A CADEMIC P LANNING FOR THE S OPHOMORE Y EAR Office of Academic Advising Office of Pre-Professional Programs and Advising

A CADEMIC P LANNING FOR THE S OPHOMORE Y EAR Introductions Overview and purpose of the program

W HAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL ? Academic Achievement and Aptitude Research Experience Medically-Related Experience Community and Public Service Diverse Activities/Interests/Other Activities Letters of Recommendation Personal Qualities Competencies!

A P REMED P LANNING M ODEL (see freshman year sophomore year junior year senior year summer following graduation bridge year What are the implications for: Summer Courses Timing of the MCAT Study Abroad “Capstone” experiences Putting your “best foot forward”

T ODAY ’ S F OCUS : A CADEMIC P LANNING W HAT DOES REALISTIC A CADEMIC SELF - ASSESSMENT MEAN ? First… who am I? 1. How have I adapted my time management skills to the academic demands of college? 2. How have I adapted my study skills to the academic demands of college? 3. Where do I stand in first-year science classes? 4. Where do I need to be academically to take a full science courseload as a sophomore? 5. How can I best assess my readiness? 6. How can I best assess my future academic options?

Are you the student who was so dazzled by covered grades that you sort of forgot to do homework and develop good study skills?

Are you the student who spends 24-7 in the library and doesn’t get involved in campus activities or service?

Are you the student who studies and studies but STILL can’t perform well on tests?

A N A CADEMIC S ELF -A SSESSMENT … 1) Was my Fall 2010 covered GPA 3.0 or higher? Yes = 1 point 2) Did I receive a B or higher in a Fall 2010 science course? Yes = 1 point 3) Did I receive a B or higher on a Chemistry or Physics midterm in Spring 2011? Yes = 1 point

T HE S CORING S CHEME … 1 point or 0 points = Red light

T HE S CORING S CHEME … 2 points = Yellow light

T HE S CORING S CHEME … 3 points = Green light

WHAT DOES MY RESULT MEAN?

R EADINESS AND R EALISTIC A CADEMIC P LANNING FOR THE S OPHOMORE YEAR The Case of Organic Chemistry

T HE SCIENCE AND ART OF O RGANIC C HEMISTRY – D R. F ALZONE What is Organic Chemistry really like? How does Organic Chemistry differ from other areas of Chemistry? How does success in Introductory Chemistry relate to success in Organic Chemistry? How does success in first-year science courses relate to success in Organic Chemistry?

H OW TO S TUDY FOR O RGANIC C HEMISTRY Read the chapter material before (!) the lecture Attend all lectures Study every single day, do reviews weekly, and stay caught up! Solve as many problems as possible Study with a friend Get help when you need it

A SSESSING WHERE YOU STAND IN O RGANIC C HEMISTRY ONCE ENROLLED What are the warning signs? Understanding the “hows” and the “whys” When to consider withdrawing from the course? Implications? When to consider repeating a course? Implications?

A CHIEVING A CADEMIC S UCCESS AND A S TRONG A PPLICATION TO M EDICAL S CHOOL ( ADVICE FROM P RE -P ROFESSIONAL AND A CADEMIC A DVISING !) Choose an academic major that reflects your academic passions and will maximize your academic success. Have your academic transcript (and your resume) “tell a story.”

A CHIEVING A CADEMIC S UCCESS AND A S TRONG A PPLICATION TO M EDICAL S CHOOL ( ADVICE FROM P RE -P ROFESSIONAL AND A CADEMIC A DVISING !) Carefully consider the timing and sequencing of science/premedical requirements. Don’t let your rush to medical school compromise the quality and depth of your JHU experience. Develop a path to medical school that is unique to you (consider a “bridge” year or two…)!

F INAL N OTE : H OW TO SPEND YOUR SUMMERS … Keep in mind the spirit and implications of pursuing “A Premed Planning Model. Seek enriching activities that will “season” you as a future candidate for medical school. Only pursue science in the summer if it makes sense. If you do take summer coursework, Do not take more than one science sequence or combination of premedical courses. If pursuing Organic Chemistry, be cautious about taking all three components in one summer. Premedical requirements can be taken away from Hopkins; grades will ultimately appear on your medical school application.

F INAL R EMINDERS Be sure to reference the “ Premed Planning Guide ” and you must be on the Pre-Prof listserv. Go to: Be prepared for Fall 2011 Course Registration *** April 15 for freshmen *** Get to know your instructors Work with faculty advisors and academic advisors Meet with a pre-med advisor Attend Pre-Prof Office programs, specifically, the fall 2011 “Sophomore Premed Small Group Workshop” Be Realistic and Make Wise Choices!!