Preparation
The cardinal rule is RECITE! This method is more effective than simply rereading the material. Say aloud from memory the main concepts, supporting facts, etc. that you think are important. If you can't do it from memory when studying, you won't be able to do it on the test.

Study as though for an essay test. Research indicates that this will give you higher scores whether you are taking an essay or objective (multiple-choice, true-false, fill-in-the-blank, etc.) test. In other words, look at both the "forest" (main ideas, general concepts) and the "trees" (important facts, illustrations, supporting evidence) so that you can intelligently discuss the main issues.

Taking exams (in general)
Don't let tests frighten you. They are just an evaluation of your work. If you do a good job of studying, you should be able to handle a reasonable test. Do the easier questions or problems first. This approach gives you a chance to loosen up. Budget your time so that you don't spend too much time on one part of the exam at the expense of another.

Objective tests (multiple-choice, true-false, etc.)
If you have a good reason to do so, change an answer. Research indicates that more answers are changed from wrong to right than from right to wrong. Check your own record when you get a test back! Answer all items, even when there is a guessing penalty. In the long run, you come out ahead. Don't read too much into a question.

Essay exams
Be sure you know what is being asked. For example, do you know the difference between "evaluating" and "describing" something? Between "comparing" and "contrasting"?

Always try to support your general statements with specific examples, facts, illustrations, and evidence. This step can mean the difference between a good and a poor paper. Convince the reader that you know the subject.

Write neatly! Research indicates that sloppy writing can mean the difference of one whole letter grade or more.

Exam panic
Most of us feel nervous before or during a test, at least until we see that we can handle the questions. Some of us get so panicky that our performance on the test suffers. For this problem the suggestions mentioned above may help. Also, if exam panic is a problem for you there are Stress Management techniques in the Self Help materials on our website.

More information
This covers only a few of the main points on the art of taking test. Other sources giving more detailed information are available in the Self-Help section of the UCCS website.

Good luck and have a great summer!

Take Note
The first step in managing anxiety is to recognize when it occurs. Notice what sorts of situations make you feel anxious. You could ask yourself, "When did I start feeling this way?" or "What happened just before I felt anxious?" Some people might feel anxious at the thought of an upcoming test while others might worry a lot about a presentation or feel anxious about many different things at once (e.g., relationships, finances, health). Identifying what exactly makes you anxious can help you to figure out what things you might need to address. In addition to noticing what makes you feel anxious, pay attention to how you express anxiety. Since anxiety can be experienced within our minds, within our bodies, and in our actions, think about all of the ways you might be affected. Do you feel your heart beating faster? Do you find yourself avoiding things? Do you feel irritable with others? Do you tend to focus your thoughts on the worst possible outcome?

Take Action
Once you have figured out what is causing you to feel anxious, develop a plan of action to deal with the anxiety. For example, if you are anxious about an upcoming test, make a study schedule that is realistic for you to follow. Break projects into smaller steps and reward yourself along the way. Don't avoid dealing with whatever it is that makes you feel anxious because although you may feel less anxious now, you probably will feel more anxious in the future. Student Academic Success Services has a great webpage containing lots of self-help materials to help you succeed academically.

If you find yourself feeling anxious often or that it is having a large effect on your life, you might want to take a self-assessment. It could also be that you may find it helpful to talk to a counselor so you can get additional support. University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) and Boynton Mental Health Services both offer individual and group counseling.

Take Care
Perhaps most important is that you take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, have fun, and exercise. Re-focus your energy on the positive things in your life. Avoid caffeine, which can make anxiety worse. Take time to relax and be mindful. Regularly practicing relaxation exercises (e.g., deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation) can help with anxiety and improve concentration. Learn more about relaxation techniques from the Mayo Clinic and CalmClinic.

Take Off
Once you have determined which techniques and lifestyle changes work best for your anxiety, incorporate them into your daily life. That way, it'll be easier to draw upon them in times of need.

