The fourth week of school has started. Are you where you want to be on your academic adventure or do you need a couple of tips to help you catch your stride? Here are some tips from our Peer Academic Advisors; students who are facing the same academic challenges you are!
- Plan to take around 3 science courses a semester from the following fields: MATH, CHEM, PHYS, ESS and BIO. Taking 3 science courses a semester is important because it allows you to stay in accordance with the UC Merced’s Normal Progress to Degree Policy, which states that your degree must be completed within 8-9 semesters. Planning ahead helps alleviate stress about uncertain future academic plans. Staying on track helps you avoid difficult situations such as attempting to take more than 4 science courses within a semester—a challenging experience no one should endure.
- Go to office hours, go to tutoring, and be ahead in reading for classes. When you are taking science courses reading ahead is essential. It allows you to make sure you understand the material. Lecture will become more of review and clarification session for you rather than an exposition of new material. If you still have questions after lecture, Office Hours is the place to be. Your Professors and TAs will have a more one-on-one approach to your questions. Additionally, going to Office Hours allows you to create personal relationships with professors (which might later be a source for letters of Recommendation). Finally, if this is not enough, tutoring is always a big help. Tutoring is a more personalized way of learning and might be a better fit for you. From personal experience sometimes having a concept explained to you in multiple ways might be the solution to finally understanding what you are learning.
- Use all your resources (Bright Success Center, STEM Center, Academic Peer Advisors, CAPS, Career Center, etc.) and don’t forget to ALWAYS ask questions! There are tons of resources at UC Merced for students to take advantage of. You are a student paying student fees and tuition for these resources—why not use them to help aid you in your academic success? Sometimes it seems like we have to figure everything out on our own when we do not. Why reinvent the wheel when you could just ask to borrow one? Do not be afraid to ask and seek out help! Need help in a class? There is the Bright Success Center and STEM Center. Need help planning your next four years of college or just want advice? Go to your Academic Peer Advisors. Having trouble getting adjusted to college life and feel home sick? Go to CAPS and receive advice on easing that stress. These are only a few of the resources available to you, find out what’s offered to you and take advantage of it!
Sam Granados, Mikaela Rico, and Gema Rodriguez are Academic Advising Mentor's in the School of Natural Sciences. Our AAMs are students just like you who have been proved successful in their academic careers. Have you met our academic advising mentors yet? If you are unable to meet with your Academic Advisor, have a quick question, or simply want some help finding out what resources are available to you, then make sure to stop by Room 131 in the AOA to see them!
Media Contact
Rachel De Vera
Academic Advisor
School of Natural Sciences
Sierra Long
Academic Advising Support
School of Natural Sciences
