Thursday, September 10, 2015

Test Preparation Strategies

You may be starting to wonder, “how should I study for these tests/quizzes?” And the thought of it can be overwhelming, especially the night before the test. To help you best prepare below are 7 strategies on how to create a good study plan.


study (verb): the act of texting, eating, and watching TV with an open textbook nearby.
Strategies for Successful Studying
1. Avoid Passive Studying--Students tend to want to re-read the textbook or re-write notes, but these activities only passively engage your brain in understanding the material. To make the most of your time spent studying, try engaging with strategies that require your brain to recall and synthesize information.
2. Summary Sheets--Try to create a sheet of “need-to-know” information for each chapter of the course while NOT using your notes. You will be challenging yourself to recall information that is the most important for your test. This could be concepts, formulas, keywords, etc.
3. Concept Mapping--Make a flowchart or map of the kind of problems, concepts, keywords,  etc. you need to know for the test and allow your brain to make connections. Physically drawing the connections and seeing the information in your own way will allow you to recall the information better on the test.
4. Quiz yourself--Use notes, summary sheets, concept maps, flashcards, keywords, etc. to quiz yourself. Once you have tried to remember as much as you can about that concept, problem, formula, keyword, etc. check and see if you are correct.
5. Differentiate--Try to determine why the author of the book chose specific problems and establish what concepts they might have been trying to teach you.  Then take a couple problems and see if you can make them harder and then try to make them easier.  Being able to manipulate problems tests your understanding of the concepts.
6. Study Groups--Teaching someone else a chapter or topic that you know does wonders for your understanding.  Allowing others to teach you what they know will also do wonders for their understanding and help you understand something that you may be struggling with.
7. YouTube Videos--When you are struggling with a particular concept, you can search for a video demonstration on YouTube. Do NOT passively watch the video from start to finish though. Watch the introduction and write down the problem, now try to solve as much as you can. If you get stuck, play the video and if you feel like you get to a point where you can solve the rest of the problem, pause the video again and try. If you engage with YouTube this way, it can help you with all types of problem solving while also challenging your brain.


Time management? We got time for that


When thinking of how exactly to attack studying for exam, the idea may be incredibly overwhelming. A list of tasks without any time-related goals attached to them are extremely hard to accomplish. Try to take each activity you would like to complete and plan a certain block of time to complete it along with when you actually will do it. For example, if I am going to create a concept map for Ch. 2 of Calculus 1 I might set aside 1 hour on Wednesday from 4-5 pm. Planning out all of your classes, extracurricular activities, and study times into an hourly calendar can help make your goals more achievable. Here are two examples of study plans from current engineering students:
This image includes a listed study plan with specified times and amount of time to complete a task. Create reminders in your phone or planner with associated times.

This image is a hourly calendar with blocks of time dedicated to certain sections and problem sets leading up to the test. Add blocks of time into your calendar for study specific concepts or sections of material.

The idea of planning ahead may still seem overwhelming, but picking 2-3 activities you want to try is a great place to start! The most successful students start studying 4-5 days prior to their test and schedule in specific times to do some of the strategies above. What is your plan? Email your plan to seas.success@gmail.com to receive feedback. You may be highlighted in a future post.  

Image of a dog with a cat on his head. "'I've got my thinking cat on"


Monday, April 20, 2015

Selling Your Science

Learn how to market your science, tech or engineering experience to any employer! Develop techniques to communicate your specialized skill set in a way that will grab an employers attention. Get tips for making your resume stand out, writing a compelling cover letter, and maximizing your on- line presence. In short, Sell Your Science to ANY employer. For more information, go to this link or email Christie Julien at cj4q@virginia.edu.

Friday 4/24, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Bryant Hall


Friday, April 17, 2015

Stress-Reduction Workshop

If you are worrying, you're not studying. 

Come check out a one-hour stress reduction workshop, just in time for finals. Learn a very simple, effective way to reduce worrying and improve focus right now.


Monday, April 27
6-7pm
Rodman Room
Thornton A Wing

Friday, April 10, 2015

UK and Ireland Scholarship Sessions

Ever thought about studying abroad in the UK?
Interested in pursuing a graduate degree outside of the United States?

Come hear about a number of incredible opportunities for Engineers to pursue graduate study in the UK and Ireland.
Wed 4/15 at 4pm in Wilsdorf 200
Monday 4/20 at 4pm in the Special Collections Library Room 314




Questions? Email Andrus Ashoo at Andrus@virginia.edu

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Research Opportunities

Have you thought about getting involved in research but aren't sure where to start? Have you heard about scholarships and fellowships but don't know what they're looking for in the application?

The Center for Undergraduate Excellence is putting on a workshop to cover what these awards are and how you can improve your application for these opportunities.


Come check it out in Wilsdorf 200, tomorrow night, Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 pm.

Questions? Email Andrus Ashoo at Andrus@virginia.edu

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

UVA Summer Session

Looking for a way to stay in Charlottesville this summer? 
Participate in Summer Session at UVA! 

Several engineering-related courses will take place during these sessions, including courses on probability, statistics, artificial intelligence, statics, and computer game design. Summer Session also offers Science, Technology, and Society (STS) courses that cover the humanities requirement for engineering students, including Utopias and Society, Science Fiction and the Future, Engineering Practice, and Engineering Ethics. Visit the Summer Session website to browse full listings of courses and instructors. 

Registration begins on April 13 for 3rd and 4th years, and April 14 for 1st and 2nd years.


Summer Session Dates:
Session I: May 18 – June 13
Session II: June 15 – July 11
Session III: July 13 – August 7
Eight Week Session: June 15 – August 7

Summer Session Website:  http://summer.virginia.edu/

Monday, March 30, 2015

Calc 2 Review Session


It's that time again.. another Calculus test. Need help reviewing for test #3? Drop by Olsson 120 at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 31 and the Crunch Time Reviews crew will lead you through the trickiest concepts.

You can also check out the review videos on their website: Calc 2 Review Videos