Academic Coaching Specialists are ready to help the Aztecs this semester! We have professional tutors and academic coaches serving San Diego State University students.
Tutors
ACS tutors are waiting to assist students with challenging classes, tough subjects, and difficult course material. Our tutors are professional educators who specialize in their content areas. Passionate about their subject and about helping students, tutors from Academic Coaching Specialists will work one-on-one with students to help clarify course content and ensure understanding of material.
Academic Coaches
Unlike tutoring, academic coaching goes beyond just one subject area. SDSU students will learn how to master time management, manage stress, and boost their confidence. We will introduce new learning tools and strategies that create effective habits, leading to increased success in the classroom and beyond. An academic coach can help with the entire college experience!
How Tutoring Works
The student and tutor will meet each week at a reoccurring scheduled time. The sessions will be either 30 mins or 1 hour in length. The student will come prepared with all materials necessary to share what they are struggling with or challenged by. This may include, but is not limited to: textbook, class notes, slides or PowerPoints, the syllabus for the class, and any prompts or rubrics given by the instructor. Before the end of each session, the student will determine what they would like to work on at the next session and plan accordingly. ACS tutoring is not week to week, but rather an ongoing arrangement, meant to provide stability and growth over the semester. Packages can be for as short as 5 weeks, or as long as a semester. Students not keeping their scheduled appointments will be charged regardless, unless ample and appropriate notice is given.
How Academic Coaching Works
An experienced educator will work with the student on a weekly basis. The student and coach will meet at a mutually agreed upon time to review each week’s materials. The student will be required to do some outside reading or assignment between each session as assigned by the coach. Each week, the student will share their challenges and successes, looking for ways where they can improve, as well as confirming if their efforts and focus are on point.
The relationship is meant to be that of a mentorship, where the coach motivates and encourages the student as they move together through the semester. Like tutoring, the arrangement is meant to help the student progress over time. As such, the coaching is most effective when it spans the entire semester. Later starts are accepted, but it is recommended the arrangement continue through to the end of the semester to maximize student success.
Working one-on-one with a coach will provide the necessary support for students to:
- feel supported and confident in their academic efforts
- learn good time management and study skills
- find a healthy balance between social and academic life on campus
- understand how to study and take effective notes for each class type
- learn the steps and strategies to properly prepare for exams
- break down large papers or assignments into manageable action items to be completed incrementally
- overcome stagnation by focusing on goals and success
- quickly bounce back from setbacks
NEARLY 1/3 OF COLLEGE FRESHMEN DROP OUT BEFORE THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR
We find that the best approach to academic coaching is a proactive one. Freshmen starting or continuing their first year are our most common clients. Starting from the top, we work with new SDSU students on what they already know from high school and build on those skills to create an even better foundation. Our 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 find they have more free time to enjoy non-academic activities.
Online courses can be tricky. Academic Coaching Specialists can help students remain focused and engaged in these types of courses. While tutoring can help, we find that the material is not typically the problem. Rather, the ability to see things laid out and in order, along with some incremental motivation is usually all that is needed to see a vast improvement. Our academic coaches will stay involved each week, making sure to prevent overwhelm and curb procrastination before it gets a hold.
Students who find themselves on academic probation can take part in our Academic 911 program. This academic coaching program is designed to address the immediate problems in order to get the student out of the hole and back in good standing. Further, it teaches how to avoid potential issues in the future and strives to break any bad habits of the past. Coaches will identify any individual problems and make any necessary referrals for tutoring as appropriate.
Academic coaches provide guidance and encouragement, accountability, and motivation for your student. Whether it is an athlete training for the next competition, a musician or dancer practicing for the next performance, working with a coach is the best way to stay focused. ACS coaches will help with achieving academic goals, maintaining focus, providing inspiration, and supporting the student enthusiastically throughout their journey.
What Makes Us Different
San Diego State University students can have a “personal trainer” for their academic experience!
Students often feel like they just need more one-on-one time with that instructor to ask questions in real time and not have to wait to ask in or after class. We can compare this to working out at the gym and wanting to use a particular machine, but not know exactly how. You might feel nervous or embarrassed to ask someone. Chances are, if you don’t see someone right there, right then, you either give up and walk away or you try, possibly hurting yourself if you use it incorrectly.
With an academic coach by their side, SDSU students will always have a knowledgeable and experienced educator at the ready to help them by demonstrating techniques and tools, and helping them directly apply them to what they are working on in their classes all semester.
- Our coaches and tutors are experienced educators, not peers
- We earn trust by demonstrating our methods work in real life each and every week
- We don’t just respond to a student’s needs, we anticipate them
NJ D.
” The program has geared me up for success not only in the classroom but also in life. Having a dedicated plan day in and day out has helped me achieve so much. With the help and guidance from ACS, I was able to graduate college (which I never thought could happen) and have helped me land my dream job right out of college! Thank you ACS!! “
Joe D.
” I was able to improve my test scores, improve my overall grades and even make dean’s list. I also gained a new mentor, coach, and friend. I am using the skills I learned through ACS daily in my career such as planning, focusing, and prioritizing my tasks each day. “
Carolina B.
” I struggle with time management and I have learned that I need accountability to finish and reach my goals. Having someone who cares about my success, offering tools and strategies to get there, has been crucial for my professional and personal development. I am so grateful for this support from ACS in this journey. “