I just got my License and Im gonna use my mom's corolla for awhile til i get enough money to buy a car. I just notice that it doesnt have a rpm meter. Its a 97-98 Corolla VE. Anyone know why??

Because it is a base model. You can add one - just run a cable from the dizzy. Install it on the A Pillar.

shift by ear, i dont think you would be trying to max out a corolla so theres really no need for a tach, i started with a car that has a tach and never used it, keep your eyes on the road not the tach