Rising Sophomore taking questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston College
181

<p>In the past, it was necessary to take M&C first; now they give you the option, but it doesn’t really matter. I’d just go with M&C, it seems more natural to me to take that first for some reason. </p>

<p>If you got a 5 on AP English Lit (or a 4 on Ap English Language I <em>believe</em>) then you don’t have to take the First Year Writing Seminar. If you choose a good FYWS class, then it kind of mimics the Freshman Topic Seminar, so if you took it first semester it would serve the purpose of the FTS. FTS’s are nice, but they are just electives.</p>

182

<p>bluebayou: thanks! that sounds perfect… but are you saying that there is absolutely no way i can do IS and Tufts (also, for in case you’re wondering, this Tufts thing is definitely something I’d like to apply to… but for me, I know there are other options–maybe not as easy–but my thinking right now isn’t… “Tufts or bust”)? Do you have any other insights about the Tufts Early Assurance Program? Also, when you say that I would need to forget about activities… don’t they want a bit of balance in your application?</p>

183

<p>I got a 4 on the English Lit :confused: Thus, I guess I HAVE to take the First year writing seminar?</p>

184

<p>Yes, you do. It’s not so bad though with the right teacher, and some med schools require a year of English and don’t accept AP credit anyway so this would count as one semester toward that requirement.</p>

185

<p>no, what I am suggesting is that if you are premed you have to be all-in. Major/minor does not matter at this point, only grades do. And in particular, for an Early Assurance program you need at least 4 A’s each term. Period. And for the EA program, you need to take Bio & Chem as a Frosh. Add in math, Writing, & Span and you are out of course choices. Thus, you are wasting your time to think about IS today. And yes, Frosh seminars are great, but Chem lab is a sink hole of time. You could easily spend as much time in lab write ups as you do in the 3 unit lecture portion of the course. Thus, taking a Frosh seminar risks a possible A in a science class, which is not worth it, IMO.</p>

186

<p>Thanks again, NGR and bluebayou! So… now my thinking is: </p>

<p>First Semester: Bio, Chem, Chem Lab, Calc, Spanish, First Year Writing
Second Semester: Bio, Chem, Chem Lab, Calc, Spanish, and then maybe something like Micro or Macro econ that would work towards IS?</p>

<p>How terrible would the workload be? More specifically, how hard would it be to obtain grades competitive enough for Tufts?</p>

<p>Oh, and one more thing, you guys emphasize having backups and ensuring that you get a good teacher… How do I go about requesting specific teachers? I’ve been trying to use the PEPS Query that someone posted a while back… it’s very helpful…but all I can see is reviews of them… how do I go about getting the good teachers/requesting one?</p>

187

<p>Well, first look at some of the good teachers. For example, if Laurie Lindop still teaches FWS, she is good. Next, look to see if their classes are open. Since freshmen are registering, they usually open a certain number of spots in each class for each orientation, so it is fair for the people who go to later orientations. So, for example, in a class of 20 for a FWS, maybe 5 will be open at the first orientation, etc. But people do research PEPS before going to orientation (to some degree), so there is an idea of who is good and what are the popular classes. Therefore, the good professors are more likely to be filled up. No one really ever gets every class they wanted before they register for the first time at orientation, but there’s a trick. Since they open up a few spots for each orientation, right before/during the orientation that follows yours, check UIS (where you register, you’ll learn how to use it at orientation) to see if there are any openings. If you’re lucky, there will be and you can snag one. If not, during ADD/DROP week (first week of semester), a lot of classes usually get openings as people change their schedules and classes around. But you can also always e-mail a professor and request an override into the course (sometimes these are granted, sometimes not, depending on how popular the course is).</p>

188

<p>Q: Which bank has ATMS either on campus or close to campus?
A: Tons of bank of america atms around and on campus. </p>

<p>Q:What do you know about the economics program/major? How hard is it? General perception?
A: It’s becoming one of the most popular majors at BC. I would say it’s pretty difficult, as economics in general is difficult. I would even maybe argue that it and political science are the two hardest majors at BC. But overall, it seems to be rewarding, it’s a practical major to have, but definitely dont major in it if you dont like economics because it will be miserable. </p>

