Tag: major

Pre Med Biology Major

Pre Med Biology Major

premed

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.

You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out

You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out

For every phase of life there seems to be a list of questions people love to ask you. Senior year you mastered the, “Will you graduate in the top of your class?”, “What are your plans for next year?”, “What university will it be?” and so on. Now, you’ve made it to your freshman year and you’re finally comfortable on a college campus so naturally people start bombarding you with a whole new set of questions. “Where are you from?”, “What residence hall do you live in?”, and everyone’s favorite, “What’s your major?“.

My first two years at Loyola my answer for the latter was “Undecided”. I was totally fine with that. For me, I was free to just jump into school, start taking my CORE classes and not worry (yet) about what exactly I’d end up with a major in. That didn’t stop people from asking me if I had thought about this or that, what I’d ruled out, and what I was interested in. But I could field those questions just fine.

I think one of the biggest mistakes college freshman make is choosing a major just for the sake of choosing one. Even though switching majors isn’t a difficult process at Loyola (it really just involves a meeting with your academic adviser and altering your 4-year plan) I think that it’s very easy for students to feel trapped by their major, and then they get scared to leave. I would bet that if I had started my Loyola career as a History major it would’ve have taken me even longer to figure out that Public Relations was the best fit for me.

Loyola has nearly 80 majors to choose from, how could you ever know right from the start that Marketing is your calling? Give yourself some time to feel things out and ask around. Talk to upperclassman that have gone through this before (I would bet a lot of them have changed their majors once or twice), definitely talk with your academic advisers (its their job to know exactly what a major in International Studies entails), and do a little research for yourself to make sure what you find is the best fit for you.

There are definitely a lucky few who know from the get-go exactly what they want to study. When they start taking their classes they fall in love with the material and become passionate for their field. From day one freshman year until graduation day four years later, they may never even think about another major. Those people are lucky. I would love if I had been able to do that, and if you could too. But trust me, that doesn’t happen for everyone and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The most important thing is for you to love what you’re studying.

When people ask you, “What’s your major?”, I hope you’re excited to tell them you major in something that you absolutely love.

Choosing a College Major VS Undecided

Choosing a College Major VS Undecided

 

While there are over 80 majors and minors to choose from at Loyola, believe it or not, one of the most popular majors in college these days is UNDECIDED! So don’t be afraid or embarrassed if that’s your current major of choice; you have plenty of time to finalize your choice during the first two years.  If you apply as a traditional Undecided student, you will be admitted to the College of Arts & Sciences which is home to most of the majors on-campus (but you can easily do an internal-transfer to the other schools should you choose a different major). Or, if you know you want to major in something related to business, you can choose the Undecided Business major so you’ll be enrolled in the Quinlan School of Business, but you’ll have time to narrow it down from there.

If you apply undecided, there are many different resources on campus designed to help you choose a major:

There is only one major at Loyola that is impossible to transfer into and that is Nursing. So if you are interested in nursing, be sure to indicate that on your incoming freshmen application, as you can transfer out but you cannot transfer in (even if it’s only your second day at Loyola and you started as a Biology major). You are able to transfer into any other major, so again, don’t be hesitant to apply undecided!

It’s more important to submit your application in a timely manner instead of waiting because you can’t choose a major. However, if you are certain which major you identify with, be sure to indicate that on your application, because all of our programs are direct-entry, so you are admitted to them and will begin in that program on you first day of classes.

All of our majors fall under these different undergraduate schools:

Good luck, future Ramblers!

 

 

 

Ready, Set, Go: The College Application Process Begins

Ready, Set, Go: The College Application Process Begins

It’s August of your senior year in high school. You just started school (or are likely to shortly) and the conversation is buzzing about what you did this summer and what colleges you will be applying to for next fall. Some of your friends may have already submitted college applications.

I wanted to take a minute to brief you on what is about to unfold.
First, I caution each of you, both prospective students and parents, to take a deep breath and realize this is a process. It takes time. You don’t have to know what you are going to major in or where you are going to go right this moment. Give the process a chance to work.

Next, I would advise you to get organized. If you don’t have a great calendar and/or planner tool, you might want to stop by the local bookstore or go online to get something that fits your needs. Take the time to establish a separate e-mail account for college information if you haven’t already done so.

It might be August, but for all intents and purposes the fall season is upon us. You will quickly realize that application deadlines are fast approaching and making sure you turn in all credentials (application, resume, essay, transcript, recommendation letter, etc.) on time is a must.

Quick Tips

  • Ensure you have an updated resume of activities, with anything you may have done this summer including a part-time or full-time job, research activity, volunteer work, immersion trip, etc.
  • If you haven’t already done so, start to identify some teachers who will be willing to write a letter on your behalf. Give them a copy of your updated resume along with your request for a letter of recommendation.
  • Take the time to brainstorm about possible essay topics and write your thoughts down, so when asked you have an idea of what you want to share.
  • Begin to refine your list of colleges and universities you may be applying to. Why are they on your list? Do they have your major? Are they located in an area/city you want to be in? Is the size right?
  • Keep a spreadsheet with names of schools you are interested in applying to with key deadlines for admission as well as scholarship and financial aid. Add a column for the date you submitted/mailed your credentials. (Parents, this is very helpful!)

Here at Loyola, we have hit the road traveling and are working to recruit you for our Class of 2017. If you haven’t already done so, check out our Web site and APPLY TODAY. The application is FREE and your application for admission is also your scholarship application.

Check us out today!