Mason Wadleigh

As finals week is around the corner, many students opt to cram in sleepless nights, involving insane amounts of energy drinks and mindless hours studying at a time. While this may work on occasion, it’s not the healthiest option out there. 

Cramming may induce stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks. Many students, and studies, will even tell you that cramming is largely ineffective for long-term learning. 

Overall, Cramming is generally ineffective and considered a poor method of studying. But how can you set yourself up better for academic success?

The Chaiken Center for Student Success

Students are not only welcomed, but encouraged, to utilize the Chaiken Center for Student Success and its free resources to prepare for exams, study key concepts, or even simply receive basic tutoring on courses they may be struggling with. 

Students can receive specified aid in almost any course offered at Penn State Abington. From the sciences, math, writing, and even humanities courses, the Chaiken Center can help in one way or another. 

By utilizing the Chaiken Center’s website, as well as Starfish, students can schedule specified tutoring appointments, whether that’s through Starfish itself, or the online tutoring program, “Brainfuse,” to get aid for courses they need to study for. 

Students can also visit the Chaiken Center, located on the third floor of the Sutherland Building, to seek aid from tutors or peers. The Center itself is designed to be a very relaxing setting. 

Need to Write a Paper?

The Chaiken Center also offers “Writing Consultation,” where students can meet with a consultant and receive aid in writing down a paper, from declaring a topic to proofreading a final draft. 

Essentially, a student in need will be paired with a consultant, who will work with them to craft a paper with a structure that makes sense and reaches the necessary word count. Meeting with a consultant is very laid-back and intended to come off more as a conversation than a writing lecture. 

Specified Course Tutoring?

The Chaiken Center also offers tutoring for a specific course or subject. Tutors who specialize in said subject will meet with students to aid in grasping key concepts, help contextualize certain aspects of the subject, and even offer guidance in preparing for exams. 

Online Tutoring Programs Offered?

Students can also utilize the online program “Brainfuse” to get on-demand tutoring when an in-person tutor is not available. “Brainfuse” uses online classrooms to give students a useful tutoring experience without the limitations of it being in person. 

How Can I Find the Chaiken Student Center?

The Chaiken Student Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Sutherland Building, specifically Room 315.

The Chaiken Student Center can also be reached via email