Category: Academics & Studying

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How do I stop myself from procrastinating?

How do I stop myself from procrastinating? LOL even when I try to start my work early it never seems to help! :)
How do I stop myself from procrastinating? LOL even when I try to start my work early it never seems to help! 🙂

Get the assignment, the readings, data, etc. that you need for the project assembled on your desk/open on your computer. Open up whatever software you’ll be using to complete the project and create the file. Now you’re off to a running start. Or try working with a friend to hold yourselves accountable to deadlines (and set those deadlines comfortably ahead of due dates, because…. things happen.) And consider Academic Coaching at the CFLC to develop good time management habits: bit.ly/BC-connors.

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Why can’t I focus on study when I stay with my friends???

Why can't I focus on study when I stay with my friends???
Why can’t I focus on study when I stay with my friends???

Because they are great friends and just too much fun! Three possible solutions: find some study buddies who aren’t your regular friends, but are very serious students; make a pact with your friends to study for x amount of time and reward yourselves with a specific fun activity; or make studying a solitary habit, and meet up with your friends later.

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If a class is marked as I (Incomplete) this semester … what would be its grade on this semester GPA

If a class is marked as I (Incomplete) this semester and will get updated next semester, what would be its grade on this semester GPA (will it count?)
If a class is marked as I (Incomplete) this semester and will get updated next semester, what would be its grade on this semester GPA (will it count?)

I checked with my contacts in the Academic Advising Center, and they told me that, for this semester, it will not have a numerical value or affect your GPA. Once the grade is given next semester, it will count towards your GPA.

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Umm… Don’t know what to major in.. I like philosophy but don’t wanna be jobless.

Umm... Don't know what to major in.. I like philosophy but don't wanna be jobless.
Umm… Don’t know what to major in.. I like philosophy but don’t wanna be jobless.

Your major does not limit you to a particular career. A few careers require a particular major, but even with some of those you can go back and fill in necessary classes later. It’s worthwhile to explore what you can do with a philosophy major with a counselor at the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career). You may appreciate this interactive site on where BC grads land by major: bit.ly/MajorToJob. The #1 answer may surprise you!

Philosophy is a great major! many aspects/jobs include philosophy, do what you like --Philosophy Senior
Philosophy is a great major! many apects/jobs include philosophy, do what you like –Philosophy Senior

Totally agree. Philosophy blends well with lots of careers. Stop by BC’s Career Center and talk with a coach about what sorts of things philosophy grads do. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. http://bit.ly/CareerCtrMajors

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I’m a senior + need to overload to graduate. anyway to register for a 6th class before the 1st week of next semester?

I'm a senior + need to overload to graduate. anyway to register for a 6th class before the 1st week of next semester?
I’m a senior + need to overload to graduate. anyway to register for a 6th class before the 1st week of next semester?

I confirmed with the Academic Advising Center that you do need to wait until then. They also wanted to let you know that if you have below a 3.0, you would need to get an overload approval form filled out and signed by the Academic Dean.

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I’m having a hard time @ BC right now-with classes, friends, clubs, & social life. Any advice?

I'm having a hard time @ BC right now-with classes, friends, clubs, & social life. Any advice? Also, how does everyone seem so put together? (Response: Do your work right after class, use a calendar, start projects/ studying papers 1 week before Don't feel like you're not allowed to take a break from the BC bubble once and a while
I’m having a hard time @ BC right now-with classes, friends, clubs, & social life. Any advice? Also, how does everyone seem so put together? (Response: Do your work right after class, use a calendar, start projects/ studying papers 1 week before Don’t feel like you’re not allowed to take a break from the BC bubble once and a while

BC culture puts a high value on seeming like you have everything together, all the time. Almost no-one does, and, if you look at what your peers post to me, you’ll see there are a lot of hidden problems. But BC also has a lot of various types of help available to you, and I hope you take advantage: CFLC for peer tutoring (bit.ly/BC-connors), University Counseling to discuss having a hard time with everything (bit.ly/BC-counseling).

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What is the uncertainty principle? also, can you help me study for the Wolfman Chem I exam?

What is the uncertainty principle? also, can you help me study for the Wolfman Chem I exam?
What is the uncertainty principle? also, can you help me study for the Wolfman Chem I exam?

