Academic Coaching Specialists are here to help the Bearcats this semester! We provide the best academic coaches and tutors for University of Cincinnati students.
Our program is designed to help students maximize their educational experience, while inspiring them to reach their academic goals. Working one-on-one with an academic coach can help your student identify and utilize new learning tools and strategies to help them create positive and effective habits that lead to their academic, professional and personal success.
Should You Choose a Tutor, Coach or Both?
Tutoring services can help University of Cincinnati students with a particular subject or challenging concept. Students seek out a tutor when they need immediate help with a specific topic. Academic coaching, however, is more proactive. The student may realize they have challenges such as chronic procrastination, issues with time management and test anxiety that effect more than just one class. A coach can cover a wide array of subjects that will lead to better grades across the board. They will introduce learning tools and strategies that create successful academic habits.Note that tutoring and coaching are not mutually exclusive and can be used together to create a strong support system for University of Cincinnati students.
Find out which one is best for your student by taking our brief needs analysis survey.
What Exactly is Academic Coaching?
A coach’s job is to teach or train someone how to achieve a goal (win). Good coaches demonstrate how hard work and practice will produce results when game time comes. They also inspire and motivate their team every step of the way. After a loss, a coach will pick their players back up and let them know what they did wrong and what they did right. Leading to the next game, the coach will craft a plan and communicate it to their players, so that they will understand how not to repeat the same mistakes. They teach new strategies and hone skills, finding just the right place for each player on the team to perform their best.
We are familiar with the role of an athletic coach in these ways. What an academic coach does is not much different. Academic coaches provide personalized support for their students, geared towards developing critical academic skills, while providing encouragement, accountability, motivation, and building self-confidence.
Why Does it Work?
At ACS, we are familiar with what University of Cincinnati students experience throughout their academic career and the transitions and changes that occur. Students may find that what they had been doing is no longer working in this new environment. Or they are facing new challenges that feel overwhelming. Focusing on these key areas allows us to provide the right support at the right time.
What are the Benefits of Having an Academic Coach
- Students will improve focus and learn how to study and take notes to get the most benefit for each class.
- By working to maximize efforts at peak times when student is most productive, they will discover more free time.
- Coaches will help your University of Cincinnati student identify the steps and strategies to effectively prepare for exams and write papers.
- Together, student and coach will discover ways to change any bad habits of the past, and identify positive strategies to get results.
- ACS coaches provide encouragement and inspiration throughout the entire semester.
- Students find an overall reduction in their amount of stress during the semester when they work with an academic coach.
NEARLY 1/3 OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN DROP OUT BEFORE THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR

In short, yes! At University of Cincinnati, we work with all types of students. From high-achieving students to average students or students who just need some extra support. Whatever level your student is at is the right place for them to start! Here are a few groups we most commonly work with:
Athletes
Athletes who are struggling with eligibility issues are one group our coaches frequently work with. Academic Coaching Specialists are familiar with NCAA guidelines and can help your Bearcat monitor their standing and progress toward degree (PTD). Working with an academic coach throughout their athletic career can ensure they will not miss out due to issues related to academic eligibility.
College Freshmen
We find that the best approach is a proactive one. Freshmen starting or continuing their first year are among our most common clients. Starting from the top, we work with students on what they already know from high school and build on those skills to create an even better college experience. University of Cincinnati students who start their freshman year with academic coaching find they are much more prepared and ahead of their peers. They are also less stressed and discover more free time to enjoy non-academic activities.
Students with Learning Differences
ACS coaches are experienced in working with students who have: ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Traumatic Brain Injury, or other various processing and learning differences.
Students on Academic Probation
University of Cincinnati students on academic probation can take part in our Academic 911 program. In this program, coaches will identify the immediate problems, and find the quickest way to get the student back in good standing. Further, students will learn how to avoid potential issues in the future and break any bad habits of the past. They will make any necessary referrals for tutoring or other campus resources as appropriate. ACS is a full partner in helping your University of Cincinnati student get back on track!
Students Taking Online Courses
We can help students survive and thrive in a virtual learning environment by:
- Helping to balance workloads. Often when taking courses online, students tend to over or underestimate the amount of time it will take to accomplish tasks. An ACS Coach will help set limits and parameters that allow students to create a balance that works.
- Assisting with organization of time and materials. These are key factors in the ability to be successful in any course, but especially online courses.
- Providing added support and accountability for students to gain an understanding of expectations and help following through.
- Being there as a resource, to answer questions, and anticipate common issues to help students prepare for and work through any challenges.