10 Signs Finals Are Almost Upon Us

This is it, we're getting ready to head into the final week of classes. And a quick look around campus will prove that finals are almost here. So, here are 10 ways you can tell that the end of term is on its way:

1. People you’ve never seen before show up to class.

2. Tim Horton’s/Starbucks/Second Cup/anywhere-you get-your-caffeine-fix line-ups are suddenly SO long that you’re sure you aged 10 years while waiting for your double-double.

3. You have bursts of motivation where you manage to convince yourself that the only way you’ll ever finish your paper is by sitting in a cubicle. You're determined not to leave until you’ve finished…

… only to realize that, after three hours and only two sentences, this wasn’t a good idea.

4. You realize you and your friends might not be as alike as you thought.

You:

Them:

5. Conversations with your parents start to go like this:

Them: “We haven’t seen you in WEEKS, honey!”


You (rather than explain ALL that you have to do):

6. Tents start popping up in all the libraries on campus… and no one asks any questions. #desperatetimes 

7. There’s that one class you’ve just given up on…

What you think the professor is saying:

What the professor’s actually saying:

(Okay, maybe not. But your professor is there to help you, so ask for help if you need it and while you still can!)

You:

8. You realize that your notes are not as helpful as you thought, with missing pages, half-finished sentences and confusing abbreviations you don’t even remember making. 

9. Your eClass forum/email is suddenly flooded with frantic requests from students, all in the same position as you, and you’re just like:

10. Somewhere along the line, you get overwhelmed just THINKING about all that you have to do, and the apathy slowly starts to creep in… until you hear yourself saying:

But then you realize that you’re AWESOME and your exams are no match for you! So you buckle down…

So, how does this story end? In a good way I hope, with us traipsing happily into the sunset with our stellar grades and most importantly, FREEDOM, in tow. Even though the next three weeks might look like this:

We can all do it! #rootingforUAlberta

Aala - YouAlberta Contributor

Hi! My name is Aala, and I’m in my final year of the Neuroscience program [insert other random but completely boring things about me that make your eyes glaze over]. Now, onto the real important stuff: any doctors out there reading this? I’ve got a serious case of wanderlust-itis, and I was wondering if there were any immediate cures? Because it’s got me on Pinterest, pinning images of places I’ll likely only visit in my dreams, when I should be paying close attention as my physiology professor goes over the role of CCK in the digestive system FOR THE THIRD TIME. Sigh. At any point during the day, you most definitely can find me in the lineup for Tim Horton’s (ANY Tim Horton’s really, I’ve got quite a radar for it) getting my daily Iced Capp fix.

I Failed a Midterm... So What?

Okay, so maybe the title of this post is a little misleading, mainly because it makes it seem like I’m entirely too nonchalant when it comes to the topic of midterms, when I’m not. But after four years of university, where I’ve had my fair share of time mismanagement, poorly-planned all-nighters, XL coffees and countless printer mishaps, I’d like to think that I’ve mastered the whole ‘look at the bigger picture’ perspective on life.  And I can tell you, that outlook will come in handy if you receive a mark on an exam that is less than stellar. 

How was I finally able to adopt this mentality, you ask? Well, I can tell you it didn’t happen overnight; it was, and still is, a long process that began when I first became a bright-eyed (read: eager and annoying) first year student. You know, before that fourth-year apathy set in… which I can’t promise won’t seep into this particular post. Anyway, after years of learning from mistakes, here are some things I’ve realized definitely help when it comes to softening the blow of that horrible mark.

1. Wait until you actually get your exam grade back. 

Many of us have had this experience : you think you’ve failed an exam (O Chem, anyone?), only to realize that you didn’t do so bad after all. That’s right, you actually got a decent mark and  you’re pretty much  on cloud nine for the rest of the day/month/year. So, wait until you get your actual mark back before you start jumping to conclusions. You might be pleasantly surprised (I’m rooting for you, buddy!).

