Category: Academics & Studying

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I am so tired of having endless commitments and work

I am so tired of having endless commitments and work
I am so tired of having endless commitments and work

I think T.S. Eliot was wrong about which month is cruelest, at least for college students and professors! October’s a busy month, for sure. When things calm down a little, take some time for yourself to reflect on what’s most important to you; you might find some of your commitments can be adjusted to fit your priorities. Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed comes from making someone else’s priorities your own. Also, it’s important to take breaks, even if it means having to tell someone that the thing that was going to be ready Friday will have to wait ’til Monday. I hope you can put this tired & busy time behind you soon!

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I’m going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice?

I'm going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice? (I'm a girl tho) I don't know if it's an appropriate monologue for auditioning for a tragedy and I dunno if I'll be able to portray Mercutio. But I like it.
I’m going to audition for Hamlet in less than two weeks. Do you think the Queen Mab speech is a good choice? (I’m a girl tho) I don’t know if it’s an appropriate monologue for auditioning for a tragedy and I dunno if I’ll be able to portray Mercutio. But I like it.

There’s a pretty good Reddit thread with advice on auditioning for Shakespeare, and you’ve already avoided pitfall #1–doing something from the play you’re auditioning for. bit.ly/bc-mab. We’ve also got a few books on auditioning for Shakespeare that look good, with some collections of scenes for auditions: bit.ly/bc-shakes. The Reddit advice is to pick something similar to your age and gender, but I’d think some gender fluidity would not be amiss. Break a leg!

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I don’t know what I’m feeling…I’ve been so stressed now I seem detached from myself.

I don't know what I'm feeling...I've been so stressed now I seem detached from myself.
I don’t know what I’m feeling…I’ve been so stressed now I seem detached from myself.

Stress is tough, and fall semester is for sure the season for it. Try doing some things to take care of yourself physically. Are you hungry? Tired? Feeling cold or hot? If so, try fixing them and see if you feel a little less detached. I’m a wall, so I don’t need exercise, but I hear it’s good for humans. If it’s deeper than that, or if that feeling continues for a while, it’s a good idea to check in with BC Health Services (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth) to make sure everything’s OK, or to chat with Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling), because stress is a common trigger for depression and other mental health issues which are super-common among students and faculty both.

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Can’t focus on what I supposed to be focused on? how to fix?

Can't focus on what I supposed to be focused on? how to fix?
Can’t focus on what I supposed to be focused on? how to fix?

Physical and mental health issues can have a negative effect on your ability to concentrate. But there are other reasons as well. You may be tired, stressed, bored, inundated. (All very typical for busy students.) Things that can help: Step away for a little bit. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and good food and just generally take care of yourself. If it’s something big you need to focus on, try breaking it down into smaller bits; a feeling of accomplishment as you go through different steps can truly help. Try eliminating some of the distractions; e.g., turn off your cell! These things can help reduce stress too … not to mention a visit with Joe the therapy dog on Friday. If you think this is a serious problem, please contact Counseling Services at bit.ly/BC-counseling.

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It’s so hard to keep on top of things.

It's so hard to keep on top of things. I just discovered I have my theatre run lab throughout the next 2 weeks. Bye, Fall break!
It’s so hard to keep on top of things. I just discovered I have my theatre run lab throughout the next 2 weeks. Bye, Fall break!

You students are so busy; honestly, I don’t know how you handle everything, though you all seem to do a good job at it. I am sorry you will be missing out on Fall Break because of your theatre lab. I hope you find that experience enjoyable and I hope you find at least some time to get off campus and do something fun, be it a walk around the reservoir, or a visit to a museum, or shopping and eating–whatever is good for you. And of course, I will be here if you need to vent or talk!

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What is the point of a double major?!

What is the point of a double major?!
What is the point of a double major?!

It’s just so hard to choose one! Seriously, though, it keeps options open in more than one area, gives you the background to research issues in an interdisciplinary way, allows you to follow two separate passions, and impresses Grandma…? But don’t feel that it’s a necessity or that everyone double majors – talk with your advisor and do what’s right for you.

