You've made it through the first year of college: congratulations! Now is the time to:

1. Reassess the goals you made in your Freshman year and decide on your longer term goals and goals for this year (that hopefully move you towards those longer term goals). Did you meet your goals last year ? Have your goals changed ? Modify the ones that need modifying. If you are not reaching your academic goals, "I'm going to do better" usually doesn't cut it. Work with your academic advisor, professors and the Academic Resource Center to develop a concrete plan for improving your academic performance.

2. Further your career investigation. It's very difficult to sit back and decide which career you'd like to pursue when you may not even know a particular career exists and/or you haven't experienced it. During your Freshman year you educated yourself about what career options are available. Now is the time to get some real world experience to see whether or not you might enjoy a particular career. Think about getting involved in some research, doing an internship or volunteering. Information about internships and summer programs is posted in the hall by the stairwell on the 3rd floor of Monroe. Most summer programs have a Jan. - Mar. application deadline. Information about career seminars is posted in the hall outside the Biology office and on the Biology Web site. The Internet and the Counseling and Career Services Center are also good sources of information about internships and volunteer opportunities.

3. Begin to explore graduate and professional schools. Next year you will need to begin applying so now is the time to "do your homework" and begin to research graduate and professional schools. If you are interested in Medical School, it's a good time to gain experience in a medical setting by doing some volunteer work. Follow the guidelines for Sophomore year in the Pre-Health Professions handbook. Check the web for professional organizations in your area of interest. Write to people in these organizations to learn the best way to prepare for a career in your chosen area and to find the best graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.

4. If you are interested in participating in original research and/or completing the Honors Program in Biology, finalize plans and begin undergraduate research with a Loyola faculty member or an off-campus investigator.

last updated 5/20/2001