2. Distance yourself from it for a bit… until you can think clearly. 

That’s right. Close that eClass tab immediately. Delete the 16 drafts you’ve made of the same frantic email to your professor, from “WHAT MARK DO I NEED TO GET ON THE FINAL TO PASS THIS CLASS?!?!” to “YOUR CLASS IS RUINING MY LIFE.” Those emails aren’t helping much; they’re only calling your sanity into question. But in all seriousness, there’s a reason professors and TAs usually ask that you refrain from emailing or setting up appointments immediately after receiving marks for exams. Once you’ve had a chance to compose yourself and to calm down a little, that’s when you should visit your prof or TA to have them go over the exam with you. It gives you time to look the exam over with fresh eyes, and see exactly what you did wrong, and why… which leads us to the next point. 

3. Ask yourself why. 

Take some time to figure out why you did so poorly. Was it because you just didn’t study? Spent more time in the Tim Horton’s line than you did in class? Or maybe, is it because you just don’t get the material? Whatever the reason may be, figuring out why you did poorly on an exam is crucial, because it sheds light on what you should do next…

NOTE: If you believe that your grade is an unfair one (i.e. you think that you deserved a higher mark), then consider contacting the Student Ombudservice to learn about the steps that you can take to appeal your grade. 

4. Plan a course of action. 

If you did poorly because you didn’t study enough (or, didn’t have time to study at all for whatever reason), you can more than likely bounce back from this unfortunate setback. You may not get that A+, but it is definitely possible to get a great mark, even after bombing a midterm, given that most classes have several components that make up your overall mark; so chances are, you can compensate for a poor mark in one section with an excellent mark in another. But, that all depends on you and your work ethic. Are you willing to put in the time and effort to do well on your next assessment? Are you willing to adjust your study habits? Are you willing to give up those ‘group study sessions’ (which, if we’re really being honest here, is just two hours of showing each other the funniest YouTube videos you found that week… oh wait, you don’t do that too? Awkward…)?

If you’re just not getting the material, and you’ve decided to stick with the class and persevere (and I fully support this! #underdogsftw), it’s time to buckle down and be proactive. You’re going to need some help, and it’s a-okay to admit that (yes, even if you used to get 90s in highschool without cracking a textbook open…). Find out what resources are available to you, and USE THEM; please make sure that the resources you choose to use are helpful and suitable for you! (i.e. Maybe you’ve noticed that reading the entire textbook from cover to cover just doesn’t seem to work for you. Maybe, you’re better off understanding the material by watching YouTube tutorials- there are GREAT channels out there for specific topics covered in university-level classes- and doing practice problem sets. Try to figure out which method enables you to retain as much relevant material as possible). 

Don’t forget that your prof/TA are great resources too! As you go through the information covered in lectures, mark the areas that you don’t quite understand or are having trouble with, and set up an appointment with your professor and TA. Going with specific questions in mind saves a lot more time, for both you and your professor/TA, than going in and saying, “Tell me everything there is to know about [insert really broad and complex topic].” 

Image courtesy of forums.station.sony.com

Professors and TAs will likely be more than willing to help you, as long as you put in the effort. If you feel like you might need more one-on-one help, finding a tutor might be a good idea (or, maybe even someone you know who has taken the course and can give you pointers about how to study for it). InfoLink can probably help you both of those (sort of) – the Tutor Registry should connect you with tutors who have been trained to help you AND who’ve received at least a B in the course before. The Exam Registry can also be a handy tool for learning what kind of questions you should be planning for ahead of an exam (which makes for great study material).

Another option: 

Sign up for review sessions/help sessions offered by groups like the  Math and Applied Science Centre (MASC), the Centre for Writers (C4W), and the Student Success Centre. Student Support and Disability Services (SSDS) is another great place to check-in with since they can help identify learning disabilities that might be impacting your exam skills. (i.e. they can help identify if a student needs a special environment to write an exam in and can also help determine if a student needs any special supports to improve their learning environment.)

Something that works for me: 

Making a concept map for any broad or large topics covered in lecture that I’m having trouble with. Like I’ve mentioned before, I have to be able to see the ‘bigger picture’ before I can even begin to grasp the details, and concept maps help me do this. It may seem like a pain, but knowing how each topic (and subtopics) relate to the take-home message a professor is most likely trying to get across helps *me* a lot during exams (especially in long-answer questions, as profs tend to ask questions that require you to relate multiple concepts). Not only that, but if you blank during an exam, you’ll at least be able to attempt the questions, since you know all of the big concepts!  

