February 2016 – Page 3 – College Admission at Loyola

Second Semester Has Started Already With New Adjustments

By | February 9, 2016

A new semester means a lot of changes such as new peers, new teachers, and new study habits, but the same me adjusting to new changes. College can be a really big adjustment from high school. It is my third week of classes and I am already studying for exams and writing a short essay. I know this week and next, I will have a tight schedule with a lot of assignments to complete, exams to study for, and activities to partake in. That is why learning to balance your time is so important and ensures that you will not be struggling to get everything done at the last minute or feeling overwhelmed.

The first thing you can do to set you up for a semester of success is decide what the best way for you to take notes in class is. Whether it be typing them, handwriting them, or printing out the slides, it is important to find a method that words for you and keeps you organized. Keep in mind though that every class is different, so what works for one may not work for the other, for example typing your notes when doing math might be a bit difficult. Deciding on your study methods is also helpful! Flashcards, quizlet, or looking over your notes are all great ways to remember information. What works for me is looking over my notes, re-doing my homework assignments, and testing myself with flashcards.

It is also important to remember that you are not alone! There are many resources Loyola offers such as tutoring, the writing center, and librarians who can help you. Tutoring can be done in group sessions and/or tutor-led study halls for any subject needed. The writing lab is an amazing resource to use when writing papers. They will give you feedback andhelp you improve your paper. You can sign up for an appointment, or send them a draft through email, or even Skype with staff at the writing center. Also, the librarians are always there to help you through the research process. You can either set an appointment, chat with a research librarian, text them, or even email them any questions you have. While college assignments are very different from college, there is no need to panic! Learning to adjust and adapt are a part of the process and over time you will figure out what works for you.

Pre Med Biology Major

By | February 8, 2016

Upon talking to a lot of administrators, staff, and advisers, it is very popular that students start off as being a biology major and on the pre-medical track. I can vouch for that- I am trying to be the same.

It is understandable that most students would initially assume that Biology is the entire ‘jist’ of what medicine is all about. Throughout elementary and high school life, Biology has been the topic where most things health-related are found in.

One thing I am trying to do is explore other majors and minors that be of more interest. Biology is a lot to take in; for me, there is a tremendous amount of conceptual thinking. I am more of a visual learner, so it is harder to put a biological picture in my head, especially at the molecular/cellular level. Although biology can be challenging, I am still very interested in subject because I gain a better understand of mother nature and why things happen- ecologically, anatomically, conceptually, etc. It’s really satisfying when you get the ‘ah ha!’ moment!

Anyways, it is common that students have their ‘epiphany’ moment for a desire to do a different major or minor, especially at the freshman or sophomore level when they take the introductory classes; it is completely natural. From there, they get a better idea of what they want to further study.

Why Lakeside is Best Year Round

By | February 6, 2016

For me, the noise and busyness of the city can be overwhelming at times. I find myself needing to find a place where I can just breathe; away from the cars and buses, not bumping into people on the sidewalk, or surrounded by skyscrapers. In any other city finding a spot that brings me a little peace might be nearly impossible. Thankfully, Chicago staked out prime Lake Michigan real estate. And Loyola snatched up the best location possible on the Northside of the city.

When I need a breath of fresh air, there’s no better place than lakeside. Loyola’s students are no strangers to the breathtaking lake views our campus offers. On sunny days the lake front is crowded with people reading and relaxing. (I’m telling you lakeside mood boosts are real.) We love to brag about the beauty of our campus, and even in the dead of winter the frozen lake is captivating.

Now, most people reserve their beach time for the warm days of summer, but chilly winter days don’t scare me. This Friday, a friend and I braved a February afternoon walk by the lake. Because Chicagoans are bold (and bursting with spring fever) we weren’t the only ones enjoying a day with temperatures above 30-degrees. The calm waves rolling onto the beach were soothing, even if the cool breeze wasn’t. The water was a pale shade of sea foam green that blended into the cloudy horizon and the beach was scattered with chunks of ice from a formerly frozen lake. So even if I couldn’t feel my legs by the time we made it back to campus a little lake time was completely worth it.

Whenever you get the chance to visit Loyola, be sure to spend time by the lake. (Even if that means gazing at it through the windows of the Information Commons like I’m doing now). Lake Michigan never disappoints. So, as long as Loyola’s my home it will serve as my breath of fresh air in the city.

