Dear First-Years
The Academic Skills Center (ASC) helps Dartmouth students maximize their academic potential.
The transition from high school learning to college learning is substantial for all students.
To help with your individual transition, we suggest you:
- Presume that Dartmouth courses will be more challenging. More information, tests, papers, assignments
- Appreciate your adjustment to college life will include not only more rigorous classes but also a new environment (place, people, activities)
- Learn the strategies, skills, techniques, as well as use the resources, that can ensure your academic achievement
So, what can help you make the transition? Here are three tips.
1. Create (write out) clear, concrete, and measurable academic and personal goals
Why are you coming to Dartmouth? What do you hope to achieve? What are your first term academic and co-curricular goals?
2. Create a time management schedule
Dartmouth's ten week terms go very quickly. It's important for you to get a good start, sustain a regular study schedule, and to balance your classes and learning with exercise, good eating habits, quality sleep, and social activities. A schedule can help you achieve that work/learning/life balance. Click here for additional time management resources.
3. Review the E-guide: Academic Success at Dartmouth
Here are some important additional resources, which are free to students.
- Read tips about "What to do the first week and beyond".
- Enroll in Learning at Dartmouth, a course designed for first-year students. Learn about learning strategies and earn a PE credit.
- Academic coaching: learn study strategies and skills to effectively learn the course material and perform well on tests.
- Enroll in our Speed Reading Course.
- Request an individual tutor or join a study group through the Tutor Clearinghouse. We also have conversation partners to maintain language fluency and Resident Experts through the House System in the subject areas of Biology, Chemistry, Economics, and Mathematics.
- Check out our blog for advice on study strategies. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for our latest updates and offerings.
Stop by and talk to us in Baker 224 for more of our resources for first year students. We look forward to meeting you.
From the Academic Skills Center Staff,
Carl P. Thum, Holly Potter, Karen G. Afre, Karen Lenz, and Caroline D. Renko