What strategies did you use to increase how quickly you could learn things?
This is the wrong question for your immediate needs. This is good for the long term though.
I'm noticing that there are gaps in my knowledge so I have to work twice as hard to fill in the gaps and learn the current material. It's making me kinda nervous.
^^^This is the problem and where your greatest strength can develop. I was placed in Multivariable Calculus because of the score on the AP exam, but I hadn't done a calculus related math problem in 1.5 years. Further, Multivariable Calculus at my school was past the BC exam. I only scored a 2 on the BC exam.
1. You need to learn the basic material on your own
ifyou have the time.
2. You need to learn how to reverse engineer the information to teach you about other things even if you're wrong because it will lead you to the right questions. Your professors will help you more in office hours. Use those. Number two is more important than number 1 because you can get what you need to pass the course from this process if it is a self-contained field like math or science.
3. It's time for a gut check. Most college students have a sucky first semester because they have gaps. Not everyone gets the same high school education. Power through it, and you'll be better for it.
4. Remember, core courses are meant to be de-weeder courses. Do some research on your professors for next semester. You should have a faculty tracking rating system that is commercially or non commercially based, usually non-commercially.
5. Sometimes a course that seems harder may actually be easier for future choices. In college learning the degree is not linear even in Math. After your first semester in your second year the doors really open to teach you what you want to specifically know in that area.
A little history, when I returned to school to finish the second semester of my sophomore year I had a completely different mindset. Use your mindset. You're in the science and tech side. Infiltrate groups. Vet your professors when you want to take the class but aren't sure, which includes meeting with them before you sign up. Choose the symp., professors with the mentality that "everyone is savable." They will go out of their way to make sure you know the material for the sake of their own ego.
Last thing, you shouldn't worry or be nervous. Courses will always throw curveballs especially if you're going to the same school we talked about. Don't worry. You'll see the curveballs soon and will know how to deal with them. The gaps decrease overtime.