Sisterhood is Forever

By | February 6, 2016

Sorority recruitment is like no other student experience in college, or, for that matter, in life. It’s like a mini-version of speed dating and interviewing, except without the guys. At Loyola, Official Panhellenic Recruitment is a 4-day event that begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday.

This semester, instead of going through recruitment as a potential new member, I was on the other side. Throughout the past year, my sisters and I have attended countless workshops and presentations in order to prepare ourselves for this annual event. These procedural “SOPs” allow each generation of sisters to continue the Alpha Delta Pi legacy and to share with next-generation recruits the principles of sisterhood and the enduring traditions that our founders worked so ardently to establish.

This past weekend, through over twenty-five hours of conversations with more than thirty people, I was given a chance to interact with girls whom under any other circumstance I would not have had the chance to meet. In one conversation, I discovered a classmate—that the person to whom I was speaking was also one of the students in my political science class. In another, I met an ad/PR major who had just been elected in the Student Government internal elections, a process in which I took part.

On one Sunday, I gained almost seventy new sorority sisters, whom I am extremely excited to get to know. Whether through leadership, academic excellence, service, and friendship, being part of a sorority at Loyola offers a unique opportunity to succeed through personal growth. Membership in social fraternities as well as business and service fraternities can be one of the most significant components to the overall college experience, challenging students to be the best they can by taking advantage of the opportunities presented.

Unsure about your major? Talk it out.

By | February 5, 2016

Freshman year can be full of fun and laughter but it’s also composed of a new realm in academics. You are now entering a place that is no longer preparing you for college but is preparing you for life. It may seem scary but it becomes less frightening if you discuss your concerns with other people.

I began my Loyola at career as a Creative Writing major thinking that it was the only thing I could succeed at. I enjoyed editing, I could write a mean analytic paper on a book, and I could travel a path to a career or even to graduate school. It was perfect! I would be a journalist and I would travel the world. But, after taking a few classes I felt bored, I felt unenthusiastic and I didn’t feel challenged enough. It was like I was missing something.

In High School, I not only loved to write and read but I loved to translate Latin. I love and still love learning about the ancient world because the progress of the ancients still influences our world today.

After some urgings from a friend, I contacted Dr. Mannering who is the director of the Classics Department at Loyola and he agreed to speak with me about the possibilities that follow a Classical Civilization Major. I thought that the meeting would be brief and disgruntled, but we spent an entire hour in a thoughtful debate. The talk calmed my nerves and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in the next few steps of my college path.

In college, there will be decisions and those decisions will be difficult. Just remember, you are NOT alone. Other students feel the exact same way that you do. Talk to your friends, your family, or even your RA. Reach out to a faculty member or advisor and tell them what is on your mind. Although they may seem very busy, most professors care about the well-being of their students and will make time to speak with you.

If you’re anxious right now, don’t be. Good decisions are not made immediately. Take a piece of paper, write a pro and con list, and stick it in a place you will see it often. Constantly add to this list, take away from it and calmly debate it when you feel to be in the proper mind set. It will take time, but you will find your true path eventually.

A lovely view from Loyola's Crown Center for the Humanities. — A lovely view from Loyola’s Crown Center for the Humanities. My new home.

Hello, hello!

By Jessica Xi | February 2, 2016

Hey there future Ramblers, current Ramblers, parents of either of those two categories, the uncategorizable, and my mother!

My name’s Jessica Xi, and I’m a first-year student here at Loyola! The above picture is of my ‘roommates’ and I in front of the giant Christmas tree Damen Student Center has every winter, in the style of a posed family portrait. My real roommate is in the black sweater, and I’m in the Loyola one. I call them my ‘roommates’ because these are the friends that are constantly in our room, much more than in their own. As a very social person, I don’t mind at all!

I’m planning on majoring in International Studies with minors in Leadership Studies and Chinese, although admittedly officially I’m undeclared (plus, our Chinese minor is coming next semester, and can’t be filed for right now.) I hail from Lakeville, Minnesota, which is just about a half-hour drive south of the Twin Cities. As you might be able to guess from the name, we have lakes – that’s part of the reason I chose Loyola!

In my opinion, Loyola Chicago has one of the most beautiful campuses in the USA. I’m a little biased because I’ve been here for a semester, but I don’t know how it could be better. A gorgeous lakefront, fascinating buildings with an open layout, and so on, and so on. I could talk about it all day. However, I didn’t choose Loyola just for the looks. I also decided on Loyola because of the academics, their open dialogue with students, the sense of community I got from just one visit, and the location of the Windy City!