• Prior to scheduling your first appointment, we ask that you come visit us in Appleby Hall, room 340, to fill out the necessary intake paperwork. Should you be unable to do so, these forms are also available on the UCCS website. Due to confidentiality we do not accept faxed or emailed paperwork.


• Please allow 10-15 minutes to complete paperwork.


• While we appreciate the involvement of the well-intentioned relatives who may call our office, we are only able to schedule an appointment directly with the student who is seeking counseling.


• Once we have received your paperwork, your initial consultation will occur within the next two weeks. Please note we are unable to provide same day appointments. However, we do offer walk-in crisis counseling.


• If you must cancel your appointment for any reason, please do so no less than 24 hours prior to your appointment by calling 612-624-3323.


• When you arrive for your appointment, we ask that you check in at the front desk, located in Appleby Hall room 340.

UCCS is open from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday with the exception of Tuesdays, when we are open until 5 P.M. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 612-624-3323, so that we can assist you with any further questions you may have.

• your friend spends a lot of time by him/herself, and prefers not to interact with others.


• your friend either looks "down" and "flat" for a prolonged period of time, or unusually "high", "energized", or irritable.


• your friend develops a pattern of eating a lot at one sitting, or not eating much at all. Similarly, it is also a red flag if you notice your friend sleeping through the day, or not getting much sleep at all.


• your friend increases the use of alcohol or other drugs.


• your friend expresses thoughts such as "I'd be better off being dead" or "not wanting to be here".

What to do:

1. Reach out to your friend and take some time to listen. When someone is struggling, the best support you can give starts with a nice warm check-in. It may help your friend open up more if you try to attentively listen to what has been bothering him/her, without rushing to offer solutions.


2. Encourage your friend to get professional help. If you think your friend may benefit from talking to a professor, an academic advisor, or a counselor, you can share with them the resources available on campus: www.mentalhealth.umn.edu


3. Take what your friend told you seriously. If your friend expresses suicide thoughts or plans, do not wait for the "thought to pass". You should strongly encourage your friend to seek crisis counseling right away by calling Crisis Connection at 612-379-6363. You should also inform your CA in the residence hall, or call 911 if your friend is in imminent danger.


4. Check in with your friend and see if things have changed. If things are not getting better, you should try to encourage your friend to get the help needed.

Watching out for a friend may take you extra time and effort. However, it usually makes someone feel more connected knowing that there is a friend thinking of them.

1. Know what your goal is in concrete, specific terms. (Examples: a grade change, requesting help on a paper, etc.)
2. Be as specific as possible and have examples in mind. (Example: "In your last lecture, I had trouble following the main idea when you talked about nuclear physics.")
3. Bring relevant materials along (book, notes, test) to show you've done your homework.
4. Foresee - and prepare for - the probable response. Put yourself in the instructor's shoes.
5. Use "I" messages rather than labeling or making accusations. (Example: "I'm having trouble following the lectures. Do you have any suggestions?" rather than "You talk too fast." This shows a productive, problem-solving approach.)
6. Don't talk immediately before or after class in the classroom if your issue is in-depth and complex. Leave simple questions for before/after class time.
7. Demonstrate an attitude of wanting to learn.

The most important thing is to make sure you talk to them. Most professors are very willing to work with you. But they can't help if you don't let them know there's a problem.

You probably already know whether you're a "morning person", "afternoon person", or "night person", and have figured out that a night person just can't study very effectively early in the day (and vice versa). So step one is to make sure you're working during the time of day you're most alert. But there are other ways that you may naturally learn more easily others. For example, reading is not necessarily the best way for you to study. Many people learn better by hearing the information, or discussing it with others, seeing it in pictures or charts, or with hands-on experience. While you can learn in any of these ways, your brain will naturally absorb information more easily in some formats than others.

We have a Learning Styles Table that outlines the different styles and some study strategies to use based on your style. You can also find more information at North Carolina State's page on learning styles.

Good luck with your studies!