<p>Q: handiman115
A: Um. If you want to take some sort of language, I would recommend that you start NOW. don’t push it off because it just gets annoying and it’s better because most intermediate classes are filled by freshmen. As for IS, take a class that fills both cores (the university’s and is program’s.) so for example, take either principles of macro or micro because it fills the social sciences core and the international studies core. And, it looks good that you’re getting a head start.</p>

189

<p>How competitive is it to get into the International Studies program?</p>

190

<p>college bound–I THINK we discussed this a while ago on this forum… but I don’t remember exactly…to summarize what I have read: about 200 applications for 60-70 spots… but it’s not too terrible… a GPA of 3.6 or 3.7 should get you in…If you went back to try and find it (I know, it’ll be a pain) I think you’d get an even better idea. </p>

<p>Sooo… I’m pretty much set on these (thanks again for being sooo helpful, guys!) to start on the pre-med/International Studies/Hispanic Studies(??) track: </p>

<p>Calc, Bio, Chem, Chem Lab, First Year Writing, Spanish.
Calc, Bio, Chem, Chem Lab, Macroeconomics, Spanish. </p>

<p>I just have a few more questions for anybody who can answer them…and then I can FINALLY stop worrying (maybe). </p>

<ol>
<li>How terrible would the workload be? Assuming that I am going to push myself very hard academically but would still like to join a few clubs, get involved, build the resume, and go to the occasional football game?
2.Would this schedule definitely put me on track for applying to Tufts pre-med (assuming I have the grades…)</li>
<li>International Studies and Hispanic Studies–With pre-med (and considering I’ve only placed out of the Lit. requirement…) Would it be hypothetically possible to major in one and minor in the other?</li>
<li>Any comments or general observations would seriously mean so much…</li>
</ol>

191

<p>Wow, political science is one of the harder majors? Do you know anyone trying to graduate in three years? I want to and I’ve mapped out my classes but do “Cornerstone” classes take up one class slot or two – (since they’re one worth 2 credits)</p>

<p>What’s your perception of the environmental geoscience program? (I mean, do people in Envi. work just as hard as Bio majors but get less “credit” since Biology sounds more impressive than Envi. I’ve looked over the classes and they are different but it seems like there is also a number of classes that overlap)</p>

192

<p>Political science is one of the harder majors, and who cares about perception it’s college study what interests you.</p>

193

<p>NRG21B: Oh, I think perception is the wrong word. I was just wondering what she knew about the difficulty of the program haha</p>

194

<p>I’m curious about doing econ and premed too. Since you said it was one of the hardest majors would it be unreasonable to do it since I am kind of tentative on it as my major.</p>

195

<p>Do they really enforce the no memory foam mattress topper rule?
what are some things that wouldn’t think you need in your dorm but do?
can you explain the eagle one card thing a little? like how much money is necessary on them and how often do you end up using it and what for?</p>

196

<p>Q: How competitive is it to get into the International Studies program?
A: Pretty competitive. If you’re in honors, you really should have no problem. I think they look at the classes you took, your grades, your extracurriculars, and the personal statement. I think about 70 people get it out of 200 that apply? Someone told me that stat so I’m not sure if it’s entirely true. </p>

<p>Q: Wow, political science is one of the harder majors? Do you know anyone trying to graduate in three years? I want to and I’ve mapped out my classes but do “Cornerstone” classes take up one class slot or two – (since they’re one worth 2 credits)
A: Yes, polisci is one of the harder majors. Obviously, it’s different with everyone and who they consider ‘difficult’. But supposedly, the polisci majors GPAs are the lowest among all the majors–maybe except for physics. No, I dont know anyone trying to graduate in 3 years. Most people I know want to study abroad so they’re taking 4. If it’s a double credit class, it takes up 2 classes. </p>

<p>Q:What’s your perception of the environmental geoscience program?
A: Honestly, not much. I know it exists. A friend of mine transferred to Tufts because apparently they have better classes for the major there? Idk. sorry!</p>