If you feel like you’re trying your best, and you’re still not getting the material, don’t become disheartened. So many students have come across classes that have given them a hard time, so you’re definitely not alone!

5. Sometimes, the best course of action is withdrawal. 

In my honest opinion, a W on your transcript is a thousand times better (and easier to explain) than an F, not to mention that a W doesn’t affect your GPA or academic standing. Sometimes, getting out while you’re ahead is the best thing to do. Again, this requires you to be honest with yourself: can you do better on the final exam (or, any of the remaining assessments), and will this be enough to get the mark that you need? Maybe, you’re taking a full course-load along with many other extra-curricular commitments, and the material covered in that one class just isn’t making sense at all! It’s totally okay to admit you’re in over your head, as long as you do that while you still have the chance…. Deadline to withdraw is April 1st! Before withdrawing though, try to see your academic advisor. They’ll be able to help talk you through your situation and will help you determine if the W is really your best option this time around. Also, you might want to consider the financial repercussions before you withdraw.


NOTE: If you aren’t sure who or where your academic advisor is, check with InfoLink. They’ll point you to the right person.

6. PROCRASTINATION IS YOUR WORST ENEMY. 

This one’s self-explanatory. If you have any hopes of doing well in the class, you can’t leave anything to chance from this point forward. Cancel that subscription to Netflix if you have to!

Finally, I ask the most important question: what’s one exam in the grand scheme of things anyway? Don’t fear failure, guys and girls! Use it to your advantage:

Image courtesy of wifflegif.com

And with that, I wish you all good luck on your finals! May your prof’s practice exams ACTUALLY mirror the real thing… 

Aala - YouAlberta Blogger

Aala is in her final year of the Neuroscience program [insert other random but completely boring things about her that make your eyes glaze over]. Now, onto the real important stuff: any doctors out there reading this? She's got a serious case of wanderlust-itis, and was wondering if there were any immediate cures? Because it’s got her on Pinterest, pinning images of places she’ll likely only visit in her dreams, when she should be paying close attention as her physiology professor goes over the role of CCK in the digestive system. FOR THE THIRD TIME. Sigh. At any point during the day, you can most definitely find her in the lineup for Tim Horton’s (ANY Tim Horton’s really, she's got quite a radar for it) getting her daily Iced Capp fix. 

4 Reasons Why Job Shadowing Is a Great Idea

So, we’re in the midst of Job Shadow Week here at the U of A. (And yes, you did read that correctly... it isn't just Reading Week.) Maybe this is the first time you’re hearing about it; or maybe you’ve already signed up, except you’re now on the fence about participating because you realized that you actually wanted to spend the entirety of Reading Week catching up on all the sleep you’ve missed… Regardless, I’m here to tell you why job shadowing is a GIANT step in the right direction! 

1. You’ll learn more about a career you’re interested in, and see if it’s really for you. 

There’s the “I KNOW I want to be a lawyer because of Harvey Specter” kind of sure, and then there’s the “I want to be a lawyer because I spent an entire week with a real lawyer, and I know exactly what I’m getting myself into” kind of sure. If you’re an indecisive person like I am, or trying to weed out one of many options in terms of which career you’d like to pursue, job shadowing is a must, because it’ll ultimately help you make more of an informed decision. Even if you’re part of the 0.1% (of the undergraduate population) that are 100% certain about the direction they want to head in career-wise, job shadowing will - at the very least - help you become even more at ease with your decision. 

2. You’ll begin building a list of networking contacts.

Job shadowing, in some ways, will allow you to get your foot in the door (this is more relevant for some careers than others). You’ll meet people who are where you’d like to be in a few years, in addition to your mentor. This will give you a head-start in terms of building a list of contacts in a career you’re interested in, which is ALWAYS a good idea. Think of it as a (growing) list of people that you can contact to find out more information, and each will likely have different things to tell you, all of which are helpful and relevant to your own experience.

