Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping up with college-level classwork. That's why students should take advantage of their campus academic success center! This center may go by a different name depending on your college, such as the “learning center,” “tutoring office,” or “writing center.” No matter what it's called at your college, it's a free resource that can help you stay on top of your academics and receive support when needed. Here's what you should know about using your college's academic success center!

Note: While different colleges may offer different types of support, we’ve listed some common forms below. Stop by your school’s academic success center to learn more about what they offer.

Tutoring

Need some extra support with your homework or to prepare for an upcoming exam? Tutors can help! Tutoring sessions are usually offered:

• In groups. You can study alongside other students in a particular class, led by someone in the academic success center.
• Individually (in-person). To receive 1:1 help, schedule an individual tutoring session. Be sure to show up to your session on time and prepared to jump in. 
• Individually (remote). Some colleges are now offering remote tutoring sessions for students who can’t make it to campus. Scheduling an appointment in advance may be required.
• Drop-in sessions. You don't need to sign up for drop-in tutoring sessions; they usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While you should expect that these sessions will be busy, tutors may be able to work with you 1:1 during slow periods.

Essay and writing help

With the help of a writing coach in the academic success center, you can draft, outline, and edit class papers together. Writing coaches can help you identify key concepts and ideas you want to write about, give you tips on making an effective argument, and review different drafts of your paper as you work on it independently!

Learning support and strategies

A big key to success in college is building good habits over time. These will help you in almost every class you take throughout your time in college, and even in life after school, so it’s important to start working on them now! Here are some of the habits and strategies that the academic success center can help you build through workshops, tutoring, and trainings:

• Note-taking and formatting.
• Test-taking skills, including managing test anxiety.
• Studying.
• Reading comprehension.
• Writing skills like structuring, proofreading, and editing.
• Time management.

Tips for making the most of your time at the academic success center

Attend class

Tutoring is a great way to supplement your learning, but it's not a substitute for class. It's essential to attend class, read the required texts, and bring your notes and/or questions to your tutoring session.

Be prepared

Before stopping by the academic success center, take time to review the assignment, study guide, or quiz/test you need help with. You can identify the specific things you're struggling with and show up ready to dive in with a list of questions you want to ask. 

Participate

Tutors are typically fellow students who are knowledgeable in a specific major or area of study because they themselves are studying the same thing. For example, an engineering major may be a math tutor, or an English literature student may tutor in the writing lab. Keep in mind that they are not professors, and although they will help you understand problems and concepts, they will not do your work for you. It's up to you to actively engage and participate.

Plan ahead

Showing up to the academic success center on time and prepared is important. Tutors are often in high demand, especially during peak times like midterms and finals season, so be sure to schedule your appointment ahead of time and show up ready to go. 

Have any questions? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!