Making a Plan Make your own course plan right now! A good rule of thumb is to study at least two hours for every hour in class. After your first major exam, you will know if your efforts were sufficient. If you did not get the grade you wanted, then you should increase your study time, improve your study efficiency, or both. Preparing for Class Before every class, review your notes from the previous class and read the portion of the text that is to be covered. Pay special attention to the definitions and rules that are highlighted. Read the examples and work through the Try It Yourself exercises that accompany each example. These steps take self-discipline, but they pay off because you will benefit much more from your instructors presentation. Attending Class Attend every class. Arrive on time with your text, materials for taking notes, and your calculator. If you must miss a class, get the notes from another student, go to a tutor or your instructor for help, or view the appropriate CD Lecture Video. Try to learn the material that was covered in the missed class before attending the next class. Participating in Class When reading the text before class, reviewing your notes from a previous class, or working on your homework, write down any questions you have about the material. Ask your instructor these questions during class. Doing so will help you (and others in your class) understand the material better.