How will I manage my time? How will I ask for help from my professors? Will my high school study strategies set me up for success on my first college exam?

As you anticipate your college life, you’re likely starting to plan for your academic success. You’ve worked hard to get here and want to make the most of this opportunity to take your educational journey to the next level. So, while taking exams and writing papers is nothing new for you, college will challenge you differently than high school. You get to drive your learning – and that can be exciting, but also overwhelming.

The good news is that the Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) is here to help you crack the code of college learning. Academic support is not one-size-fits-all, which is why CFAR will meet you where you are with strategies that work best for you.

Why do students come into CFAR?

Students who visit CFAR work on strategies related to exam preparation, time management, organization, finding resources from course syllabi and Canvas pages, and preparing for office hours.  While some of these topics may feel newer than others, if you’re feeling tentative or want to practice these skills, CFAR is here as a resource!

Where can I find CFAR? What resources are available to me?

CFAR is located on the second floor of Smith Hall and as a Wildcat, you can access our cadre of trained, peer Academic Mentors to work on strategies specific to you and your classes. Students schedule an appointment on WCOnline or stop by Smith during drop-in hours (Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 3 PM).  If the support of a professional staff member is your next, right-sized step, you can work with an Educational Counselor on strategies for finishing your semester.

What can I expect from working with CFAR?

Whether you partner with an academic mentor or educational counselor, the goal is the same: we want students to feel confident about their learning. We encourage new students to reach out as soon as you need a little support so you can start building a foundation that sets you up for success. You can also make same-day appointments with mentors to talk through any question or challenge you may have – no matter how big or small. The bottom line? You do not have to do it alone!

What do you mean by “flipping the script?”

As students work on finishing up projects, papers, and embark on studying for final exams, CFAR works with students to flip the finals script—giving new and veteran students the chance to enter their winter and summer breaks frazzle-free. You’ll encounter all kinds of useful and fun programs designed to take the stress out of exam season so you can focus on what matters: doing your best.

What are some strategies I can put into practice when I start at UNH?

  • Get yourself organized: This likely means collecting information and resources you need to get going on your studying.  Instead of diving headfirst into equations, projects and papers, doing this important pre-work will make your life easier. Ask yourself, where have your previous exam questions come from? What resources have you relied on for your paper writing? What deliverables do you need to submit for your group project? For exams, create an inventory list of where to find this crucial information.
  • Find the time: Once you have everything you need to study and review at your fingertips, parse out the work and plot it into your schedule.  Map your to-do items to days and times on your calendar.  When you sit down to study, have clear objectives and goals for that session!  And, be detailed. Remember to be realistic, take breaks, and minimize distractions.  If you get behind, leverage your calendar system to restructure your goals and objectives for the next day.
  • Feel confident: You’ve collected your resources and given yourself ample time to study or prepare.  Take care of yourself: get enough sleep, eat healthy fuel and remember to move your body.  Finally, take a deep breath and give yourself a pep talk.  You’ve put in the hard (and strategic!) work; now, get yourself psyched to show what you know!

     

Want even more ideas? Check out the study skills, STEM resources and more academic success goodies on our website.  You’ve got this!

 

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