<p>Q: I’m curious about doing econ and premed too. Since you said it was one of the hardest majors would it be unreasonable to do it since I am kind of tentative on it as my major.
A: Oh, I dont think it’s unreasonable. It’s doable. But it’s going to be very difficult. Econ is hard by itself, premed is hard by it self, put the two together–you may have no social life. Just remember the number of hours you put into lab increase your sophomore year. I would probably either pick one and excel in it, or pick one and minor in the other. </p>

<p>Q:Do they really enforce the no memory foam mattress topper rule?
A: Believe it or not, yes! They’re pretty thorough when it comes to room inspection. It happens multiple times throughout the year, so it’s not like you can hide it and bring it in later. </p>

<p>Q: what are some things that wouldn’t think you need in your dorm but do?
A: I think I already answered this…but here we go anyway! Let’s see. A towel rack is nice to have, bring a fan (or three), brita filter, tape! (duct—you’d be surprised how handy they are!) stamps, extension cords…they’re not allowed in the dorms, but honestly, if you hide it UNDER something it’s fine because they’re not allowed to look under anything that’s covered, (for example, under the bed) Just remember to hide it during breaks since they do inspection rounds then too. MUGS. Speakers–good to have, but not necessary. </p>

<p>Q:an you explain the eagle one card thing a little? like how much money is necessary on them and how often do you end up using it and what for?
A: on your BCID, you’ll have three different ‘accounts’ with money for different things. you’ll have residential bucks, which is strictly for vending machines on campus, the chocolate bar, and food places during games in alumni stadium and conte forum…I believe they put money on your card at the beginning of the year. It’s mandatory? Then you have residential dining bucks, which is strictly dining hall food (lower, mac, the rat, eagles, hillside). You buy a meal plan and the money goes on the card. Then there’s eagle bucks which is like laundry and money to use at the bookstore. This one, you decide how much you want to put on it yourself, it’s not a preplanned thing like the other two. So, eaglebucks is the only thing you have to decide how much to put on. I put in $40 for laundry and that kept me going for first semester and maybe a little bit into the second sem? My roommate put $200 on it and used it like a credit card. So, if she wanted something at the bookstore, she would use the eaglebucks and it would be like her mom was paying for what she was buying. all accounts you can buy money on. **go to the Agora Portal. Under Account and personal info, click on Eagle One Card-add funds and it’ll explain everything in detail there. :)</p>

<p>sorry for taking so long everybody! had a busy busy weekend at work.</p>

197

<p>Thought I’d weigh in as well! I’m a rising senior double majoring in Economics and International Studies (Poli Sci) with a minor in math. </p>

<p>The economics department at BC is wonderful. I could not speak more highly of it. I came to BC exclusively focused on Int’l Studies but fell in love with Economics. I took Tresch freshman year, and while he is somewhat dry he is also thorough and will teach you lots. Those who criticize the english abilities of economics professors are pretty much wrong. This opinion may stem from the fact that there are a great deal of foreign TA’s (any class you take save a few that are taught by “Dept” will be taught by grad students in almost all departments), which is where english language concerns may arise. If you are picking your principles courses, try to stick with full professors. They are often brilliant. </p>

<p>Q: How competitive is it to get into the International Studies program?
A: I just talked about this in another post! Get a high GPA (>3.8) and take some courses relevant to the major (I’d recommend Principles of micro/macro and somthing relevant to your potential concentration). See [Major</a> - International Studies Program - Boston College](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/isp/program_of_study/major.html]Major”>http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/isp/program_of_study/major.html)</p>

<p>A: handiman: Your schedule seems standard for IS majors also doing pre-med. I know quite a few and it’s a great combination! However, my year none of them were accepted into Tufts medical school early. Of course, that doesn’t say anything about your ability to do so! </p>

<p>Poli Sci is not one of the harder majors. It is essentially designed to give you a B/B+, yes. But the hard sciences are much more difficult. Try telling a biochem major that the American Presidency is harder than P-Chem and they will smack you silly.</p>

<p>Q: Environmental geoscience program
A: My roommate does this! If that’s what you’re interested in, that’s the route you should follow. The geoscience department at BC is great; I took my core with them. A lot of the professors have great research opportunities for undergrads. </p>

