futuredoc Posted May 8, 2008 Report Posted May 8, 2008 I am a first year student currently doing an NSERC program during the summer. My supervisor is great, and is willing to let me stay in his lab during second year. At the same time however, I may also have the ability to volunteer as a peer counselor at my school. The problem is that I want to do both, and second year is apparently "the big one". What do you think I should do? Should I do both or just one (which)? Thanks!
Jamer Posted May 8, 2008 Report Posted May 8, 2008 I wouldn't do both, but I enjoy having a life. I don't know about you/your level of keeness towards school.
George Posted May 8, 2008 Report Posted May 8, 2008 There's definitely some value in keeping busy, and I would say it's totally "doable" - in second year I did something similar (probably more, come to think of it) and still managed my best year marks-wise. Edit: oh and I still managed to "have a life", too!
daryn Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 Do both. It's doable, as long as you like doing it.
Byrne Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 NSERC as a first year? That's unheard of at the school I'm working at.
a41 Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 NSERC as a first year? That's unheard of at the school I'm working at. Not many people like to stay in Kingston during the summer. I guess it depends on where it is.
ysk1 Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 No one can tell you whether you can manage both 2nd year and peer cousellor. Only you can tell because you are the one who knows yourself best. If you can handle it, then definitely do it. Peer counsellor is a great EC. Btw, what school do you go to?
In_Valid Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 NSERC as a first year? That's unheard of at the school I'm working at. Yea, I haven't heard of that before. First year students generally don't have the have enough background knowledge. But good for you! You must have been a super candidate! What sort of research are you doing?
In_Valid Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 I am a first year student currently doing an NSERC program during the summer. My supervisor is great, and is willing to let me stay in his lab during second year. At the same time however, I may also have the ability to volunteer as a peer counselor at my school. The problem is that I want to do both, and second year is apparently "the big one". What do you think I should do? Should I do both or just one (which)? Thanks! I'd do both... 2nd year isn't really that hard. If you manage your time right, you should be able to do both plus "have a life".
Guest begaster Posted May 9, 2008 Report Posted May 9, 2008 Start off with one, if you find yourself coping well, add a second one. All the ECs in the world won't mean a damn thing if your numbers slip.
futuredoc Posted May 13, 2008 Author Report Posted May 13, 2008 I am currently attending Dalhousie. I really want to do both programs (I love both!) and I think that I should be able to handle it. I was probably at 60% "capacity" (you know what I mean right) and I managed a 3.99/4.00 plus some decent volunteering and EC's. My efficiency was horrible though (I'm trying to fix that) and I hear that second year is approximately equal to death. On the plus side though I managed school and worked every weekend (no school work, just work ) so I only did school-related stuff on weekdays. I wish I was already in medical school, then I wouldn't have to worry so much...... PS: Good luck to all those pre-meds waiting for the letter. Hopefully the "pre" will come off!
In_Valid Posted May 14, 2008 Report Posted May 14, 2008 I am currently attending Dalhousie. I really want to do both programs (I love both!) and I think that I should be able to handle it. I was probably at 60% "capacity" (you know what I mean right) and I managed a 3.99/4.00 plus some decent volunteering and EC's. My efficiency was horrible though (I'm trying to fix that) and I hear that second year is approximately equal to death. On the plus side though I managed school and worked every weekend (no school work, just work ) so I only did school-related stuff on weekdays. I wish I was already in medical school, then I wouldn't have to worry so much...... PS: Good luck to all those pre-meds waiting for the letter. Hopefully the "pre" will come off! Seems like you have the right attitiude. Just keep on doing what you are doing and I'm sure you'll be fine.
Ella Shepherd Posted May 14, 2008 Report Posted May 14, 2008 I am a first year student currently doing an NSERC program during the summer. My supervisor is great, and is willing to let me stay in his lab during second year. At the same time however, I may also have the ability to volunteer as a peer counselor at my school. The problem is that I want to do both, and second year is apparently "the big one". What do you think I should do? Should I do both or just one (which)? Thanks! I know how you feel. 2nd year is "the big one" for me, too. So many really challenging subjects to take plus ECs. I have a professor who offered to let me join his lab during 2nd year. I'm looking forward to it. I'll also be spending more time with my 2 organizations this year and joining one more org that I really like. Plus some other stuff. It is hectic and it'll be tiring but since I like what I'm doing, it won't be so hard to deal with. I think that if you would like to, you should try doing both. It'll be a good experience.
Ella Shepherd Posted May 14, 2008 Report Posted May 14, 2008 I am currently attending Dalhousie. I really want to do both programs (I love both!) and I think that I should be able to handle it. I was probably at 60% "capacity" (you know what I mean right) and I managed a 3.99/4.00 plus some decent volunteering and EC's. My efficiency was horrible though (I'm trying to fix that) and I hear that second year is approximately equal to death. On the plus side though I managed school and worked every weekend (no school work, just work ) so I only did school-related stuff on weekdays. I wish I was already in medical school, then I wouldn't have to worry so much...... PS: Good luck to all those pre-meds waiting for the letter. Hopefully the "pre" will come off! Good luck! I can tell you're doing well. Don't forget to give yourself a break sometimes.
rogerroger Posted May 15, 2008 Report Posted May 15, 2008 I think it is doable if you are ok with having little free time. When I was in second year I was deeply involved in student politics as well as being a leader in a mentor program. I am no genius and I was able to finish with a 3.9 in second year. I just was very busy and slightly more stressed out.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.