McGraw for Undergraduates

The McGraw Center is a hub of academic support on campus, offering tutoring, workshops, coaching, and course-specific study group matching and strategizing sessions to support undergraduates as they make critical academic transitions, undertake new academic challenges, and develop as learners and scholars. At McGraw, we translate insights from research on learning, cognition, and non-cognitive factors into practical approaches to help Princeton undergraduates become more powerful, productive, and independent learners. McGraw is a place where students can focus on their methods and processes of learning and enhance the techniques and strategies they'll need to be successful at Princeton in a relaxed, supportive environment.

At McGraw, students learn crucial skills and strategies in order to:

  • Develop a personalized approach to learning in their courses
  • Efficiently read and learn from textbooks and scholarly texts
  • Tackle demanding problem sets
  • Take effective notes and create study tools
  • Prepare for precepts and exams
  • Overcome procrastination
  • Plan large projects like the JP or senior thesis
  • Conduct research
  • Balance academics and extra-curriculars using good time management skills

For additional Resources, Handouts, and Advice visit the Learning Library.


ACADEMIC LIFE & LEARNING CONSULTATIONS

Learning consultants from a variety of disciplines are trained to collaborate with you to develop an individualized approach to any academic life and learning question or issue. Consultants draw upon your unique profile of strengths and consider the specific demands of your semester to design a personalize strategic approach to achieving your goals. Become more efficient at managing large amounts of information, managing time and large tasks (e.g., JPs or theses), studying and exam prep. Meet with a consultant early in the semester--and on a recurring basis throughout the semester—for supportive accountability.

To find out more about personalized Learning Consultations and to sign up go to: mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/programs/allc

“Meeting with you has really transformed my semester! I feel better organized and in control of my schedule more than ever before.” —James P.

McGRAW GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL TUTORING

We provide free Study Hall drop-in group tutoring and appointment-based Individual Tutoring in introductory-level mathematics, chemistry, physics, economics, and some other courses, so check our website. Experienced, trained undergraduate tutors are available to guide students through learning course material, thinking through problem sets, and enhancing problem-solving approaches. Study Hall also provides a good space for study groups to meet or for informal group work with classmates.

For start and end dates and a list of classes supported by McGraw Tutoring, visit mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/program/tutoring

ADVANCED ACADEMIC STRATEGIES WORKSHOP SERIES

McGraw offers a series of popular hands-on, active, and practical workshops in which students learn and apply strategies designed expressly for the highly demanding Princeton University context. Workshops emphasize advanced and innovative techniques for purposeful and efficient learning. During the sessions, students apply strategies to their own course materials whenever possible.

For a calendar of workshops offered each semester, go to mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/programs/academic-strategies-workshops

We also partner with residential college staff, student groups, faculty, and Als to offer more tailored workshops that develop learning strategies for specific courses, disciplines (e.g., Anthropology) and assignments (e.g., JPs).

COURSE-SPECIFIC STUDY GROUPS & JUMPSTARTS

McGraw will match you with classmates to create your own, student-led course specific study groups.

Course Jumpstarts equip you with course-specific strategies for learning from lectures, tackling readings, approaching p-sets and studying for exams in STEM and other quantitative courses. Build confidence and reduce stress from the start of the term.

Learn more and sign up at mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/programs/study-groups (study groups) & mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/programs/course-jumpstarts (course jumpstarts)

DIGITAL LEARNING LAB

The McGraw Digital Learning Lab (DLL), located on the 100 level of Lewis Science Library, supports the teaching of courses with unconventional formats and/or co-curricular digital learning components.

Students and faculty receive support and training in software applications that promote innovative course assignments. For a list of DLL's services, visit mcgraw.princeton.edu/undergraduates/programs/digital-learning-lab. Contact the DLL by email ([email protected]) or by phone (258-6073) if you have questions or would like more information about reserving the lab.

The best way to learn about McGraw resources is to try them out. You’ll find our tutors, consultants, and graduate fellows to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions about our programming at [email protected] or stop by our offices located in 328 Frist Campus Center. Someone is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout the semester.