Dear AAP Scholar,

I would like to take this time to welcome you back to campus, and if you are a new student entering this year CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance and enrollment to UCLA!  The Academic Advancement Program ( AAP ) has a long and rich history of working with students like yourself and we are excited about the opportunity to support and assist you with graduating from the nation’s #1 Public University. As you begin the new academic year, I would like to share four important points with you.

1. Believe in yourself. In order for you to succeed at a place like UCLA, you have to believe in yourself and in your god given talents and abilities. You truly need to recognize the talents and abilities that you possess, and you must know, and believe, that you can succeed.
2. Manage your time well. UCLA offers many opportunities and activities that can consume your time. However, with good time management, you will have time for the things you have to do, and you will still have time for the things you want to do.
3. Study smart. Students who “study smart” find that they spend less time studying, and yet they get better grades. They usually find a good place to study, they don’t procrastinate and begin with something simple or with a subject that they like, and they have a firm understanding about how they learn and adjust their studying accordingly. Take notes, use flash cards, read aloud, have discussions, using memory tricks are just a few ways that will enhance your learning.
4. Get help when you need it. When you have a problem, do something to resolve it. Most questions can be answered, and most problems resolved, just by talking to the right person (professor, academic advisor, peer counselor, therapist).  Remember, thousands of students at UCLA are struggling with something. However, the smart ones aren’t afraid to get help.

Finally,  the staff in AAP are here to support your academic journey through UCLA. Don’t hesitate to call on them for assistance, advice, or guidance. You should embrace every experience as a student, both in and out of the classroom, and make the most of the opportunities that this incredible campus has to offer. Have a great academic year and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles J. Alexander
Associate Vice Provost for Student Diversity
Director, Academic Advancement Program