Academic Resources

1. Find a selection to read and mark the beginning and end of it. Use a stop watch to time how long it takes you to read from beginning to end.
2. Count the number of words in the passage and divide by the minutes spent reading it. This is your rate of reading in words per minute (WPM).

Tips to increase your speed:

• Set a new target slightly higher than the rate you just determined.
• Use easy to read materials and practice each day.
• As your speed and comprehension increase, increase your target.

What will help me remember what my book said?

• Read in a quiet place, no background noise or other distractions.
• Use a pen or index card to help you keep your place in the reading
• Read for ideas and concepts, not just the words.
• Think, interpret, and analyze the first time you read a passage.
• At the end of the section, write down main points.
• Practice your speed and comprehension together. If you read for three minutes, you should remember three main points. Five minutes, five points.
• Underline or highlight main points in the passage, but don’t highlight just for the sake of highlighting.

Taking Tests and Exams

Good ways to cope with stress about an upcoming test or exam:

• Be sure to consult your syllabus! Many professors will include testing format, what materials will be covered, etc.
• If the syllabus doesn’t have the answers, ask questions such as:
  • Which topics, chapters, and other materials will be covered on the test?
  • What will the format be? Essay, short answer, multiple choice, etc.?
  • Will points be deducted for spelling or grammar mistakes?
  • How detailed will answers need to be?
• Attend review sessions with the professor or form study groups with other students.
• Begin to review your notes ahead of the night before the exam.
• Avoid all-nighters! You will recall information better if you have a full night’s sleep.

How will I ever survive the test?

• Focus on what you have control over. You can answer the questions to the best of your ability. Let go of what you can’t control — the grading process.
• Think carefully about the possible answers. Don’t get so in depth you forget the easiest parts of the answer.
• Spend more time on the questions worth more points. Try not to panic over a 5 point question and run out of time on a 25 point question.
• Try to keep positive thoughts about your efforts! Being determined to work hard and do your best will help you to be successful.

Make yourself a non-procrastination plan:

• Make a schedule with specific times for completing tasks.
• Reevaluate your priorities — if school isn’t your first priority, don’t expect to get top grades.
• Mix things that you like to do and things you don’t particularly enjoy. Alternating between them helps keep you motivated and working hard.
• Don’t spread yourself too thin — make sure important projects receive the attention they need.
• Reward yourself! When you complete a task, allow yourself a snack, short break, etc.

But how can I avoid procrastination?

• Set goals carefully and then post them somewhere to remind you constantly — mirror, door, notebook, etc.
• Make sure your environment isn’t distracting. Your bed is for sleeping, not homework. TV and video games are not helping you solve math problems.
• Try a quiet place on campus like the Pelletier Library, etc., etc.

Time Management Tools

Semester Workload Tracker
Time Budget Sheet
Involvement Record and Planning Sheet
4 Year plan Google Sheet (follow the link and make a copy for your fillable google sheet)
4 Year Plan PDF