Undergraduate Information | Current Students

Tips for Success in Science

Be familiar with your academic progress and the requirements for your major

Learn how to read your Student Academic Progress Report (SAPR) so that you always know what classes you should be taking. Ask your academic advisor how to read your SAPR.

Get to know your course instructors and TAs

Go to their office hours and talk to them after class when you have questions. In large UA classes, these people are not going to approach you…you must go to them. Instructors are more than happy to help students who ask questions and participate in class!

Visit your advisor every semester before you register for classes

Double-checking on your degree requirements now can save you time and money later!

Be smart when planning your schedule

Be sure to consider all of your external needs, such as work and family commitments. Be honest with yourself about how much you can do, and don't stretch yourself too thin!

Be aware of university dates and deadlines

There are deadlines for getting tuition refunds or for being able to drop courses. It is the students' responsibility to keep up with these dates. Refer to Important Dates and Deadlines.

Get involved on campus!

Students who are involved in campus organizations report that they enjoy college more, and they also tend to get better grades! Your academic department may have professional organizations and activities. You can also contact the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership to learn about campus-wide groups and events. They also have activities for non-traditionally aged students and for students with children!

Form study groups

Doing this will save you time, develop teamwork skills, and help you to comprehend difficult subjects.

Set aside enough time to study

You should plan to study outside of class for 2 hours for every credit hour you take. For example, if you are enrolled in 15 credit hours, you should plan to study for 30 hours outside of class. This would include preparing for tests, going over notes, writing papers, and doing homework assignments.