Learning Strategies: The Academic Short Game

I’ll admit it — I’m not much of a golfer!

But one thing I’ve learned from golfers over the years is that the “short game” can make or break a round. You can hit a great drive off the tee, but if your putting and chipping struggle, your score will suffer. In many ways, academics work the same way.

Students often focus on what I would call the “long game” of academics: intelligence, memory, content knowledge, and natural ability. These things certainly matter. Some students seem to absorb information quickly, while others need to work harder to achieve the same result.

But where I consistently see students separate themselves is in the academic short game.

The academic short game includes skills such as time management, organization, planning, communication, asking questions, following instructions, and preparing effectively for assessments. These skills are often overlooked because they aren’t attached to a specific subject. Yet they influence performance across every course.

Over the years, I’ve worked with students who have exceptional memories and students who have had to fight for every grade. One pattern continues to stand out: when students consistently apply strong learning strategy skills, especially time management, grades often improve — or they achieve similar grades with significantly less stress and effort.

This becomes especially important during exam season.

Many students assume exam success comes down entirely to studying. Studying is important, but so is the academic short game. Did you create a realistic study plan? Do you know where and when your exam is? Have you packed what you need the night before? Are you arriving early enough to avoid unnecessary panic?

Sometimes the difference between a smooth exam experience and a stressful one isn’t more studying. It’s a checklist.

As finals approach, take a moment to think about your own academic short game. What habits have helped you get this far? What systems are working? What small adjustments could help you finish the term more efficiently?

Just like golf, the flashy shots get the attention.

But it’s often the short game that determines the final score.

I’m booking for the Summer term. Check in with me to plan and strategize for your academic success Spring 2026  [email protected]  

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE DIAL 911.