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Study Skills Self-Assessment

Undergrad Majors & Programs Academic Support Study Skills

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If you answer “No” to two or more items in a section, click on the study skill category title and this will take you to additional study skill resources to build and hone your skills.  

Focus/Motivation

Yes

No
1. I know how to study in a way that keeps my attention.
2. I find it hard to get started on a project.
3. I get easily distracted and find it hard to break away from friends, extra-curriculars and/or social media to start or finish homework.
4. I find it hard to stay on task when completing homework.
5. I ask questions as I engage the homework or complete reading assignments.
6. I have a long-term goal of what I’d like to do after college or an idea of the area I’d like to work in (e.g., major/vocation).

Time Management/Procrastination

Yes 

No 
1. I use a paper planner or digital calendar such as Google calendar to track assignments, tests, quizzes and projects?
2. I use the AESC Semester at a Glance tool (pdf) to strategize how to handle busier times of the semester (e.g., midterms).
3. Do you typically finish assignments and papers the day they are due or night before? 
4. Do you create a “to do” list for the current day or week?
5.  Do you find yourself putting projects/tasks off frequently?
6. Do you find a balance between work, school and rest?

Test-Taking

 Yes

No 
1. I study several days in advance of tests and quizzes.
2. I self-assess or give myself mock tests as I study (e.g., answer 200 practice multiple choice questions for a 50 m.c. test or write out essay questions in a timed format)?
3. I am aware of basic test taking strategies for multiple choice questions.
4. I complete all homework assignments.
5. I can easily identify what I know and don’t know before an exam.
6. I review returned exams to prepare for the next exam.

Note-Taking

 Yes

No 
1. If powerpoints or note outlines are available, I have either a paper or digital copy that I bring to class.
2. I identify and write down main concepts and examples.
3. I know what words to look for in listening to a lecture or a large group discussion.
4. I take notes of other students’ group presentations.
5. I use digital audio recording options with professor permission (e.g., hand held digital records, free downloadable apps or software such as Audacity).
6. I check my notes against other students’ notes to make sure I didn’t miss any important details.

Reading Skills

 Yes

No 
1. I summarize the reading in your own words and take brief notes.
2. I preview the target questions/objectives and review the summary questions at the end of the chapter if reading from a textbook.
3. I break longer chapters into two to three manageable sessions.
4. I engage and ask questions in response to the reading.
5. I turn headings in a chapter into questions and look for the answer to those questions as I read.
6. I use mapping to help remember content I’ve read.

Managing Test Anxiety

 Yes

No 
1. I experience intense anxiety or stress.
2. I talk to myself in a supportive and calming way during an exam.
3. I use finger relaxation or whole body relaxation strategies when anxious during exams.
4. I forget previously studied material needed for an exam.
5. I am anxious in other arenas of my life (e.g., relationships, work).
6. I calm down as I get further into the exam.

Study Strategies

 Yes

No 
1. I study where it is quiet and has few distractions.
2. I study for a length of time, then take a short break before returning to studying.
3. I study at the best times of day when I’m most awake.
4. I set doable study goals, such as the number of problems I will do or the pages read.
5. I study at least two hours for every hour I am in class each week.
6. I start studying with the most difficult subjects first.