If you have a weak background in mathematics, begin each course with the mindset that you will take the course seriously whether or not the grade will count toward your degree requirements. To makeup for a weak background, try to find a teacher who enjoys teaching learning support mathematics classes. If your background is weak, make a point to attend every class and do all of the assigned homework regularly, even that homework is not collected by the instructor. Also, if go to the Math Lab; students who use the math lab generally perform better than students who don't.