<p>Q: Foam mattress topper
A: Yes, you are not allowed to have a foam mattress topper. I am an RA. Yes, I have a foam mattress topper on my bed :slight_smile: Make sure no RD sees you bring it into your room.
Freshman year my roommate had a rice cooker in her room. I also know people who have kept toaster ovens, hot water boilers, etc. Just make sure it is actually safe to have in a dorm room (e.g. don’t have a hot plate) and keep it in your lock box when you aren’t using it. </p>

<p>Q: Dorm room supplies
A: Don’t think like that. What you should be thinking is “what is the bare minimum amount of things I need in my dorm room.”</p>

<p>But bring scissors. You’ll always need those. </p>

<p>Q: Eagle one card
A: Your eagle one card is your access to your room/access to your food/printing facilitator/Ticket to events. If you lose it you can replace it for a $20 fee. Living in a freshman dorm, you will have a meal plan. You will also have $125 in optional dining bucks but BE WARNED: OPTIONAL DINING BUCKS WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU AT THE END OF YOUR TIME AT BC. Although your meal plan expires at the end of the year, these optional dining bucks, which work at sports concessions, vending machines, and the chocolate bar, will be returned. So when you buy things from sports concessions, vending machines, and the chocolate bar, you are spending real money that will be returned to you when you graduate. Eagle bucks are yet another type of funding for your eagle one card; these are NOT included in your mandatory meal plan, but these are what you use at off campus vendors/for laundry. Plus you can use them to purchase the things that can be purchased using optional dining bucks or the normal meal plan. </p>

<p>Wow that was long. This is a great way to distract myself from working on my thesis!</p>

198

<p>I’m looking at a combination of math and economics as well. What do you think of the math department? Any classes you’ve taken so far that have been excellent, or not so much? </p>

<p>I’m also looking at the Scientific Computing minor, do you know anyone who’s doing it, and what are their experiences like? I was surprised to see that the approved list of elective courses doesn’t include economics classes like Math for Economists, Game Theory in Economics, etc. Are they lenient with this at all?</p>

199

<p>Regarding the foam mattress, three of my friends had theirs taken away and had to find a mattress pad in the middle of the year! So, they can be kinda strict about it. They allow feather beds which are super comfortable and better than the foam in my opinion.</p>

200

<p>Excellent idea doing econ and math! I recommend that anyone doing economics plan on AT LEAST a minor in math in order to be competitive for graduate school or good research jobs. </p>

<p>I actually only added my minor this year, so I’ve only taken the calculus sequence in mathematics. This is most definitely one my biggest regrets thus far in college, as I now cannot apply to PhD programs for another two years because I must take more math classes. But I do have friends who were much smarter than me with regards to taking math classes, and their experiences has always been excellent. It is tailored more to the hard sciences, but that’s how math departments are everywhere. </p>

<p>As an econ major, you should probably consider taking Calculus I, II, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Introduction to Abstract Math, Real Analysis I, Real Analysis II, and Differential Equations (in addition to other courses listed here under recommended electives for minors: [Minoring</a> in Mathematics - Boston College](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/math/ugprog/minors.html]Minoring”>http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/math/ugprog/minors.html)).</p>

<p>No math courses you take in the economics department will count towards a math program. However, you will have to take Econometrics and I would highly recommend the Math for Economists course. A great thing about the BC econ department is that we have a pretty highly ranked PhD program, so if you are an advanced undergraduate you can also take courses at the graduate level (I’ll probably be enrolling in PhD level Math for Econ or Micro Theory next semester). </p>

<p>On a related note, try to take multivariable before/at the same time as Micro/Macro Theory, if possible. It’s not TOTALLY necessary, but it certainly helps. </p>

<p>I don’t know anyone doing scientific computing minor. It would be a great help for econometrics courses (and could help you get a good undergraduate research job like I have now :slight_smile: ). I know a few computer science majors, and all seem to like the program. Also being involved in computer science means you can get a pretty sweet job working at the technology resource center very easily.</p>