The General Study Skills program provides free one-on-one appointments for students to learn tips, strategies, and guidance to study more effectively.
During a study skills appointment, students will work with a staff member to identify and problem-solve concerns in the following areas: accountability, concentration and focus, exam preparation, memorization, motivation and procrastination, note-taking strategies, study methods, test-taking strategies, time management and organization.
Contact Us:
Questions can be directed to guts@rso.wisc.edu
Schedule an Appointment
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Schedule with Abbigail
Wednesdays: Schedule with Caitlin
Thursdays & Fridays: Schedule with Savannah
Appointment Topics
Scheduling and Time Management
Examples may include setting up a planner, creating a personalized study schedule, breaking down large assignments into smaller and more manageable segments, prioritizing your work, etc.
Procrastination and Accountability
Examples may include productive fidgeting, goal setting, habit tracking, productivity, check in time to discuss academic progress each week, etc.
Note-taking
Examples may include matching note-taking methods to your learning style, organizing your notes, using your notes to study for exams, etc.
Concentration and Focus
Examples may include tips for refocusing, finding effective study spots around campus or at home, tips for improving concentration and focus in and outside the classroom, etc.
Exam Preparation
Examples may include creating a personalized study schedule for an upcoming exam, creating manageable study goals, providing test-taking strategies students can use during exams, etc.
Memorization
Examples may include strategies for improving your memory, understanding the differences between understanding material vs remembering material, using mnemonics, etc.
Study Skills Appointments
Study Skills Appointment Expectations
An initial meeting, or first meeting, with a Study Skills staff member is typically 30-45 minutes in length. Follow up appointments are available after the initial meeting and usually last 30 minutes. It is encouraged that students utilize the Study Skills program multiple times to get the most out of the program, though not all students may need to do so.
Students can expect personalized meetings about general study strategies, a place to ask questions and reflect on current study strategies, and the opportunity to work through their concerns with study skills in a supportive setting.
It is important to note that the Study Skills Program does not provide subject specific tutoring. If subject specific tutoring does interest you, check out the main Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) page for a variety of subject specific academic support programs.
Prepare for Study Skills Appointment
Ask yourself what your specific concerns are. For example, if you struggle with time management, what about time management is difficult?
Be prepared to discuss your current study strategies. Think about what has or hasn’t worked in the past. For example, do you benefit more from a physical paper-based planner or an online/electronic format?
GUTS Study Skills staff are here for you. The more you reflect, the more information staff has to assist you.