If you feel that you are struggling in your studies and you know that you could do better, our Study Skills Services can help. We have Study Skills Tip Sheets and a wide variety of books which can be viewed in Room AC213. If you prefer a more interactive approach, plan to attend one of our many seminars offered at various times throughout the year. We also offer one-on-one assistance through both Study Skills Peer Counsellors and Study Skills Advisors.

I'm having some family issues and can't concentrate on my studying. I don't want my personal issues to affect my GPA. Who can I talk to about this?

Your first step should be to meet with an academic advisor, who can discuss your options with you. Your advisor may also refer you to the Health & Wellness Centre, where you can discuss your personal issues with a health care provider in confidence. It's important to see an advisor as soon as possible, before your personal issues negatively impact your GPA. It is also important for your mental and physical health.

I did well in high school but my grades really dropped in first year. Is this normal? What can I do about it?

It is common for students to struggle with the transition from high school to university. Many students experience a 10-15% drop in their first year GPA as compared to their GPA in high school. In addition to the increased workload, the level of difficulty of the material increases significantly. Additionally, many students are away from home for the first time, and that freedom can bring additional issues and challenges.

There is a lot you can do about it. Perhaps you're approaching studying in the same fashion as you did in high school. Studying at the university level is very different: It requires more time and different skills. You can learn more about these necessary skills by attending some of our learning skills seminars.

I procrastinate a lot on my assignments. I think it's affecting my grades and I feel very frustrated with myself. What can I do about this?

There are many reasons students procrastinate. It can range from disinterest in the course material to fear of failing the course. Procrastination is actually quite complex, but awareness is the first step. Try using the Assigment calculator, which will assist you to breakdown the assignment into manageable pieces and provide you with a list of online resources.

The AA&CC offers a new seminar entitled "Stop Procrastinating - Get Motivated!" We also have a tip sheet in AC213 and on our website about procrastination. You can also schedule an appointment with the Study Skills Advisor, or with one of our Study Skills Peer Counsellors, who can explore this issue with you.

Why can't I do well on multiple-choice tests? I do really well on my essays.

Many students feel they are at a disadvantage when it comes to performing well on multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Sometimes students feel overwhelmed by the large number of questions they have to answer (versus two or three essay-type questions). As well, MCQs tend to test for detail, so if you're not a detail-oriented person, you may find these types of questions more difficult. Finally, you can't justify your answer on an MCQ like you can on a short-answer or essay-type question.

There are many things to do to improve your performance on MCQs. Knowing the material thoroughly is the first place to start. If the exam is problem-based, spend lots of time doing problems. Practice does make perfect. Be sure to watch your time when you're writing these kinds of exams. For additional MCQ study tips, attend the AA&CC's "Mastering Multiple Choice Tests and Exams" seminar, and/or check out our tip sheet on this topic.

How many hours should I study per week in order to get good grades?

The general rule of thumb is to study 2-3 hours for every hour you spend in lecture (not lab or tutorial.) For example, if you spend ten hours a week in class, expect to put in another twenty to thirty hours reviewing your notes, doing your readings, working on assignments, etc. It may seem like a lot but putting in enough time is crucial if you want to master your course material.