Category: Academics & Studying

Procrastination often stems from a feeling of being overwhelmed by a task. You might try two things on your own: 1. break the task into smaller tasks. “Write the Paper” is not what belongs on your to-do list. Break it into a dozen steps. 2. Tell your inner critic–the unhelpful one–you don’t need their input right now, you’ll do fine on this task. So what if it’s not the Mona Lisa? It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, it just has to be done. For help with task management, get an appointment at the CFLC for academic coaching: bit.ly/BC-connors

Yes. I’m a big fan of taking whatever the next tiny step is. Then maybe the one after that. This is the secret to actually getting things done.

That’s great advice! Once you complete one of the tasks, consider giving yourself a lil treat or crossing it off a list as a way to see the progress. One foot in front of the other — you can do it!

Condolences! It’s rough out there, but I have faith in you.

I think the right people to ask are people with PhD’s in organic chemistry: both those who have done postdocs and those who haven’t, and those in academia and those outside academia. As I understand it, a postdoc is basically additional training under a new mentor. It seems like this reddit thread (bit.ly/reddit-o-chem) has some good info on the process of applying.

I recommend you call or write the Office of Student Services: Phone: 617-552-3300 or 800-294-0294, email: studentservices@bc.edu

That’s one of the ways the academic calendar is brutal, it’s not personal at all. There are thirteen Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in October this year. One of them is Halloween, one is Indigenous Peoples Day. EagleApps says there are 958 sections that meet MWF. Tuesday-Thursday has 957. I’m sure you’ll do fine, but take care of yourself. Getting more sleep than you think you need is my #1 piece of advice–sleep deprivation messes with your memory, so there’s a point of diminishing returns to cramming.

Oh dear. I’ve heard about this happening. You are not alone. One of my helpers has the following suggestions to get you through: 1) explore a campus club for pure fun and social connections–perhaps one that is a bit out of your comfort zone. 2) Get off campus on the weekends; ride the T and explore Brookline, Boston, Cambridge, etc. 3) Allow yourself to have some downtime–it’s okay. Have a wonderful year!

You can sign up for tutoring through the Connors Family Learning Center’s website here http://bit.ly/BC-connors. There is a button at the top-right corner of the website that says “Book at Tutoring Appointment.”

IDK, but with the wide availability of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, it’s hard to see why you’d need anything else. Here’s an ebook about caffeine chemistry:bit.ly/bcl-caffeine-chemistry, and some fun books on the history of coffee: bit.ly/bcl-coffee-history .

I can’t, but you might try one of our less academic books on calculus: https://bit.ly/bc-calculus

I understand why you don’t understand! Though it’s the basis of a lot of computer-based composition sounds it isn’t well documented. Its development seems to be attributed primarily to Trevor Wishart, and here’s his own explanation: bit.ly/wishart-wavesets, full of references to other texts you might find helpful.

Read the syllabus. Turn in your work on time. Ask questions about things that genuinely interest you. If you talk a lot in class discussion, maybe try being a little quieter and letting classmates speak; if you don’t, try speaking up a little more. Be a good human.

Final exams are scheduled by the Registrar’s Office and are related to class meeting times. If you have more than 2 exams on one day, or 2 exams scheduled for the same time, see the Multiple Exam Policy: bit.ly/BC2ManyExams. Wishing you as peaceful an exam period as possible!

The textbook (Rudin) was excellent, for one thing. I don’t know if they used that in your class though.

It’s a hard place tio be in, and a difficult decision. Please schedule time with your advisor and talk over your options thoroughly. I hope you stay; each and every one of you is part of what makes BC what it is.