Prepping for the plebe killer classes

College professor here. What I observe daily at our flagship state university surely applies also to SAs. Incoming freshmen should worry less about brushing up on subject matter. Instead, they should worry more about developing their study skills.

Most college students — even seniors — don’t know how to study. In high school, the focus is mainly on memorization. Homework is increasingly rare. Time management isn’t necessary. Standards can be lax.

That changes in college — especially at SAs. Before they can master subject matter, students must master the art and science of studying. That means understanding the underlying logic, not just memorizing terms. It means managing their time and not putting things off until the last minute. It means doing homework with focus and intention, not just to get it out of the way. It means asking for help before it’s too late.

If anyone asks me what a freshman can do the summer before college, I say: Learn what it means to truly study, effectively and efficiently.
 
MidCakePa said:
College professor here. What I observe daily at our flagship state university surely applies also to SAs. Incoming freshmen should worry less about brushing up on subject matter. Instead, they should worry more about developing their study skills.

Most college students — even seniors — don’t know how to study. In high school, the focus is mainly on memorization. Homework is increasingly rare. Time management isn’t necessary. Standards can be lax.

That changes in college — especially at SAs. Before they can master subject matter, students must master the art and science of studying. That means understanding the underlying logic, not just memorizing terms. It means managing their time and not putting things off until the last minute. It means doing homework with focus and intention, not just to get it out of the way. It means asking for help before it’s too late.

If anyone asks me what a freshman can do the summer before college, I say: Learn what it means to truly study, effectively and efficiently.
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I can't echo this loud enough!!!

I was the "4.0 unweighted, three sport athlete, CAP cadet colonel, international exchange student..." and when I got to USAFA (second try) I thought "I did great in school, I got this at least!"

At the end of doolie year, I sat at the end of a long polished wood table looking at a full colonel, permanent professor/department head, and his staff, my calculus III instructor...the goal of the meeting was to toss my failing pink fuzzy...out of USAFA for failing Calc III. Fail is a gentle word, I didn't get an "F", I qualified (as one colonel on the board said) for a grade of "K."

In the end, it was ONLY because I had so many hours of one-on-one "Extra Instruction" that they decided I'd tried...they hadn't taught me.

No...what REALLY hurt me? I had ZERO studying skills and ZERO time-management skills. Once I learned those two necessary tools...I survived USAFA.

The above post is SPOT ON!!!

Steve
 
Seeing this is a very old thread, but as I just received an appointment to USMMA, and been reading about “plebe killer classes” does anyone got any recommendations for someone who’s only taken up to precalc?
 
My DD class of '21 got a strong B in calculus at USMMA without even taking pre-calc before attending. She took advantage of office hours and tutoring. During INDOC, you will take a math placement test. If you are weaker in your preparation, you will be placed in a math class that meets four times per week (as opposed to the usual three.) There are so many resources to help you get through the tough classes. Take advantage of all you can. Get help early and often. Your classmates will help you, and you will help them with other things in return. Spend your time studying and stay off social media. Time management and good study skills are critical. Good luck.
 
kpmom2013 said:
My DD class of '21 got a strong B in calculus at USMMA without even taking pre-calc before attending. She took advantage of office hours and tutoring. During INDOC, you will take a math placement test. If you are weaker in your preparation, you will be placed in a math class that meets four times per week (as opposed to the usual three.) There are so many resources to help you get through the tough classes. Take advantage of all you can. Get help early and often. Your classmates will help you, and you will help them with other things in return. Spend your time studying and stay off social media. Time management and good study skills are critical. Good luck.
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Thank you, definitely been one of the things on my mind the past week, but this is definitely reassuring
 
PhilaMan23 said:
Thank you, definitely been one of the things on my mind the past week, but this is definitely reassuring
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I'll add from my son's perspective (and you'll see it elsewhere on this board) trimesters fly by. There is no time to recover. If you bomb that first test you have dug yourself a hole. You must work hard from day 1. My son feels as though it's as much about time management and effort as it is anything else.
 
Pmaclax said:
I'll add from my son's perspective (and you'll see it elsewhere on this board) trimesters fly by. There is no time to recover. If you bomb that first test you have dug yourself a hole. You must work hard from day 1. My son feels as though it's as much about time management and effort as it is anything else.
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Yea, I haven’t used the trimester system since 8th grade.
 
PhilaMan23 said:
Seeing this is a very old thread, but as I just received an appointment to USMMA, and been reading about “plebe killer classes” does anyone got any recommendations for someone who’s only taken up to precalc?
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Congrats. Try and get familiar with the calculus concepts before you go. There are youtube channels full of content on derivation/integration etc. As long as you have a VERY strong time management skills and a VERY strong background in algebraic manipulation, you can focus on the learning the concepts of calculus and be able to work problems faster. Weak algebra skills (aka "slow at math") just makes calculus and calculus based physics so much harder.

Remember - your success in many of the classes may come down to things outside of your control. Many of the professors are "English as a Second Language" and are not hired on their proven ability to teach but by their academic qualifications and willingness to work in Great Neck on relatively low wages for the area. Quality academics are NOT the priority of the school.
 
NeverSayNever said:
Congrats. Try and get familiar with the calculus concepts before you go. There are youtube channels full of content on derivation/integration etc. As long as you have a VERY strong time management skills and a VERY strong background in algebraic manipulation, you can focus on the learning the concepts of calculus and be able to work problems faster. Weak algebra skills (aka "slow at math") just makes calculus and calculus based physics so much harder.

Remember - your success in many of the classes may come down to things outside of your control. Many of the professors are "English as a Second Language" and are not hired on their proven ability to teach but by their academic qualifications and willingness to work in Great Neck on relatively low wages for the area. Quality academics are NOT the priority of the school.
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sheesh that sounds rough. Hopefully I’ll get it down
 
NeverSayNever said:
Just remember that at the end of the day - it might not be you.

www.ratemyprofessors.com

Kimani Stancil at United States Merchant Marine Academy | Rate My Professors

Kimani Stancil is a professor in the Physics department at United States Merchant Marine Academy - see what their students are saying about them or leave a rating yourself.
www.ratemyprofessors.com www.ratemyprofessors.com
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Rate my Professor is not a good metric as often those who are disgruntled with their instructor will leave bad reviews while those who found them satisfactory won't evem bother leaving one. Look at the statement on the importance sig figs. Sig figs should not be so hard to grasp that it is a pivotal factor in why you fail a course. There were definitely other factors at play. I don't believe that the students tell the whole story. This is coming from someone who had that specific professor twice and is aware of the mindset of several students when it comes to "plebe killers". Two hours of studying does not equate to two hours of productive studying. And for a 3 credit course, 2 hours outside of class is the least that could be spent on the subject matter.
 
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