1. Sit close to the instructor on the first day of class (... keep doing it if you dare)


2. Use the Cornell system for Notetaking
• Thoughts / Reflections / Feelings / Questions [on the Left side]
• Content [on the Right side]
• Web Links for Cornell notetaking:

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-take-notes-5247/view/

http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/cornellnotes.html

3. Practice the "5-and-5" approach of previewing & reviewing notes each class:
• Preview: 5 minutes before class to write down questions of curiosity for the upcoming lecture
• Review: 5 minutes after class to write a summary of the class (in your own words)
• Bonus: On the last page of notes for each lecture, rate the class/lecture on a scale of 1-10 on 2 items:

"How confident am I about today's material (how well do I know it)?"

1 = "I have no clue what that was all about."

5 = "Most of what was presented made sense to me but I definitely need to review more."

10 = "Great class - I understand this stuff really well."

"How important was today's lecture material?"

1 = "Not too important - not likely to be on the test."

5 = "Some good material - may appear on a test but not likely to be a major focus."

10 = "Very important material - come back to review this or clarify with professor or TA."

4. Use Note Cards (not just as Flash Cards)
• Practice carrying note cards around with you to jot down reminders, curiosities or observations you make in class or around campus - use these to guide questions with professors or others in your study group.
• Use note cards to help organize your thoughts for papers and essays - have a card (or more) for each paper/project and use it to jot down ideas or thoughts related to these. Ask friends if they have thoughts about topics you will be writing about and have the cards ready for jotting down reminders or notes.
5. Choose the right study environment
• Find places that are for studying ... and nothing but studying (Note: places where you socialize or sleep are good for socializing and sleeping but not for studying).
• Studying in new, interesting places has been shown to improve focus & memory of course information and material. Mix it up - explore campus for different places to study - try new buildings, different campuses, etc.
• Know what time of day works best for you to study (are you a morning person?, night owl?, prefer the afternoon? ... go with what works best for you and save optimal time for your most challenging study needs and assignments).
6. Stay physically prepared
• Sleep (get enough)
• Eat (a well balanced diet - monitor caffeine, sugar, etc.)
• Exercise (keep your body active & alert)
7. Use the "2-8 / 8-2" principle to your advantage
• The "2-8 / 8-2" principle states that "time" tends to expand & contract based on how we use it. Thus, if someone has 2 hours of work and 8 hours to complete it (2-8), they will take all 8 hours to complete the work; by contrast, if someone has 8 hours of work and 2 hours to complete it (8-2), they will get the work done in 2 hours.
• So, how does this work? It is based on human nature and the effect DEADLINES have in helping us to be focused in completing tasks. Thus, in both cases, the common link is that the work gets done at the deadline. In the 2-8 situation, time gets wasted because the deadline is too far away - we don't "have" to complete the task now (there's plenty of time) so we become involved in distractions; in the 8-2 situation, we become very efficient because the deadline forces us to identify priorities and make decisions on what we absolutely need to do (and what we can ignore or let go).
• Lessons from this include:

Make Deadlines your friend ... if you have a lot (or too much) free time, create some deadlines in your schedule. You don't need to wait for professors or others to create them for you - make your own. For example, schedule exercise, meetings with friends or professors, or other commitments in the middle of a large block of open time. This will help you to complete readings, assignments, homework or other school tasks by creating a deadline for completion before you move on to your scheduled event or activity.

Define your priorities - priorities are based on your values (what's important to you). Each day clarify what people, activities, tasks or work are most important to you and be sure to make time for these. This means that you may need to set limits on other, less-important time demands that can become distractions (for example, email, checking Facebook, etc.).

8. Use your Professors
• Go talk to them - take a deep breath and see if you can get comfortable with this. Professors want to see you succeed and will generally be open and welcoming to your questions. In professional life, such visits are called "consultation" - it is an important skill. Don't wait until you graduate to begin practicing consultation, start now and visit your professors.
• When you do your visit, consider the following guidelines about HOW you ask your questions:

AVOID "show-me" questions [professors can always "show" you how to solve a problem or what to notice in a reading; however, this is unlikely to be very helpful to you in deepening your understanding, helping you to remember material or to apply it on exams. Do the following instead ...

