How to Get an A at Mount A

To support you and help you reach your 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 each residence and are available to help you 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 first-year workshop-based course designed to help build the core academic skills that will help you 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