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I just screwed up my midterm for Perspective class what should I do?

I just screwed up my midterm for Perspective class what should I do?
I just screwed up my midterm for Perspective class what should I do?

Wall hugs to you; having a midterm go all wrong can seem overwhelming. I would recommend you first be kind to yourself; everyone has a bad exam now and then. Then meet with your professor and ask for advice on overcoming this one bad test, go to the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors) for peer tutoring, and maybe touch base with your Academic Advisor about how things are going over all.

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I have my first midterm this Wednesday :( freshman!

I have my first midterm this Wednesday :( freshman! [you got this!
I have my first midterm this Wednesday 🙁 freshman! [you got this! <3 <3]

If you have been keeping up with the work and studying, you should be fine. Remember to get a good night’s sleep and have something to eat. It’s hard not to stress but try anyway. 8) Breathe. It’s only a midterm. I too have faith in you: you got this! Let me know how it goes. <3 <3 <3

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I have a really bad headache and I still need to study for my midterm :( wish me good luck

I have a really bad headache and I still need to study for my midterm :( wish me good luck
I have a really bad headache and I still need to study for my midterm 🙁 wish me good luck

Good luck! I don’t have a head, but if I did, I think it would be very hard to think if it ached. I hope you find both relief from the headache and a way to study effectively in spite of it. If your headaches are chronic or frequent, perhaps you can get a referral from BC Health to the headache clinic at nearby Brigham & Women’s hospital: bit.ly/BW-headache.

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Does study abroad cost a lot?

Does study abroad cost a lot? I want to go but my family is struggling to pay the tuition @ BC already.
Does study abroad cost a lot? I want to go but my family is struggling to pay the tuition @ BC already.

It isn’t necessarily more expensive than staying at BC; please talk to the OIP Scholarship Advisor (bit.ly/BCAbroadFinances) before you decide it’s not possible for you.

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What do we do if we’re too cute for homework??? <3

What do we do if we're too cute for homework???
What do we do if we’re too cute for homework??? <3

Then it’s a really good thing that in college you have a bunch of different assignments (essays, readings, discussions, papers, projects, etc.) and not homework! 🙂 Seriously, there’s a lot more work to do in the college setting and you will need to be able to figure out how best you can address it all. The Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) has lots of great resources to add to that cuteness so you can do the best you can. P.S. I actually think all of the students who pass by me are kinda cute. <3 <3 <3

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What are some good books on how to read better/be more analytical?

What are some good books on how to read better/be more analytical?
What are some good books on how to read better/be more analytical?

For being more analytical: Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman (O’Neill Library BF441 .K238 2011). For reading: How to Read a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler (O’Neill Library & Theology & Ministry Library PN83 .A43 1972) For other, more practical recommendations, I’d advise a visit to the Academic Coach at the Connors Family Learning Center: bit.ly/BC-connors

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How to choose a major when you are a junior and don’t know yet?

How to choose a major when you are a junior and don't know yet?
How to choose a major when you are a junior and don’t know yet?

The Academic Advising Center has this wonderful piece on choosing a major: bit.ly/choose-major. It serves as a reminder that choosing a major isn’t the same as choosing a career and that you should study what brings you joy. The Center also has more resources at bit.ly/BC-academic-advising, including videos/transcripts of how other students have chosen (and changed) their majors. You can do it; I have faith in you! <3

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This question might be about the Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch).BC doesn’t have an Architecture School. B Arch is a 5 year professional degree, whereas the BS Arch is not. You can become a licensed architect with a B Arch but not BS Arch.

This question might be about the Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch).BC doesn't have an Architecture School. B Arch is a 5 year professional degree, whereas the BS Arch is not. You can become a licensed architect with a B Arch but not BS Arch.
This question might be about the Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch).BC doesn’t have an Architecture School. B Arch is a 5 year professional degree, whereas the BS Arch is not. You can become a licensed architect with a B Arch but not BS Arch.

Thanks for the additional information there. You’re probably right about what the original question was getting at. Northeastern, MIT, UMass Amherst, and BU all have architecture programs. Sadly for this wall, there are none at BC.