<p>I think I saw in another post that you were accepted to SMG honors (correct me if I’m wrong)…that being the case, I think that’s a good sign (I’m not in honors and I have higher than a 3.2). SMG can be really hard at times, but (as cliche as this sounds) if you put the effort in, you can get the grades you need. The only SMG class you take your freshman year is SM121 and 122–the other six are going to be intro CAS courses (most likely microecon, macroecon, writing 100, math, philosophy and some other random elective). Even if you have trouble with the SM121/2 sequence, those other classes give you a chance to pick your grades up. The average in SMG freshman classes is usually a B-…as you progress, the average goes up. </p>
<p>A lot of people worry because, once they get here, they realize that everyone here (well, for the most part) is smart. I remember a lot of people having trouble accepting that they were “A” students in high school, but are not “C” students in college. They key is not accepting it, and just keep trying hard. Don’t get overwhelmed with the team work and, under no circumstances, do not get overstressed. Definitely make friends with upperclassmen…they’ll be able to give you a better idea as to how to approach your projects.</p>
<p>Sorry if I’m rambling. But, I wouldn’t worry about not getting a 3.2…the talk about grade deflation refers more to the fact that your grades will be lower than comparable students at other schools. Don’t expect a 4.0, but I really don’t think that a 3.2 is very hard to get. Above 3.3 seems to be tricky for some people. I think last year’s cut off for the top 5% was a 3.53…I don’t remember what the cut off for magna and cum laude were.</p>
<p>So, good luck and don’t worry. Just enjoy your summer. You’ll know where you stand soon enough. Sorry I couldn’t really answer you’re question…if there’s anything else I can try to answer for you, feel free to ask.</p>
<p>Yes, I was accepted into SMG honors as well, but now I’m starting to feel like maybe I don’t deserve it because the only thing special about me is my SAT scores, which don’t mean anything in college. I just don’t want to think that I’m getting in over my head…</p>
<p>I have a couple questions about the classes that I just signed up for during orientation. I am planning on going through the Premed circuit and wanted to possibly major in Philosophy and minor in Biology. (I am good in the sciences, but thought philosophy would be interesting and would be a good liberal arts education.) I’m not sure if you know anything about these CAS freshman courses, but if you do then let me know. (…and sorry for the longass post)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>My advisors recommended that I take Math 121/122 instead of Math 123/124. The 121/122 sequence is for people who aren’t math/ science concentrators, but I already had Calculus in H.S. and thought 123/124 was just Calc I - so do you know if 123/124 is that much harder? And if I changed my major and all of a sudden needed more math classes would I be screwed if I had taken 121/122?</p></li>
<li><p>How many P.E. classes do people normally take per semester? We all have 2 extra credits we can fill, so I was considering taking 2 P.E. classes. Would this be overwhelming, or very possible to do? </p></li>
<li><p>I signed up for the Core Curriculum and then was advised to do Divisional Studies because of the Premed thing. They told me to still take Core Classes 101/102 because it fulfills WR100 and can count for Humanities; however, if I major in Philosophy then they would not count for humanities since that is the category my major falls under. This leaves me confused: should I even bother with the core, or scrap those classes and save some time by just taking the regular writing seminars?</p></li>
<li><p>Say I get fed up with the Premed requirements and change to Prelaw. When is it too late to change direction?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks in advance! If you don’t know anything about these classes I’ll post this somewhere else.</p>
<p>I don’t know too much about premed/philosophy, but I’ll do my best.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>According to the Bulletin, 121/2 and 123/4 are the same, but with a slightly different emphasis. 121/2 focusses on applications of the theory while 123/4 focusses on the theory itself. The same topics, just approaches it differently depending on the what you actually need to know for your respective field. I don’t imagine that one is any harder than the other, though if you’re not strong in math I would guess that 121/2 would be easier since there’s more concreteness to it than a class of just theory. If you decide to switch to a math major, I would imagine that they would accept 121/2 in liue of 123/4–especially since you can’t take both for credit–but I would check with the math department if you’re worried. I didn’t see anything on that topic in the Bulletin.</p></li>
<li><p>You can take 2 PDP classes if you want…I’ve known people who have done it…but why? I can’t really tell you whether or not it’s “doable” based on your schedule–I would say not if you’re doing Bio or Chem–but I wouldn’t. I definitely wouldn’t register for two if one class is basketball or swimming or some other activity that you can do in your own time (if you have the time, you can do those activities on your own–if not, then you don’t want to have to worry about not missing too many classes). Most people take one, if any. If there are two you like, I would just take one now and another later. No reason to take up too much time with that stuff.</p></li>
<li><p>Can’t really comment.</p></li>
<li><p>Hard to answer. It’s really never too late, but the longer you wait the more time you may have to make up. Get a copy of the Undergraduate Bulletin and write down all of the requirements you have to fulfill for both. Then try to figure out when you can take what courses and still be able to change. Really, though, you should have an idea whether or not you can handle premed after your first year. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>The problem with most of your questions is that you don’t seem to have a set plan, really. I know that you want to maximize your schedule’s flexibility, but it’s going to be hard to design a schedule that will allow you the flexibility to choose between math, philosophy, bio, etc. </p>
