<p>
Well, it boils down to this:</p>
<p>Day 0: Problem set posted.
Day 1: I print the problem set, ask myself if the font settings are messed up. Nope, that’s what the set is supposed to look like. Wonder what it means o_O
Day 2-5: I attempt to do the problem set on my own. Read the book. P–s and moan. No progress is being made but the majority of my time is wasted here.
Day 5: First recitation section (and lecture) relevant to the problem set. Now instead of being stuck on part a of every problem, I’m stuck on part b of every problem.
Day 6: Friends have started to do the set so now we can collaborate. Instantly the set is halfway done.
Day 6.5: Midnight office hours. Groups of collaborators meet to meta-collaborate. Things coming together.
Day 7: Homework turned in.</p>
<p>
Attend office hours. Don’t worry that collaborating will make it harder for you to work independently later. This might sound like a recipe for dependence/failure, but you might need this assistance and feedback to progress.</p>