Advice to pnms beginning their College/University experience…

AGDLynn · #1 07-30-2006, 11:01 AM

All this talk about dropping classes if they are really hard, you are flunking, etc., keep in mind that some orgs./individual chapters may have a policy that the member must COMPLETE (NOT attempt) a certain number of hours to be in good standing the next semester.

Yes, make sure that your New Member Coordinator, Scholarship/Academic Coordinator, etc. knows that you are struggling and need help so at the end of the semester when grades come out, there won't be so much shock.

Most chapters try to have Initiation during the semester you pledged, but if it is delayed to the next semester, you want to make sure that you have a high enough GPA to be initiated.

After all, the chapter is expecting EVERYONE to make the required GPA EVERY SEMESTER. One low GPA can cancel out 3-4 high grades of other members for the overall chapter GPA.

flirt5721 · #2 07-30-2006, 11:14 AM

Also check to see if any mid-semester courses are offered, in case you need to drop a class. I don't know how many colleges offer them but they are only worth 1-2 credits and will help you maintain fulltime status.

Sailboat Sis · #3 07-30-2006, 11:30 AM

Invest in a Pick-A-Prof account. Do it with a few friends to spread out the cost. It's well worth it. Don't just look at the grade distribution though. Read the reviews (with a grain of salt) to see if a professor's style of teaching is similar to your style of learning.

Set a GPA goal for yourself each semester, in each class. Having a "carrot" in front of your face is a great way to stay motivated throughout the semester. I'm aiming for at least a 3.6 this semester.

For the love of God, use Academic Advising and Career Services! Keep in mind that the top internship programs have early application deadlines. Start thinking about what you want to do in the summer in the fall.

Keep your Facebook profiles clean and neat! Don't have "drinking" under your interests, sloppy make out pictures of yourself, etc. Your profile is accessible to everyone and reflects you and your sorority.

Don't avoid the library. It's a great place to study, you just have to find the right spot.

After rush is over and done with, don't bother waking up bright & early to look cute for classes. You don't need make-up, a blow out, etc. for your 8 or 9 AM class.

Credit cards: only have one. Pay off your balance every month. Do not graduate with c/c debt and a bad credit rating... you'll be screwed. For purchases under $10, pay in cash ONLY.

MAJOR IN SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Your GPA will thank you. Concentrate on a high GPA, a great resume and good internships. It will get you and interview where you can really sell yourself. So many people in hiring have told me this. Also, don't feel like you have to major in political science to work in D.C. or in biology for med. school. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!

Stef the Pef · #4 08-03-2006, 01:14 AM

So, what is Pick-A-Prof? Address? Link? TIA.

Munchkin03 · #5 08-03-2006, 08:10 PM

One thing that I thought about when writing out rush recommendations--

After you graduate from high school, NO ONE cares what clubs you were in or what your parents did. Really.

KSUViolet06 · #6 08-03-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

One thing that I thought about when writing out rush recommendations--

After you graduate from high school, NO ONE cares what clubs you were in or what your parents did. Really.

Agreed. Honestly rush is probably the last time any of that stuff will ever matter to anyone.

adpiucf · #7 08-04-2006, 10:16 AM

Are you 110% sure that what you're majoring in will be your career for the next 40 years? That you'll never, never ever change it or consider going back to school?

I didn't think so.

I know you English majors hate math, or that the engineering students could care less about diagramming a sentence, but DO take classes outside of your field of interest. Take some challenging courses, like Philosophy or Economics instead of the fluff courses like Tennis & Self Defense for Women. This will help you learn to think more analytically, and if/when you go to apply to graduate school, these courses will be more seriously regarded. Whatever classes you do take, take them seriously. Grades are of little importance for post-graduation entry level classes, but they become HUGELY important for advanced degrees. And again, unless your 10000000% certain that you'll never, ever have any other career than the one you are planning now, take this advice. (See, I was one of those people-- completely sure--- and 6 years post-grad, I'm going back to school! I'm glad I got good grades then, but if I had to do it over, my course selection would be more varied.)

Also, rah-rah-Hooray for Greek Life. Get involved, but you need to get involved with other activities, too. Most (not all, but a decent chunk) employers and graduate admissions offices see Greek Life as frivolous or they buy into the stereotypes, so your 4 year membership in ABC can be viewed as trite, when someone else with the same grades has had internships and leadership in honor societies, pre-professional organizations and student government. Make a life in the sorority and have fun and hold offices, but also get involved on campus. This will help you to become more well-rounded and also keep you sane (living and working with 60+ women during the school year can be fun and draining at the same time).

Sailboat Sis · #8 08-04-2006, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stef the Pef

So, what is Pick-A-Prof? Address? Link? TIA.

www.pick-a-prof.com

Stef the Pef · #9 08-09-2006, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailboat Sis

www.pick-a-prof.com

Thanks!

KSUViolet06 · #10 08-14-2006, 01:32 AM

*Another pretty decent tool is www.ratemyprofessors.com(it's free).