Self Assessment

Self assessment is the key to academic success. External factors are often the root of academic problems, but they are not always a direct cause of poor grades. Rather, it is often the decisions you make in dealing with your problems that have a direct effect on your grades. You have more control over your academic success than you might think.

For example, you may describe your academic performance this way: "Being ill with mono all term, I was forced to miss classes. I decided to keep all my courses because I didn't want to fall behind, and I wrote all my finals even though I was tired all the time. Having mono is why I got poor grades."

This differs from: "I was ill with mono all term and I knew I couldn't carry a full load. I should have withdrawn from some of my classes, but I didn't want to fall behind. I made the mistake believing I could write all my finals when I was still sick. My decision to keep a full course load when I was tired all the time resulted in poor grades."

To assess your own academic performance, look at the categories below and pinpoint which category applies to your situation. You may discover that more than one category applies, and that a combination of factors reflects your situation. When you read the questions, take note of all those you can answer with a "yes". This list is not comprehensive, so your own list may include factors not described here.

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Think about the items you have listed. Then, in a few sentences, describe how the choices you made or the actions you took (or did not take) affected your academic performance. Be honest with yourself: Were the factors that affected you beyond your control, or could you have done things differently? The answer to this question provides the key to how you propose to improve your academic performance in future terms.

After you evaluate the factors that affected you, and examine your choices and your actions, make a list of the concrete steps you plan to take to overcome your academic difficulties. Your plan might include some of the following:

• Reduce your course load, the hours you spend at your job or on extracurricular activities.
• Learn time management techniques.
• Learn to be more proactive when assessing your progress in school (e.g., talk to professors, T.A.s, other students; don't be afraid to ask questions).
• Learn how to evaluate courses in order to make appropriate and timely academic decisions (e.g., before the withdrawal deadline, ask yourself key questions like: "Do I understand the material?", "Am I keeping up with the work?").
• Familiarize yourself with University rules and deadlines (it may be boring, but it's important).
• Participate in study skills workshops, hire a tutor, form study groups, or find useful self-help and study skills information at the library or on the Web.
• Take advantage of resources available on campus to help you when you have health or personal problems, or to advise you on academic matters.
• Learn to recognize your limits and what is realistic for you to accomplish given your particular circumstances, talents and skills.

If, after working through this exercise, you still have unanswered questions, consult your program/Departmental advisor or an听advisor at Arts OASIS for academic questions, or make use of the resources offered through听Student Services听for questions concerning medical, personal or financial problems.