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Academic Success Checklist 

The Academic Success Checklist is an instrument to help you assess your preparedness and motivation for college. Print out these pages and complete the checklist.  Once you have completed it, make an appointment with a counselor at (708) 974-5722 to discuss the results. 

Directions: Read each statement, and consider how it applies to you. If the statement applies to you most of the time, check Y. If it does not apply to you, check N. Remember that we are attempting to assess your habits and strategies for academic success, so be honest with your responses! Please answer Y (yes) or N (no) on the line provided to the left of each statement.

CONCENTRATION/MEMORY

Yes

No

____  ____

1.

I can stay focused on my studies for long periods of time without becoming distracted.
____  ____ 

2.

I rarely have a difficult time paying attention while in class.
____  ____ 

3.

When I study, I try to find a quiet space where it is unlikely that I will be interrupted.
____ ____

4.

I find it easy to remember class material.
____ ____

5.

I try to think of clever ways or memory tricks for me to remember difficult material.

TEST PREPARATION AND TEST TAKING

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I review material regularly.
____ ____

2.

I have an organized method for studying and preparing for upcoming tests.
____ ____

3.

I rarely end up cramming for exams.
____ ____

4.

I understand the difference between preparing for an essay exam versus a multiple-choice exam.
____ ____

5.

I know how to approach taking a test so I feel relaxed when I begin the exam.
____ ____

6.

I am able to determine how much time it will take to complete different sections of a test so that I complete the test on time.

READING AND COMPREHENSION

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I know how to survey a text and pick out what is important.
____ ____

2.

I find that I can keep up with the amount of reading assigned by instructors.
____ ____

3.

After reading a chapter, I have no problem understanding the points the author was trying to make.
____ ____

4.

I highlight or underline important content as I am reading.
____ ____

5.

I am able to turn chapter/section headings into questions and search for answers as I read.
____ ____

6.

I focus on illustrations (graphs, diagrams, and charts), especially when studying math and science.

SELF-CONFIDENCE

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I am confident of my ability to succeed in school.
____ ____

2.

I understand my strengths as well as my weaknesses, and I am willing to do what it takes to better myself.
____ ____

3.

I have no problem learning new skills.
____ ____

4.

I feel comfortable talking to instructors/professors.
____ ____

5.

I actively seek out individuals in my life from which I receive support and encouragement.

CAREER CHOICE

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I am clear about the course of study/major that I plan to pursue.
____ ____

2.

I understand what educational/training is involved for different career choices.
____ ____

3.

I know enough about myself to make an effective career decision.
____ ____

4.

I have no trouble making major decisions in my life.
____ ____

5.

I know how to research a career.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I have developed healthy strategies for dealing with stressful situations.
____ ____

2.

I believe that I am experiencing no more stress than the average college student is.
____ ____

3.

I have supportive individuals in my life to help through rough times.
____ ____

4.

I am aware of situations that cause me stress and can identify the signs.
____ ____

5.

I know how to balance my personal life and academic responsibilities.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I have planned the right amount of work hours for the number of credit hours I am taking.
____ ____

2.

I can manage my school, personal, and work time so I am getting the grades I want in school.
____ ____

3.

I can plan a schedule that allows me to stay on top of class requirements and complete projects comfortably before deadlines.
____ ____

4.

I can prioritize tasks and decide what is most important to finish first.
____ ____

5.

I look ahead to due dates for tests, papers, and projects and record them in a calendar so I can complete them in a timely fashion.

INFORMATION

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I am aware of the official policy and know withdrawal deadlines and where to submit official withdrawal forms.
____ ____

2.

I am aware of the tuition refund period.
____ ____

3.

I know how to calculate my grade point average.
____ ____

4.

I understand how to request an incomplete grade and my responsibility in completing the requirements for the incomplete.
____ ____

5.

I am completely aware of how to utilize the library and its resources.

MOTIVATION

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I know my purpose for being in college.
____ ____

2.

I manage to complete my work assignments even when I find them dull or uninteresting.
____ ____

3.

When studying a difficult subject, I work hard and stick with it until I understand it.
____ ____

4.

I know that I am responsible for my achievement and academic success.
____ ____

5.

I see a connection between my college courses and my future personal and professional goals.

TAKING NOTES

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I am able to identify and record the main ideas of a classroom lecture/discussion.
____ ____

2.

I review and edit my notes soon after class for better retention.
____ ____

3.

I have a clear, concise, and legible note-taking system.
____ ____

4.

I compare my notes with other students and/or the textbook to fill in details I may have missed in class.
____ ____

5.

I use my class notes to predict possible test questions.

LEARNING STYLES

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I realize that there are different learning styles and am aware of my particular style.
____ ____

2.

I can adapt my learning strategies to accommodate my instructor’s teaching style.
____ ____

3.

I know which study strategies best complement my individual learning style.

WRITING

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I know how to select a topic for a paper.
____ ____

2.

I can use the library to research my topic.
____ ____

3.

I know how to develop an outline for a paper.
____ ____

4.

I can sort my research notes, revise an outline, and write a first draft.
____ ____

5.

I can revise my paper and proofread for a final draft.
____ ____

6.

I can use the correct rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

ANXIETY

Yes

No

____ ____

1.

I feel confident about giving a speech in front of class.
____ ____

2.

I do not get nervous or confused when taking a test. I am able to stay focused and answer the questions to the best of my ability.
____ ____

3.

I do not let worry interfere with my ability to study math or complete math exams.
____ ____

4.

I do not let worry interfere with my ability to study science or complete science exams.
____ ____

5.

I do not let worry interfere with my ability to prepare and give a speech in front of a group.

If you responded "no" to one or less items in a single category, you are probably proficient enough in that area and may not need additional information/services. If, however, you answered "no" to two or more statements in a single category, we want to help. Please review our strategies for success in any of the areas that you want assistance! Make an appointment with a counselor to discuss your strengths and weaknesses.

 
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