Overcoming Math Anxiety

Linear algebra, trigonometry, single and multivariable calculus, math, etc. The list just keeps on going. For most students, these subjects inspire fear and anxiety due to the sheer difficulty of the math content. Common problems include professors who make the material far harder than it should be, lectures that rarely ‘click’ with your mind and harshly-graded midterms that spell dreaded all-nighters. Feeling over-anxious about math courses and complicated problem sets is a frequent occurrence in most college lecture halls. Fear not, however, as scores of resources exist to combat anxiety and stress regarding math courses, most of which are absolutely free. Availing these resources, cultivating specific study habits, and considering the following four tips to build a better mindset towards math can create a huge difference in performing better in math classes.

1. Reject the “I’m Not a Math Person” Mentality

The U.S. is home to several positive notions, but the belief that one can only be born a so-called “math person” with fixed intelligence is not one of them. This black and white conviction does not define your true potential. According to computer science professor Calvin Newport, who completed his undergraduate years at Dartmouth College and his doctorate at MIT, if you trust these types of notions, you will never gain the acumen necessary to do well in technical courses. You’ll panic, perform poorly and give up when the journey hasn’t even begun. The key takeaway is to understand that in order to succeed in a math course, insight – the part where you can apply the concepts you’ve learned all semester to novel problems correctly and with ease – must be continuously developed.

How? By rewriting notes and redoing proofs and problems without notes. Time yourself. If you get stuck, do not immediately peruse the textbook. Instead, figure out what you’re stuck on and head to office hours ASAP.

2. Realize Hard Work Can Guarantee an A+

Imagine this: rumors report that Math 1B is notorious for murdering stellar GPAs and is the most failed class on campus. Accept it and embrace it. Then, move on. But also accept that you can overcome the historically harrowing GPA-killing nature of the course through hard work, regular office hours, or through tutoring. As a last resort, actively seek out other resources, such as Course Hero’s Math Homework Help and online study guides. Don’t react negatively to struggling in the course; it’s perfectly normal – even if you’re grappling with statistics the entire semester. And forget about the curve – focus on the actual evaluation at hand, and the odds will be ever in your favor.

3. Practice Math Daily – Without Exceptions

Similar to how brushing your teeth twice every day is ingrained into your daily routine, so should the practice of honing your weaknesses and defeating your fear of mathematics. Recognize that math is not a “spectator sport”; simply gazing at your homework and Cornell Notes won’t necessarily get you an A, regardless of the course difficulty or your math skill level. Devote an hour or two every day to your exact deficiencies, without fail. Since everyone studies differently, incorporate study advice that suits your strengths and work towards refining them according to what is most appropriate for your studying style. And most importantly, reward yourself for your improvements. Victories, no matter how small in scale, are victories nonetheless.

4. Think Visually

In technical subjects such as mathematics and other STEM disciplines, it is crucial to picture ideas and communicate your thoughts as visually as possible. Utilize images to grow a visual imagination. Use study apps such as Quizlet to draw graph plots on flashcards or Photomath to reinforce concepts. Attend review sessions – even if you’re well prepared. Simply going to them can reveal beneficial pathways. Study efficiently with study groups. Also, try your best to establish a firm interest in the course. Perhaps try comparing it to other coursework; there may be some surprising perks!

Hopefully, these strategies will reduce the tension associated with math courses, and prevent stress caused by the perception of course difficulty, rather than by the course content itself. Math courses are indeed challenging, especially at an institution where the STEM department is highly esteemed, but no matter what course you’re struggling through, remember that the crises of today become the jokes of tomorrow. You will get the hang of those tricky integrals. You will develop that sense of mathematical “intuition” everyone seems to have. You will conquer your fear of math; success in that draconian discrete mathematics class will become a reality sooner than later. Your fear of math will pass and with the aforementioned tips, so will you!