How to get an ‘A’ at Mount A

To support students and help them reach their full academic potential, Mount Allison University offers a number of academic support services, including:

•    Writing Resource Centre – tutors are available to help with all stages of the writing process;
•    Academic Mentors – live in residence and are available to help students navigate the various academic and counselling resources available;
•    Peer Tutor Program – recruits exceptional students from all disciplines to tutor fellow students in course content;
•    Student Success Course – a workshop-based course designed to help build the core academic skills that will help first-year students succeed;
•    Study Skills Workshops – a series of workshops on basic university skills, such as time management, note-taking, study habits, test-taking, and paper writing;
•    Thesis Writing Support Group – a peer support network for upper- level students writing theses or large research projects.


The single most effective study habit students can cultivate is to study regularly:

•    Cramming helps you memorize, not learn;
•    Set aside regular, consistent study periods for each subject;
•    Reviewing material regularly helps you know it, so there is no need to relearn it for an exam.

Also, remember to:

Find a quiet space.

Differentiate between regular study and test/exam prep:

•    Regular study: reviewing course material at least once per week, which promotes “deep learning”
•    Test/exam prep: studying material in “chunks” or units, which promotes content-specific learning

Use a method that works for you — don’t be afraid to try a new method!

•    Cue cards
•    Practice tests
•    Summary sheets
•    Paraphrase or summarize course material
•    Map out links between course readings and lectures
•    Sample questions with a study partner (Coming up with questions helps learning as much as answering them!)

Take regular breaks

•    Facebook, video games, and e-mail are NOT breaks!
•    Go for a walk
•    Shake up your muscles
•    Change locations
•    Have a bite to eat

Eat healthy

Get enough sleep and exercise