The uncertainty principle states that the position of an object cannot be known simultaneously with its momentum. The more precisely one quantity can be determined, the less precisely the other is known. In terms of helping you study, yes we can. I am certain of that (see what I did there?… I am “certain” of that… got it?…) You can contact the Connors Family Center, located at O’Neill’s second floor. They offer tutoring assistance in general and organic Chemistry. bit.ly/BC-connors

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What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?
What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

I’m sorry you’re getting such insufficient sleep at night that you’re falling asleep in class. I think your concern should be more about missing the most crucial hours of your BC education than about your professor’s attitudes, which could be any mix of annoyance, disregard, or concern. I do recommend apologizing to your professor & explaining the reason. I know one college teacher who had been annoyed about a sleeping student until he found out the student was working a full-time night job to pay tuition. If your reasons are less noble, maybe don’t mention them, but commit to changing habits so you can stay awake.

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How do people do well in Orgo?

How do people do well in Orgo?
How do people do well in Orgo?

Orgo is one of the subjects I hear about frequently. Most students find it challenging. Things that can help are: forming a study group, getting peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors), and going to your professor’s office hours and asking questions. But there’s no getting around the need to spend a lot of time studying. Best of luck!

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How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?

How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?
How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?

First, check the syllabus. There are many possible scenarios for those who have a rocky start; the exams may not have equal weight, the professor may consider improvement in the second exam, they may give options for extra credit. If that’s not the case, I recommend going the the professor’s office hours and having a frank discussion. And, of course, peer tutoring is available at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors).

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How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?

How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?
How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?

Write them at a rate of 1.5 papers per day? You could try asking for an extension. But it sounds like you could use some support with time management. Academic Coaching at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) can give you some ideas for how to not wind up in this situation next time.

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People around always make me laugh.

People around always make me laugh. I can't study!!
People around always make me laugh. I can’t study!!

It’s really a great thing that you get so much joy from your fellow students, but I can see how this could become a problem. Can you explain the situation to your study friends, and ask them to help you out with a more serious environment… just while you’re studying? Afterwards, they can revert to being their hysterically funny selves.

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prove by induction that…

prove by induction that l + r +r^2 + ... r^n = (r^(n+1)-1)/(r-1) for all n ∈ N and numbers r≠1
prove by induction that l + r +r^2 + … r^n = (r^(n+1)-1)/(r-1) for all n ∈ N and numbers r≠1

I could answer this, but I’m concerned that maybe you can’t, and you need to be able to. How about getting some friendly peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors)?

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Best way to study for finance?

Best way to study for finance? Yes tutors and reading work helps but what else? (Som student strategying here)
Best way to study for finance? Yes tutors and reading work helps but what else? (Som student strategying here)

Everyone’s best way to study is a little different, so continuing to experiment is a good idea. Some people remember better when they write things down, some when they speak them aloud. Some people need to study different subjects different: one of my helpers who is good with history and English discovered that if he spent four times as much study time on his math courses that his grades went up dramatically. BC also has hundreds of books on study skills–take a look at a few and try a few of their suggestions out. bit.ly/bc-study

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I already had to take 4 years of Theology…

I already had to take 4 years of Theology in High School. Is there any way to fight the system so i don't have to retake it here? I already speak another language kunama. I know that I have to prove I can speak it, but there aren't that many Kunama people. How can I pass the language require[ment]?
I already had to take 4 years of Theology in High School. Is there any way to fight the system so i don’t have to retake it here? I already speak another language kunama. I know that I have to prove I can speak it, but there aren’t that many Kunama people. How can I pass the language require[ment]?

Your academic dean would be the person to contact regarding documenting your Kunama ability, and should also be able to rule on the theology requirement.

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日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。(I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese.)

日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。日本語を自然に話すようになりたい。I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese. I want to speak Japanese fluently.
日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。日本語を自然に話すようになりたい。(I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese. I want to speak Japanese fluently. )

What you probably need more than anything is conversation. There’s a Japan Club of BC, but it might be a little inactive. Try emailing them: jcbccontact@gmail.com. If you don’t get a response, try contacting the Office of Student Involvement: bc.edu/osi. Or you can check out these language resources: bit.ly/bc-japanese-resources. Or contact Asian Studies to see if they have additional solutions: bit.ly/bc-asian-studies

As VP of the Japan club, I can assure you that we are very active. Come check us out at Night Market Oct 24 6-8 PM at O'Neill Plaza!!
As VP of the Japan club, I can assure you that we are very active. Come check us out at Night Market Oct 24 6-8 PM at O’Neill Plaza!!

Ooooooh, I’m so embarrassed! (And so glad all these post-its cover my blushing!) My helpers should have looked into this more deeply. Well, now we all know! Find the Japanese Club (and many other cultural groups) at the Night Market on Oct 24: bit.ly/bc-night-market. Food! Games! Prizes!