Academic Success Strategies

ACADEMIC SUCCESS STRATEGIES

Build systems that help you manage your time, learn efficiently, and prepare with confidence.

How to use this page:

This page is designed to help you work more effectively.

  • Start with what you need right now
    Whether it’s managing your time, studying more efficiently, or preparing for an exam, jump to the section that fits your current situation.
  • Focus on one strategy at a time
    You don’t need to change everything. Try one approach and see how it impacts your work.
  • Apply it to your current courses
    The goal isn’t to learn about strategies—it’s to use them in real time.
  • Adjust and refine
    Pay attention to what works for you and build a system that fits how you learn best.

 

 

Check out the video "How to Study Effectively" by the Learning Scientists

 

Orientation Student Resources

 

About the Academic Success Team

 

Course Specific Resources

 

Strategies for Success

 

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Time-Management and Productivity

Semester on a Page 

semester on a page visual

 

Start Here   Use the Semester on a Page to organize and map out your large assignments, projects, and exams.

 

 

Use the strategy of backwards planning in combination with semester on a page: 

  1. Write in important deadlines for each class, student organization, or other personal obligations that have a time commitment and deadline.
  2. Indicate where you will need to start preparing for each deadline.  

Additional Time-Management and Productivity Resources

Weekly Schedule Planning Worksheet

A weekly planner that helps you take control of your schedule, block out your time, stay on top of schoolwork, and still make space for your life.

 

To Do List Worksheet

A to-do list, but better. Organize your tasks, focus on what matters, and reflect so you can be more productive next time.

Kanban Method (Task Tracking Strategy)

Watch your progress happen. This tool lets you move tasks across columns (to-do → doing → waiting → done) so you can actually see things getting done.

Priority Matrix

Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list? The Priority Matrix helps you sort tasks by what actually matters so you can focus on what’s urgent, plan ahead, and stop wasting time on low-priority distractions.

Studying and Learning Strategies

Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different strategies help with different problems. Below are examples of things a student may experience and what could be helpful.

Retrieval Practice-Strengthens memory by recalling information from your brain instead of re-reading notes.

Rubber Duck Debugging-Talk through a problem step by step out loud to help identify where you’re getting stuck.

Spaced Repetition-Review material multiple times over longer periods instead of cramming all at once.

Check out the below strategies for learning and studying:

Spaced Repetition 

Reviewing information multiple times over longer periods of time instead of cramming all at once. Watch the video on Spaced Repetition by the Learning Scientists. 

Retrieval Practice 

Strengthening memory by actively recalling information instead of just rereading. Watch the video on Retrieval Practice by the University of Arizona Learning Initiative. 

The Feynman Technique

Explaining a concept in simple language to check and deepen your understanding. Check out the article and video on the Feynman Technique by College Info Geek. 

Rubber Duck Debugging

Talking through a problem step by step out loud to help find where you’re stuck. Check out the simple and short explanation on the website https://rubberduckdebugging.com/. 

More Tips and Strategies coming Soon!