PURSUE "how do you THINK through this question or problem?" [ asking professors how they "think" through questions or problems gives you insight in how information and knowledge is being APPLIED. Learning how to apply information increases memory of concepts and flexibility in answering questions on exams.

• Get a feel for what's important to professors when constructing exams

Do they "Cover the material presented"?

Do they test for "Important concepts and issues"?

9. Use Study Groups
• When you get together in a study group, consider discussing some of the following:

Work at understanding what the professor is looking for. Notice how each person may pick up on different clues or ideas; make note of these and be better prepared.

What do you see that other students don't?

What do they see that you are missing?

• Other notes on study groups:

Have rules / guidelines for the group such as no social time or distractions while you meet [if you commit to a study group, make that time a priority - turn off phones, etc. - there will be plenty of time after the group to catch up with the world].

Choose a convenient, comfortable space (and consider moving it around every once in a while to keep things fresh and interesting).

Stay focused - set a deadline for the group (1 hour, 1 ½ hours, etc.) and stick to this time frame.

10. Prepare & present a lecture yourself
• For papers or exams, pretend that you are the professor for your course and that you are going to give a lecture on the material (for the exam or paper). Get a friend or two to attend your "lecture" and teach what you are studying. [Tip: This is a great exercise to use in a study group!]

You will learn what you know (and what you don't know)

The general strategy is: Read it - Speak it - Write it

11. Be Curious! ... Get Answers
• When you find yourself saying "I don't get it ... no big deal - it won't be on the test"... get an answer anyway (from the professor/TA, a friend, classmate, etc.) - chances are, it will be on the exam.
• When you get questions wrong on exams ... don't put the exam away. Find out why you got it wrong and what was expected by the professor for getting a correct answer. Don't delay - schedule a meeting with your TA or professor the week following the exam to get answers while the material is still fresh on your mind.
12. Avoid the 'Reward First, Work Second' trap
• When completing work, you can either:

Work first, then get a break/reward or

Take a break first, then get to work.

• Now, in general, both approaches work (there is no "right" or "wrong" way to approach things). However, the first approach works much better than the second. If possible, strive to complete your work before taking a break or rewarding yourself with TV, internet time, texting, or other distractions.
13. Use Dead Time
• "Dead Time" refers to time spent in situations where you are effectively "stuck" (and have very limited options for going anywhere else). Commuting time on the bus and waiting in a laundromat doing laundry are common examples.
• If you are "stuck" ... do something productive such as reviewing notes, jotting down ideas for a paper on your note cards, or previewing chapters in a book you will be reading later. Avoid simply letting the time pass by listening to music, checking email or texting someone.

Have a wonderful, successful year!

→Tip 1 - Stay Connected. It may sound cliché, but it is truly effective. For international students, building a network on/off campus usually brings a sense of belonging, safety, and support. You may try to talk to senior international students in your department about how they managed their transition. You may also join organizations, clubs, or student groups of your home culture, or of other topics you are interested in. Language and cultural knowledge could be potential barriers, but there are programs on campus to help improve English and understand American culture. You may find it challenging to do these things at first, but as you know more people and places on campus, you may feel more "at home".

Here are a few links to the resources on campus:

• Improve your English: http://www.cce.umn.edu/Minnesota-English-Language-Program
• Finding a student organization: http://sua.umn.edu/groups
• Mapping what is happening on campus: https://events.umn.edu

→Tip 2 - Talk to Someone. You may find it easy to isolate yourself in a new culture. However, if you find the homesickness is really getting in your way, the best way is to talk to someone about it. Sometimes, talking to your peers with similar experience may help you see you are not alone. You may also talk to a counselor at UCCS, or join a group where you can share your experience with other international students at UCCS.

You are always welcome to talk to a counselor. Here is how you can get started:

• UCCS Counseling Appointments: http://www.uccs.umn.edu/appointments.htm
• International Students Support Group: http://www.uccs.umn.edu/group_current.htm

→Tip 3 - Keep up your health. Without good physical health, your emotional stress will be even harder to cope with. Make sure you eat and sleep well. A few things you can try: finding a grocery store you like; planning your meals ahead; keeping enough time aside for sleep and rest; and consulting with a physician if you don't feel well.

