Questions I Ask New Students Planning a BABS in Science

1
Questions I Ask New Students Planning a BA/BS in
Science

• Why did you pick this major?
• What do you hope to do when you finish your
  degree?
• How well will you need to do (GPA, etc)?

2
My Advice -- Choosing a Major

• Pick something you enjoy gt you dont want to
  dread going to work for years!
• It is possible to change careers (and many
  people do so) but its far easier to stick with
  something you like
• Pick something you are good at
• Obvious? Perhaps -- but many students seem to
  pick majors because of the current job market or
  parental advice or .

3
Unofficial Advising

• Seek additional advice from other faculty and
  staff (even if not your official major or GE
  advisor)
• Upperclass(wo)men who are doing well

4
Short-Term Planning

• See your advisor (at least once/semester)
• Maintain a rolling 2-year plan
• Pay attention to prerequisites
• NEVER assume that a course will be offered
  exactly when you need it -- your advisor will
  know about time conflicts and/or cancellations
  before you do
• Understand GE double-count where possible
• Complete English 1A/B WST 100W ASAP

5
Long-Term Planning

• See your advisor (at least once/semester)
• Discuss career options
• Jobs
• Professional school (PharmD / DDS / MD / etc)
• Grad school (MS vs PhD)
• Discuss summer and AY opportunities
• Internships / research programs (eg, REU)
• Consider undergrad research (Dept 180)

6
Avoiding the Pitfalls

• See your advisor (at least once/semester)
• Pay attention to prerequisites
• PRACTICE good time management
• Dont over commit
• Sleep enough
• See your advisor (at least once/semester)

7
Maintain a High GPA

• Even if that means taking fewer course
• Employers / Professional Schools / Grad Schools
  WILL care -- even if you dont
• Seek help BEFORE its too late -- digging out of
  holes is a waste of your time and seldom very
  successful
• If necessary (illness, personal/family
  difficulties), petition to drop a course or
  withdraw from all courses -- DONT JUST LEAVE

8
If You Screw Up

• See your advisor
• Incompletes
• Generally a bad idea, but IF YOU MUST, complete
  the incomplete ASAP, preferably prior to the
  start of the next semester
• Academic Renewal
• You only get a second chance once
• Understand the limits on AR

9
If You Screw Up -- BIGTIME

• Probation
• You dont want to go here
• DQ
• You DEFINITELY dont want to go here
• Program of Study is the usual option most
  students are unsuccessful with this option

10
What your advisor can do for you

• Nothing if you dont visit at least once/semester
• Modify published requirements (rare)
• Help with campus contacts of all sorts
• Faculty get return calls even if students dont

11
What your advisorcannot do for you

• Modify GE or other university level requirements
• Tell another instructor what to do in their
  class(es)

12
Other Things to Get the Most from Your Time at
SJSU

• Student Clubs
• Tutoring
• Undergrad Research
• Attend Seminars
• Elective Courses at the 200-level