Applied Learning Skills Inventory(TM)

1. I consistently do all assigned readings for each class that I am taking, including text books, online readings, journals, articles, secondary books, and other assigned materials.

2. I can read at a faster pace and extract key information from text or course readings than I normally would for pleasure reading.

3. I always stay on top of the work for my classes for every subject.

4. I have tasks that I do for regular studying, like taking notes on what I've read, making flash cards, organizing information in to diagrams, or other things that help me to remember and prepare for exams.

5. I normally spend 2 to 3 hours outside of class doing assigned readings, studying, or homework for each hour that I spend in class.

6. I study every day so that I am ready when it comes time to prepare for exams.

7. I highlight when doing required readings, then go back and take notes on what I read to make sure that I learn the information.

8. I don't encounter too many distractions at school that pull me away from my studies.

9. When preparing for an exam I know what chapters, lectures, assigned readings, and other information that will be covered on the exam.

10. I make a more strenuous effort to memorize and learn information during test preparation than I do for regular studying.

11. I begin preparing for an exam days in advance, or even longer depending on the class and the amount of information to be covered.

12. When studying or getting ready for a test I strive to learn the information perfectly, so I know it "inside and out."

13. I never procrastinate when preparing for exams, or need to cram or pull all-nighters just to be ready for a test.

14. For exams, I don't just study my class notes to be ready, I include the text or other assigned materials.

15. I prepare for essay tests in a different way than I do for multiple choice or other tests.

16. I have a basic method to take tests that helps me to do better and feel less worried during the test.

17. I tend to answer the test questions that I know first, then go back to the ones that I don't know.

18. When I take essay tests I always jot down my thoughts on the test or extra paper before I try to give an organized answer.

19. I typically don't do well on the homework then "blow it" on the exams for a class.

20. I can write in both a "personal thoughts" and a more academic "scholarly tone" for class assignments.

21. I start larger papers and projects early so I can get feedback from the Professor or just to do a good job.

22. I understand how to deal with vague instructions for papers, including if the Professor just says they "want a report."

23. I know how to write a paper that adopts a certain position, performs an analysis, or asks me to synthesize my findings in to a written format.

24. I can plan the flow of a paper or project, including what sections will be needed and how to organize it.

25. I can easily complete writing assignments and turn them in on time.

26. I can articulate my thoughts in writing and never get "tongue tied" when trying to finish a paper.

27. I normally don't lost points on a writing assignment or essay because the Professor said I didn't actually answer the question or follow the instructions of the task.

28. I raise my hand in class to ask questions when I do not understand something during lecture.

29. I routinely talk with Professors and do not feel intimidated or uncomfortable around them.

30. I usually talk with Professors about assignments or exams and don't wait until things become a problem.

31. When I need a lot of help in a subject I will ask the Professor or will use the tutoring/writing center for extra help.

32. When I need help I know what questions to ask the Professor to get the help I need.

33. I never avoid talking to a Professor because I feel awkward or embarrassed around them due of my grade.

34. When I want to talk with a Professor, I know exactly what to discuss and where to begin.

35. I make strong efforts to be in control of my academic life.

36. I never avoid checking my grades because I just don't want to know.

37. I buy my books to have them on the first day of class and do not wait to get them.

38. I read the course syllabus for each class to see how I will be graded and to find out what tasks will hold the biggest point value for my grade.

39. I know the expectations and dates of all my exams, due dates for papers and projects, and deadlines for other important assignments.

40. If a Professor pushes back an exam or paper due date I always check with them to know when the new date will be.

41. When I get an exam or paper back I talk with the Professor about the points I missed so I can do better next time.

42. When I want non-class activities, I never choose ones that put my studies as a second priority to them.

43. I don't over-commit my time to extracurricular activities that take up many hours per week.

44. I always make decisions that will ensure that I do best in my school work, like not going out the night before a big exam.

45. I feel that I use my time well and hardly ever waste time.

46. I make strong efforts to understand what Professors expect for exams, papers, and other tasks.

47. I am a very productive person and work every day on course readings, studying, or other work for classes.

48. I never feel out of control of my academic life to the point where I am worried, anxious, or even lose sleep.

49. I am always looking ahead for what I must do for classes to make sure I understand requirements for exams, papers, or projects to be turned in.

50. When the Professor doesn't discuss an upcoming test or paper, I ask them about it and don't wait for them to get around to it.

51. I've never been a procrastinator, and always get things done no matter what.

52. I regularly talk with Professors, Advisors, college staff and other students to complete course work, discuss classes, or to address other issues for school.

53. I know how to keep myself most productive, like using different work locations or other ways that help me to finish work.

54. I know what will distract me easily, and I avoid those things until my work is done.

55. I can do equally well in classes that meet three days a week, twice a week, or even just once a week.

56. I can identify the outside factors that affect my motivation, like being around motivated friends, classmates, or other influences.

57. I know the times and places where I work best and use them to keep myself productive.

58. I actively use the library, student center, and other places to put myself in the right mood to get work done.

59. I have a vision for what I want for the future and I act every day to achieve this.

60. I feel that I am in the right place at the right time of my life, and being in college is exactly where I should be.

61. I know what major I want in college and feel happy with that choice.

62. I am mostly driven by my internal desires for school, not just by external factors like "should do's" that others set for me.

63. I have study routines that I've created, like going to the library to work, and would do these regardless of what everyone else was doing.

64. I am in an environment that makes me feel motivated to achieve and do well in school.

65. I have been able to get to know Professors, and they recognize me and know my name.

66. I have made friends on campus and have a good relationship with my classmates.

67. I like earning good grades and see it as a "friendly competition" between me, the Professor, and my classmates.

68. I can earn good grades just working on my own, and don't need constant attention from Professors to work up to my true ability.

69. I like being prepared for class so that the Professor and my classmates think the best of me.

70. I believe that if I work hard now that I will reap the benefits later in life.

71. For good grades I believe that hard work can be even more important than natural intelligence.

72. I believe that earning a college degree is very important to my future.

73. I like being around other students, but not at the expense of my course work.

74. I don't waste time on trivial things, I prefer to read and study instead.

75. I try my best in all of my classes, regardless of whether I like the Professor or not.

76. School always comes first with me, not my friends, recreational time, or other things.

77. I like learning a variety of new skills that I can use in my current and future classes.

78. I like being a good student and enjoy being in school.

79. I have a natural intellectual curiosity and enjoy learning, solving complex problems, analyzing ideas, and thinking about theories and concepts.

80. I always go to class, whether I feel like it or not, and never make excuses to skip class.

81. I look forward to going to class, learning, participating, and feel that my studies are worthwhile.

82. I never find myself procrastinating then panicking about work that is not done.

83. When the pressure is on I don't panic, cave in, avoid work, or give up easily.

84. I'm not a forgetful, unprepared, disorganized type of person.

85. If I'm five minutes late for class I will still attend, even if I feel a bit embarrassed walking in late.

86. Even if I am doing poorly in a class I would not avoid speaking with the Professor because I'm so embarrassed about my grade.

87. I normally don't find myself doing so poorly in a class that I don't even want to go back, or talk with the Professor about what I can do to improve.

88. I get myself out of bed on time so I can make it to class without someone having to make sure that I'm up.

89. I finish the assigned work even if I know that the Professor will not be checking to see if it's done.

90. I can work independently and never need to be constantly monitored just to get things done.

91. I can do well in any environment, including those where I don't really know many people.