The study group helped me solidify concepts that were slightly unclear to me. Having that extra practice helps me understand concepts better for exams, and everyone was friendly and always willing to help out.”
Steven Lin, class of 2026
Peer-Guided Study Groups
Peer-Guided Study Groups help you stay on track in challenging courses. Study Group students come together weekly throughout the quarter, in small, comfortable learning communities, to boost their learning and support their course success. Keep reading for registration information.
How do they work?
Students enrolled in an array of first-and second-year courses have the option of enrolling in a Peer-Guided Study Group alongside the course. Study Group participants meet weekly in groups of about 6 to 8 with a peer facilitator — another student who has taken and done well in the course (or, in some cases, an equivalent course). In the two-hour meetings, students talk through key concepts from the course, ask questions on points of confusion and help answer one another’s questions, and work through practice problems or exercises together. The Study Groups are highly collaborative, comfortable environments where undergraduates can learn from one another and help one another succeed.
Everyone in my group was kind, friendly, and non-judgmental. They were all willing to help each other and create a safe environment for learning.”
Our peer leader encouraged us to discuss problems and concepts collaboratively. The group helped me cement a lot of the concepts I was learning in lecture through practice and additional explanation.”
The study group helped me solidify concepts we had learned in class, and the leader was very kind, and always asked us how we were or if we needed any extra help.”
The study group definitely helped me stay focused on the course, and it helped me figure out my weak points and then ask questions to solidify my understanding.”
What courses do they cover?
Peer-Guided Study Groups are available for the following courses:
- Biology 201, 202, 203, and 301 (Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics & Evolution, Principles of Biochemistry)
- Chemistry 110, 131, 132 (Fundamentals of Chemistry I, II)
- Chemistry 151, 152 (General Chemistry I, II)
- Chemistry 215-1, -2, -3 (Organic Chemistry)
- Economics 201, 202 (Intro to Macroeconomics, Intro to Microeconomics)
- Economics 310-1, -2 (Microeconomics)
- Engineering Analysis 1-4 (General Engineering 205-1,2,3,4)
- Math 220-1,-2; 228-1; Math 230-1 (Calculus)
- Physics 130-1, -2, -3 and 135-1, -2, -3 (College Physics, General Physics)
- Statistics 202, 210 (Intro to Statistics and Data Science, Intro to Probability and Statistics)
Who can join, and when can I register?
Any student enrolled in the accompanying course can join a Study Group. Students who are looking for a supportive, community-oriented learning experience and some additional support with the course may find the Study Groups particularly useful. If you are enrolled in one of the supported courses, you will receive information on registration at the beginning of the quarter.
Registration for Spring Quarter 2025 study groups is through CAESAR and begins on Wednesday, April 2. Please note that the registration window opens at 12:00am midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Study Groups begin meeting Monday, April 7 and all sessions will be held in-person. Study Groups end Sunday, June 8.
What is the benefit?
Participants enjoy being part of a small, friendly learning community within large, rigorous courses. Having a set time to focus on the course material each week also helps participants stay on track in the course. Program evaluations show that students participating in small-group, peer-led study at Northwestern tend to find that their confidence in the course material increases
A large body of research points to many benefits of peer-based learning, including an enhanced course experience, deeper learning, and improved grade outcomes. We have also studied the impact of these programs at Northwestern – learn more about our program evaluation.
How can I become a study group leader?
We recruit for peer leaders each spring. We look for students who have a strong command of the subject (although straight A's are not necessary), and who have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others succeed. See our peer leader page for details.
Questions about peer-guided study groups?
For more information, please contact us.