Homesickness is not a sign of weakness; neither is seeking help when you are going through it. Managing homesickness is never easy, but it could be made easier if you don't have to deal with it by yourself.

To get you started, here's something that many people find inspiring:

Enjoy your summer!!!

The first stop is the university Career Services web page, courtesy of the Career Development Network. This will quickly link you to the Career Center appropriate for your department, as well as provide a lot of information to help you choose a major or get started on your job search. Career & Internship Services also has a lot of great information about picking a major, starting the job search process, or even applying to grad school. While their services are specifically for students in CCE, CDes, and CFANS, the information (including online workshops) is there for everyone to use.

Summer can also be a good time to do some informational interviewing. If you're thinking about a particular career path or two, it can help to talk to someone actually in the profession(s) you're considering. This will help you figure out whether a job might be a good fit for you. It also helps you start that networking process. For more ideas on informational interviewing, check out CLA's tips.

Of course, if you're not sure what direction to take you may want to try some career counseling. Your departmental Career Center can help you explore options that would be a good fit for your personality, interests, skills, and values. And if you haven't declared a major yet, UCCS provides career counseling and can help identify a path that's right for you.

Other career resources you may find helpful:

• What Can I Do With This Major? - provides a long list of possible careers and employers for each major, as well as some strategies to get your foot in the door.


• O*Net Online - everything you could want to know about a job is here: educational requirements, average wages, projected openings.... A wealth of information about different careers, job groups, even a list of fields that are new or are expected to have plenty of openings in the near future.


• iSeek - like O*Net Online but specifically focused on Minnesota careers, education, and jobs. If you're planning to stay in the North Star State, this is the site for you!

Whether you've chosen a major or are still trying to decide, there are lots of resources to figure out your next steps. Hope this gets you started on a summer of career exploration!

The first step is to get organized. That means organizing the materials you'll need to study for each class - notes, books, old exams. It also means developing a plan for your studying. You'll want to break things down - make a list of what you need to cover, and the days and times available. Then work backward from the day of the exam to set up your study schedule. You'll also want to plan your most difficult tasks for the times you're most focused - whether that's morning, afternoon, or evening. Be sure to include a break every hour or so, just a few minutes so you can get up, walk around, and stretch your muscles before going back to work.

The second step is to prepare mentally. Identify the areas you need to focus on, and the ones you've already got down. Try different ways of reviewing the material - write out note cards, ask yourself questions, read your notes out loud, or teach someone one of the concepts. If you have questions related to a certain concept or homework assignment, be sure to clarify with your professor or TA after class. Many instructors and teaching assistants list their office hours on the syllabus for you to ask questions related to class materials. Some instructors also allow students to schedule an appointment for learning consultation.This may also be a good time to set up a study group, so you can work together and bounce ideas off each other. Be sure to make use of the following campus resources:

• SMART learning commons tutoring for math and science courses: https://wiki.umn.edu/SMART
• Writing consultation: http://writing.umn.edu/
• Multicultural Center of Academic Excellence (MCAE): http://www.mcae.umn.edu/acadsupport/
• Campus libraries also have extended hours during the final week: http://www.lib.umn.edu/about/collections

The third step is to prepare physically. It may seem that you don't have time to take care of yourself right now, but remember that your mind functions better and more efficiently when you're in good condition. So make sure that you're getting enough sleep (at least 5-6 hours a night). Eat regular, nutritious meals. Don't give up your exercise routine, or start taking a walk around campus every day.

The fourth step is to manage your stress. Time management is stress management, so let that motivate you when you're tempted to put off studying. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you're likely to be. Instead of negative thinking, try coaching yourself into success. Remember that you're here for a reason, and each exam is part of achieving that higher goal in your future. And be sure to take a little time each day to talk to friends and family, to have a laugh, and most importantly to breathe!

For more ideas, check out the Self Help section of our web site.