<p>You can take my advice with a grain of salt, but I would recommend thinking a little more about what you want to do. You seem to be a little all over the place. If you’re thinking about going into Law or Medicine, then I would major in either History/Poli Sci (I guess philosophy works, too, but that wouldn’t be my choice for an undergrad degree if I’m looking to go into Law) or Bio/Chem. Why are you throwing math in there? Do you really think you’ll want a math degree? What purpose would it serve?</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for the great advice and taking the time to respond. In the Bulletin, philosophy is described as a great major for premed or any future job - that, and because I want to do something interesting, is why I chose philosophy. …And why not throw biology in as a minor since I will have to take plenty of bio classes anyways.</p>
<p>Haha, I guess my post did make me seem a little all over the place, but I am pretty stuck on what kind of career I want. I want to be a cosm. dermatologist - I’m just a little shakey on how to get there, but also I don’t want to erect any walls… so I’m open to Prelaw if I change my mind.</p>
<p>I’ll stick with Math 121/2 since that is the only math class anyone needs for Premed. I didn’t actually mean that I am considering a major in math (definitely no way, jose), just wasn’t sure if the 121/2 sequence would put me at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>The fitness center offers so many great activities - ones that I have never done before and would like to learn… for example: pilates, yoga, tai chi, kayaking. I’ll limit myself to one per semester because, like you said, I might or might not have the time.</p>
<p>So, thanks again for your thoughts. I will look into planning out what classes I will have to take and see if it makes more sense then.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to convince you one way or another or force you to change your major, but I wanted to suggest that you consider a couple things.</p>
<p>If you want to be a dermatoligist, do you think philosophy is the way to go? I would imagine that Bio would be more relevant to your line of work and better prepare you for med school. Doing well in Bio would–I would think–look better to your future med school than philosophy. Most of my friends who are premed are always talking about looking good for med schools–even as freshman. Med Schools are hypercompetitive and every little thing is going to count. </p>
<p>Perhaps majoring in Bio and minoring in Philosophy would be more in line with what you want to do?</p>
<p>I’m not premed, so feel free to disagree and ignore me. Your choices just seemed to stick out to me.</p>
<p>Sorry…no idea. I wouldn’t know how you would track that, though, since there’s no specific “premed” major. </p>
<p>Are you looking for the percentage of people who want to go to med school as of their senior year who actually get into one? That’s the only meaningful statistic I can think of, but I can’t imagine BU actually tracking that. Sorry I can’t help.</p>
<p>If you look hard enough, I’m sure that you can find most of the statistics you want if it involves information BU normally tracks…</p>
<p>to track what you guys want, though, would involve BU going out and surveying kids during their senior year for the sole purpose of calculating this statistic, which they’re not likely to do.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I don’t have any close pre-med friends who have already graduated and applied to med school to direct you to–everyone I know still have a year or two to go.</p>
<p>Sorry, I’m a little slow… Uhm, so yeah, I’m in DC, and I’d REALLY like to get a hold of one… you know, so I might get to know a few people before I enroll :$</p>
<p>It seems to be everywhere, now…I remember hearing that no one wanted to have it on their shelves when the first issue was released…they convinced Newbury Comics, finally, and it sold out like crazy. Now its everywhere–from convenience stores or Virgin.</p>
<p>Hi Ryan- I’m trying to find some place for storing a few things this summer until september…but I’m having a little trouble. Do you happen to know anything that is fairly close to campus or a least a bit accessible with the T ?
Thanks - I really appreaciate it!</p>
<p>Not really, but most storage services will pick up your stuff for you. There might be something nearby that would take your stuff (I think the cleaners near Warren has a sign that says they store stuff), but nothing I would trust too much.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.collegeboxes.com%5B/url%5D”>www.collegeboxes.com</a> is one I used freshman year. There are a few others that are popular. There’s a new one that will leave a large crate out in the street for a few days. During that time, you can throw your stuff in there (and lock it all up), and they’ll come pick it up. Seemed like an OK deal–I would look them up. (I think they’re <a href=“http://www.doortodoor.com)%5B/url%5D”>www.doortodoor.com)</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s a link I found on BC’s website that might be useful:</p>
<p>thanks for the help- I checked a few of them out. The only thing is that they all seem to want to pick up from home. I don’t mean to bother you with this but do you know if they would take dropped off stuff? I’m an international student and I was hoping to leave some things that I get while I’m up there for orientation this summer. If not no prob. I guess I’ll have to work around it. Thanks again!</p>
<p>There aren’t any real storage places in Boston. When you think about it, storage areas require large pieces of land, which is far from cheap in a city. It’s cheaper for them to just pick it up from you and store it outside of the city and then drop it off when you need it. </p>
<p>The only storage place I’ve actually seen was in Revere. I don’t think it’s close enough to the T to walk–even if it was, you don’t want to store your stuff in Revere.</p>
<p>Quick question - I’m in a triple at 575 comm ave and one of my roomates is Kosher so she can’t share a microfridge with the other two of us. So, one question is - can a room have two microfridges? Do you think that having two fridges at all is going to just take up tons of our space? :(</p>