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 UChicago Student Wellness 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
Recorded ASAP Workshops
- Mastering the Art of Time Management (42 minutes)
- Effective Strategies for Successful Studying (50 minutes)
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
- How to Use the Cornell Notetaking Method (video, 4 minutes) – Cornell University
- Developing a Productivity System for Beginners (video, 5 minutes) – The Art of Improvement
- A Complete Guide to Goal Setting (video, 6 minutes) – The Art of Improvement
- 7 Strategies for Supercharging Productivity (video, 6 minutes) – The Art of Improvement
- How to Schedule Your Day for Optimal Productivity (video, 4 minutes) – The Art of Improvement
- The Key to Test-Taking (video, 4 minutes) – Cornell University
- How to Read Effectively (video, 7 minutes) – Cornell University
- How to Take Good Notes (video, 5 minutes) – Cornell University
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
Mastering Time Management
Thursday, April 7, 1-2 p.m. (Register here)
An overview of practical tips to help develop sustainable habits that promote a balance between productivity and self-care. We will review five key areas that are crucial for successful time management. Participants will learn how they can create structure in their day, tailor strategies to their personal demands, and meet goals with consistency throughout the quarter to avoid procrastination.
Mindfulness for Academic Success
Thursday, April 21, 3-4 p.m. (Register here)
This workshop will offer instruction on key mindfulness strategies that may be used to manage academic stress and improve focus and concentration. Participants will also have an opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques during the session and learn more about ways they can develop their own practice independently.
Dealing with Burnout
Wednesday, April 27, 10-11 a.m. (Register here)
Burnout may be one reason for academic underperformance or dissatisfaction. In this session, we will review this concept in detail to consider how to best manage academic demands, deal with pressure to perform, apply insights to improve your mental health, and prevent or mitigate the effects of burnout.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Wednesday, May 4, 11-12 p.m. (Register here)
Excessive feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can challenge our ability to put our best foot forward in an academic context. In this workshop, we will consider the concept of imposter syndrome from a psychological perspective to gain a better understanding of how to prevent this issue affecting your confidence and ability to achieve your academic goals.
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 773.834.WELL, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. All appointments are conducted virtually over Zoom. For more information, contact Tab Shamsi, PsyD, at tshamsi@bsd.uchicago.edu.
We can also provide presentations and workshops related to academic performance on topics such as: procrastination, stress management, effective study strategies, and time management. While we will make every effort to meet requests for programming, please note that our resources may be limited during certain periods during the academic year. To ensure that we are able to accommodate your request, please allow at least three to four weeks’ notice so that we can adequately make arrangements for your event.
To request a workshop or presentation, please review the workshop menu to see what we have offered previously and fill out the request form below. A UChicago Student Wellness staff member will review the details and be in contact with the interested party to discuss further.