[Kate*]

I know what you mean, I used to actually try to read for the first week and then I realized I didn't really need it. I'd skim the chapters and powerpoints before tests and I was usually ok, even when they made us buy the book and told us we'd have to read it (I had one guy who told us that and I think I opened the book twice). Skim the material until you figure out what other methods the prof is using. For example, if the notes are taken out of the book and you're bored in class because you read, don't bother, but if something trips you up go ahead and look it over. As you get further along you'll need to read more