My Advice to a New Math 207 Student

One of the best parts of college is that most of the people are here to learn. My experience in high school was that almost all of the kids were at school because they had to be there. People are at college for a different reason, and I like this atmosphere much better.

Another thing I like about college is that it is more relaxed. In high school, you are in class from 8:30-3:30 every day, but in college your classes are spread out. Basically, you have a lot more time for yourself, and it is up to you how you spend it – homework, friends, a job, etc.

One thing I had to adjust to when I got to college was having a limited amount of time on tests. In high school we usually spread out the tests over two or three days. Another difference in college is that there is the threat of not being able to use calculators in the future. I have relied on my calculator to check my work and to clarify new concepts for a long time; it will be a major change for me when I can no longer use it.

The only advice I have is ask questions and be aware that the professors are willing to help outside of class. Also, do your homework – you are the one who decides if you are going to understand something or not.

As I see it, math is fun! But what do I find the most interesting? The first thing that comes to mind is finding points of inflection. For the longest time, I wondered if there was a way to find where the graph ‘flipped,’ and the day I learned that there was a way to figure it out, I was impressed. Actually, though, I think all math is amazing – it fits together so nicely!

Sincerely,

Katy, Math Major