The Academic Achievement Center is offering help for students during Finals Week. (Charlotte Lao/ The Daily Campus)
With finals only a week away, the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) at the University of Connecticut is offering finals preparation workshops for students.
According to the AAC website, they will host workshops on Dec. 7 and 8.
“With finals week around the corner, this is the place to get organized, get tips on how to study and to create a study plan,” the AAC website said.
The AAC’s website has online resources to assist students while they prepare and take their exams.
Time management, note taking, strategies for deeper learning and exam preparation are all areas for which the AAC offers detailed resources.
UConn statistics professor Kathleen McLaughlin said she offered some advice to her students for their cumulative final.
“I give the students a list of topics that will be on the final, that is what they need to focus on,” McLaughlin said. “I then suggest that they review by studying their three in-class exams and do the recommended homework for material covered after exam three.”
Stephen Barshay, a UConn chemistry professor emphasized the importance of resting before an exam.
“I would make sure to get enough sleep,” Barshay said.
The AAC recommended that while studying students should create outlines, mind maps and concept notes. Study breaks, relaxing and adjusting to a more positive attitude are also steps that should be taken before an exam, according to the website.
During the exam, the AAC recommends students pace themselves, look for answers in other questions and to answer true/false questions quickly.
For multiple choice questions, the AAC said it “never makes sense to guess,” but there are some strategies students can take.
“If two answers are similar, except for one or two words, choose one of these answers. If two quantities are almost the same, choose one,” according to the AAC website. “If none of the above techniques apply, choose the longest answer. If all else fails, close your eyes and pick an answer.”
Third-semester physiology and neurobiology major Rebecca Smith said she has never been to the AAC, but, upon learning about the many resources they have, she will consider looking into them.
“I didn’t know they offered so many different ways to help us,” Smith said. “I might try to go to one of the [finals preparation] workshops, and the online study planning tools sound really helpful.”
The AAC works to assist students in achieving their academic and personal goals, according to their website.
“The AAC…[provides] a comprehensive, personalized array of programs, resources and services which enhance skill development, effective decision-making, and personal transitions to and within the university setting,” the website said.
The AAC is located in the Rowe Center for Undergraduate Education in room 217. Professional staff are available by appointment.
Ashley Anglisano is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached by email at ashley.anglisano@uconn.edu.