and catch up with any work you miss if you can't participate. Remember to study outside of class, too, as this can reinforce what you learn in class.
What to Expect in College Calculus Classes
You'll never know what your college calculus class is going to be like until you're taking it, and it certainly rarely helps to expect the unexpected.
Instead, be aware that you'll likely need strong math skills, a lot of dedication, and more effort than you've put into your math classes at high school.
Whether you're choosing to study calculus as part of a STEM major or fulfilling a prerequisite for another program, remember that the skills and experience gained from the class will help you further down the line.
Like any challenging endeavor, preparation, and resilience are key.
The Keys to Success in College Calculus
Every student is different, so be sure to adapt this advice to what works best for you. However, in general, we think you'll find these tips quite useful for your college calculus classes.
1. Start Early and Stay Consistent
The famous adages "start off on the right foot" or "start as you mean to go on" apply here.
Remember to consider the power of forming powerful and beneficial habits right from the beginning of your class.
Even if your professor slowly introduces calculus concepts at a manageable pace, get into the habit of studying each new concept outside of class.
Reviewing what you learn in each class will help, especially as the difficulty ramps up. This will make falling behind far less likely.
The same is true of homework assignments. It's always a good idea to start them early if you encounter any problems.
2. Master the Basics of Calculus
Algebra, pre-calculus, and trigonometry can all be helpful. Brush up on all of these before your calculus class.
Colleges are required to provide resources or offer review courses to students who need to get better at calculus before their classes start.
Before starting your calculus class, you can always ask for help from the college if you struggle with any of these areas.
3. Focus on Functions and Graphing
You'll need to understand polynomial, rational exponential, and trigonometric functions. Take the time to learn how these functions behave and how you graph them.
Visualizing functions always helps to better understand them and their derivatives.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Regularly practicing differentiation and integration will help. It's also worthwhile looking at different types of questions, particularly word problems, that may come up in tests or midterms.
5. Attend Every Class
We've already mentioned this, but there's so much to learn in a college calculus class that you can't afford to miss a single session.
If missing a session is unavoidable, ensure you get the notes from the class and study them.
6. Use Online Resources
Using websites and other online resources, you can complement your class notes and course textbook.
There's a seemingly endless array of math websites you can use to practice calculus problems or even study the foundational areas of math you need to tackle calculus.
7. Hire a Private Tutor
Private math or calculus tutors can help students, not just those struggling with calculus.
Even with the best professors, one educator teaching several students in a class means compromises must be made.
A private tutor can tailor every session and every activity to their student, making them one of the best ways to study any academic subject or skill.
per hour
Study College Calculus with a Superprof Tutor
Private tutoring is one of the best ways to become a better student. Whether you're struggling with a calculus class or want to become a better and more organized student, a private tutor can help.
We've already mentioned how private tutors can tailor every session to their students, but did you know that many of the tutors on the Superprof website offer their first session for free?
Every student and every tutor are different, so make sure you try a few potential tutors first before choosing the one who's right for you.
A calculus tutor will naturally be great for your college calculus class. Still, you can also work with more general math tutors or even a study skills tutor.
There are tutors available to teach face-to-face all over the United States and online tutors all over the country and around the globe who can help you.
Search for the subject or skill you'd like to improve on the Superprof website today!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