Aside from starting this blogging thing to share with you about life at Loyola, I’m also a member of the Chinese Students Association, a Floor Representative for Campion Hall Council, and a mentee of Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood. There’s so much to do at Loyola that I could never just do one thing.

Well, that’s all for now. Hopefully I’ll see you around campus!

Chase Your Dream- Make it a Reality

By | February 1, 2016

Everyone starts out with a major and/or minor in mind. They have an idea of what they want to be in the future and will try to work their way up to achieve that desired career.

I have only one simple advice. Be open-minded and gain experiences. For most people, they will change their minds on a lot things because sometimes things are not in their interest. Some course material from a major-required course might not seem appealing or may be too difficult for the student to do. This eliminates the chance for the student to graduate with the particular major they had in mind.

Through volunteering, lab/research groups, internships, jobs, and more, students will gain an experience that allows them to have a taste of what they will be doing (and more). Perhaps they will change their mind on a certain career field because of an unpleasant experience.

To fully find the dream, learn from experience- know more about the field of study and what it entails. Be open to all possibilities and give an honest effort to try things out. It’s okay to make mistakes. At least you can say you tried it out. In the future, you will be able to narrow down your choices and come to a good, personalized decision of how you want to live your life with the career you have chosen.

The News That Brought Hope

By | February 1, 2016

The joy of being part of the Loyola community.

Who knew paying for college could be so expensive! One thing I knew I had to do in order to pay for college was apply to scholarships, but I wasn’t sure where to start my search. The first thing I did was talked with my counselor. She told me that Loyola was offering 5 students from our high school to apply for the “Senn High School Scholars” scholarship. Right in that moment I realized I can do this, I can pay for college. But the process wouldn’t be that easy! The application consisted of answering two essay questions, each within 500 words. After I was done with my first draft, I went to my favorite teacher, Ms. Damlich, to get some feedback. After I proofread my two short essays like a million of times, I knew it was time to hit the submit button. I was scared that the essays wouldn’t be good enough for Loyola, but Ms.Damlich said they were excellent so I just went for it and waited to see what would happen. I also kept applying to other scholarships in case the Senn one didn’t work out.

Out of all of the applications, Loyola only selected 10 to be interviewed and I was thrilled when I found out I was one of them. I was also terrified because I had NEVER EVER done an interview before. To prepare, I started searching for common interview questions and how to dress professionally. I also had Ms.Damlich do a mock interview with me to help me be prepared. I also did this with different staff members because I wanted to do great. One of my teachers even made me do a mock interview in front of the whole class!!! When I arrived to the interview I thought I was going to be interviewed by only one person but no, I was wrong. I walked into the room and panicked when I saw three people sitting down ready to take notes and interview me. I told myself just be yourself, you can do this. After the interview was done, I realized it wasn’t so bad, but now I had to wait again, and in the mean time I completed more scholarship applications.

A month later, I was at the library and received a call from an unknown number. I answered and heard the voice of one of Loyola’s admission counselors. I started to feel nervous, I knew this was when I would find out if I had gotten the Senn scholarship. Guess what?! I got it! I was so proud of myself and my family was so full of joy! My mom called my family from Mexico right away to give them the news. All the hard work I put in throughout high school and throughout my application had paid off!

Whether you’re applying for a Loyola scholarship or an outside one, the following tips I learned throughout my process can be helpful!

* When doing an interview, dress professionally. Also, practice with friends, family, staff, or whomever to get you prepared. Don’t forget, the most important thing is to be yourself and be truthful.

* Never doubt yourself! I believe everyone has an opportunity to receive a scholarship as long as they put forth effort.

* Find scholarships that meet your requirements. The earlier the better! It doesn’t matter if the scholarship is just worth $500 because that money can add up and make a big difference.

* Apply to more than one scholarship. It will not hurt to give it a try.

* Keep a timeline of when the scholarships are due, so you don’t miss any deadlines.

* Ask others (such as teachers, counselors or even the librarian) to look over your application and essays.

* Some useful websites to get you started on searching for scholarships are: o http://www.fastweb.com/ o https://colleges.niche.com/scholarships/ o http://www.luc.edu/finaid/scholarships/external/ o https://www.gmsp.org/

* Also, there is an app called “Scholly” that matches you to scholarships. It’s about $3, but give it a try! They also have essay examples that you can look at.