The Academic Skills and Assessment Program (ASAP) is designed to help students improve their academic performance by addressing a number of concerns that can interfere with effective learning. ASAP targets a wide range of issues including:
- Time management
- Learning and Memory
- Test anxiety
- Reading effectiveness
- Effective exam preparation
- General study skills
The staff at Student Counseling Service (SCS) have developed and compiled a number of self-help resources relevant for academic success in a university setting. Please note that the links provided are intended as an educational aid to further your understanding of topics that can impact academic performance but should not be viewed as a substitute for assistance from a qualified mental health professional.
Time Management
- Hints for Becoming a Successful Student
- Overcoming Procrastination
- Quarter Review
- Task Priority List
- Hitting the Ground Running
- 25 Tips for Time Management
- Weekly Overview
Memory and Concentration
Reading
Study Skills
Exam Preparation
Improving Academic Performance
- Interactive Online Workshops on Academic Skills- University of Minnesota
- Test anxiety (video, 37 mins) – Utah State University
- Math anxiety (video, 50 mins) – Utah State University
- Perfectionism (video, 53 mins) – Utah State University
- Practical tips for increasing productivity (video) – AsapSCIENCE
- Smart goal setting (video) - UNCCH Learning Center
- Procrastination (video) – UNCCH Learning Center
- Tips to improve memory (video) – UNCCH Learning Center
Dealing with Stress
- How to make stress your friend (video) – Kelly McGonigal, PhD
- How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress – Helpguide.org
- Stress and anxiety – from Learn Psychology
- The Power of Self-Compassion (video) – Selfcompassion.org
Mindfulness and Relaxation
- Free mindfulness meditations – UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
- ACT exercises for Mindfulness & Acceptance – Portland Psychotherapy Clinic
- Relaxation exercises – MindBody Lab at the University of Texas at Austin
- Self-compassion exercises (audio) – Selfcompassion.org
ASAP workshops are offered on relevant topics every quarter. The workshops being offered during Spring Quarter 2019 are outlined below.
Connecting Today to Tomorrow: A Career Exploration
Decisions about your career can lead to question whether your academic goals are leading you towards a meaningful lifestyle. This workshop will help you explore how your values and interests are related to your long-term career goals and identify actions you can take now to align yourself with your goals.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 (3:00–4:30PM) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
Learning Fundamentals: Effective Strategies for Successful Studying
The psychology behind learning shows that not all study habits are equally productive. We’re often tempted to do what feels productive and familiar, yet this may be far from optimal. This presentation challenges our notions of effective studying and presents various study habits shown to be most effective for all types of learners.
Thursday, April 18, 2019 (3:00–4:30PM) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
Conquering Test Anxiety
Test anxiety can interfere with your ability to perform at a level that is true to your preparation on a test. This educational workshop is designed to help you identify the source of your test anxiety and learn various practical strategies that you can begin to immediately improve your test performance.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 (3:00–4:30 PM) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
Writing with Fluency
Writing is a fundamental academic skill and can frequently be a source of stress for many students. Whether your writing project is large or small, this workshop will leave you equipped and inspired to approach your writing with a greater sense of confidence.
Friday, May 3, 2019 (3:00–4:30 PM) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
Overcoming Procrastination: Taking Charge of Your Choices
Procrastination is one of the most common problems that can interfere with the ability to accomplish goals and feel satisfied with performance. This workshop is designed to help you understand why we procrastinate and provide guidance on how you can consciously choose behaviors that align with your personal academic goals.
Thursday, May 16, 2019 (3:00–4:30PM) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
Some students may benefit from brief one-on-one appointments. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns more fully with an ASAP counselor and determine personalized strategies to achieve your academic goals. ASAP appointments are 45 minutes in length.
To get started, make an ASAP appointment by calling 773.702.9800, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Appointments take place at SCS, 5555 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information, contact Tab Shamsi, PsyD, at tshamsi@bsd.uchicago.edu.