Peer Academic Coaches help you develop and implement effective strategies that will help you achieve your academic goals at UT Austin. Coaches are undergraduates trained and supervised by learning specialists. Services are provided free to currently enrolled students. For more information on Peer Academic Coaching, contact Darcy Barrick, program coordinator. We offer both ongoing and single-appointment coaching topics including:
Recurring Coaching (Fall and Spring)
Meet regularly each week with your own peer coach for individualized support and accountability across time. You can expect to learn an overview of effective academic techniques and have time to tailor them to the demands of your specific courses.
The program is designed for undergraduates, and space is limited. Participants are accepted until the program is full and as additional spots open during the semester. Please note that each semester’s applications go live on the first day of classes.
Single Appointment Coaching (Year-Round)
Schedule a one-time appointment for personalized guidance on the topics listed below.
- Study Tips for New/Incoming Students: New to campus? Let an experienced UT student set you off on the right path to getting the results you want in class.
- Semester Planning—Getting Off to a Good Start: Ready to set yourself up for success? Let a coach help you create useful organizing structures to get everything done.
- Adjusting to Online Courses: How do you manage your online or hybrid courses successfully? Figure out what it takes with a trained coach.
- Time Management and Planning:Having trouble getting it all done? Tired of living in crisis mode? Learn practical systems for analyzing what needs to be done, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, and prioritizing to get everything done in the amount of time you have.
- Introduction to Effective Study Strategies: Are your study methods not quite getting you the results you want? Learn various proven study strategies that you can apply to your specific courses.
- Improving and Maintaining Motivation: In a slump? Don’t know where to start? Can’t get yourself going? Learn specific motivational activities to get you—and keep you—moving toward your academic goals.
- Effective Concentration: Are you having difficulty absorbing new information or paying attention while studying? It’s a common problem, and we have some strategies to help.
- Planning for Tests and Final Exams: Major tests on the horizon? Coaches can help you prioritize, break down the preparation process into manageable steps, and plan your time to ensure readiness. You are welcome to book anytime, but we encourage booking at least two weeks in advance if possible to ensure the best outcomes.
- Conversational English: If you are a non-native English language learner, we’re happy to help you improve your informal conversation skills.