Jumpstart Series

It can be difficult to cultivate classroom skills in the abstract. There is no one best approach to studying; rather, the most effective strategies are those that match research-based best practices with specific classroom contexts and learning tasks. That is where this series comes in. Preview a Columbia classroom through a series of faculty lectures and get a head start on refreshing and strengthening classroom skills as you will be invited to apply them in the Columbia learning environment.

At Columbia, speaking the language of a text does not always guarantee that you will understand what it says. And understanding a text does not always mean you feel prepared to talk about it. Work with the ARC team and your fellow students to learn strategies for approaching difficult readings and engaging in class discussions, and get a head start parsing texts that have tripped up many intrepid readers in the past.

There is a science to learning science (and math) at high levels. Columbia teaches math and science at the highest of levels, and the learning curve—for mastering both the content and the necessary learning strategies—can be steep. The ARC team has spent a lot of time studying the science of doing science, and we are excited to share with you what we have learned. Learn how to prepare for lectures, how to approach problem sets, the advantages of working in groups, and other secrets to success.

Not everyone was enrolled in a high school math class last year – and that's okay.  To help students review, refresh, and even learn for the first time the foundational math that will be expected in the Columbia classroom, the ARC team offers this online summer option combining a curated self-paced curriculum with one-on-one support from math tutors.