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 Winter Quarter 2019 are outlined below.
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. Drawing on the findings across different fields within psychology, this presentation challenges our notions of effective studying and presents various study habits and rehearsal practices that are shown to be most effective for all types of learners.
Friday, January 25, 2019 (3-4:30 p.m.) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
To sign up, click here.
Overcoming Procrastination: Taking Charge of Your Choices
Procrastination is one of the most common problems that students face. When excessive, it can cause significant academic difficulties that 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, February 7, 2019 (3-4:30 p.m.) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
To sign up, click here.
Stress Management Fundamentals
Whether you want to succeed academically or socially, effectively managing stress is the foundation of health and performance. While stress is a normal and necessary part of life, we often neglect the fundamentals of stress management when they are most needed. This educational workshop presents practical tips across five important domains to help you maximize your potential.
Thursday, February 21, 2019 (3-4:30 p.m.) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
To sign up, click here.
From Distraction to Action
Finding effective and creative ways of dealing with distractions has become an essential task in a world that competes for our attention on a routine basis. This workshop will review different strategies and tools to help you make the leap from distraction to action.
Monday, March 4, 2019 (3-4:30 p.m.) at Alumni House (5555 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
To sign up, click here.
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.