3. You gain relevant experience.

Even though job shadowing is rarely longer than a week, experience is experience. This may be a little blurb you add on your resume, but it shows future employers that you took the initiative and went out of your way to learn more, and that you’ve experienced the profession at a daily level. And, if you ever interview for a job similar to the one you shadowed, it’ll give you more talking points during the interview; you’ll be able to show the interviewer that you know exactly what the job entails, giving you a more confident air. 

4. It might provide a way for you to get an internship. 

Internships are the best way for entry-level candidates to gain experience, and more often than not, lead to more solid job offers. Impressing your job shadowing mentor and showing potential could result in an internship opportunity. Not because your mentor will be able to offer you the position during the shadowing, but if internship opportunities were available and you submitted an application, you would likely be more distinguished than other candidates because: a) you’ve already been exposed to the inner workings of the organization/company, and b) your mentor will be able to vouch for you, in a sense. 



For those of you who are on the fence, I hope I’ve made a great case for job shadowing. And for those of you who weren’t even considering it in the first place, well… CONSIDER IT, because the opportunity will present itself next year, and you’ll probably want to be a part of it. Job shadowing can be extremely beneficial, as long as you know exactly what you’d like to gain from the experience: ideally, you want your questions (about a career) answered by someone who has a ton of experience in that field. So, knowing exactly what you’d like to know more about, and how your mentor can help, can make the job shadowing experience a lot easier for both you and your mentor. Questions are your best friend when it comes to job shadowing!

Aala - YouAlberta Blogger

Aala is in her final year of the Neuroscience program [insert other random but completely boring things about her that make your eyes glaze over]. Now, onto the real important stuff: any doctors out there reading this? She's got a serious case of wanderlust-itis, and was wondering if there were any immediate cures? Because it’s got her on Pinterest, pinning images of places she’ll likely only visit in her dreams, when she should be paying close attention as her physiology professor goes over the role of CCK in the digestive system. FOR THE THIRD TIME. Sigh. At any point during the day, you can most definitely find her in the lineup for Tim Horton’s (ANY Tim Horton’s really, she's got quite a radar for it) getting her daily Iced Capp fix. 

How YOU Can Get An Excellent Reference Letter

I know you’ve only just gotten used to setting the alarm for your classes in the new term, but have you forgotten that JOB-HUNTING AND APPLICATION SEASON HAS LONG BEGUN? To those of you who’ve already begun the process, that’s great! And to those of you who haven’t –well, I can hear your exasperated sighs from here. But don’t shoot the messenger or anything, especially when that messenger has some great pointers you can use to help secure a job once you graduate (or that summer position you’ve been eyeing, if you’re in the middle of your undergrad). What makes me such an expert, you ask? Literally nothing. I’m in the same boat as you, so take my advice at your own risk! (Just kidding, I’ve spent hours reading articles and Ted Talks titled ‘How To Win In Life’ etc. so I’m pretty much qualified in this area…).


Editor's note: You might want to check out CAPS resources too... helping you get a job, etc. is what they after all what they do.

If you know anything about applying for jobs, graduate school and the like, you’ll know that there are many different topics to look at. For that reason, I’ve chosen to focus on one of the things that matters the most in the application process: reference and recommendation letters. Whether it’s for an entry-level position at a large company or a spot in a professional program, you’re not only guaranteed to be asked for a reference, but reference and recommendation letters are in large part considered the ‘make it or break it’ aspect of your application. A great reference letter can push you miles ahead and act as a means to distinguish you from the rest of your peers, while one that is mediocre may actually keep you from achieving what you’d like to (especially in cases when the sheer volume of applications makes standing out even more of a must). So, what should you consider? 

Choose your referee wisely. 

The majority of referees asked for (almost always two out of the three) are of the academic variety when applying to a professional program. In this case, your referees should consist of those who can comment on your academic ability, whether or not you can handle the workload of the program you’ve chosen to apply to, and they’ll need to vouch for your dedication and enthusiasm for the subject matter. So, getting an A in a fourth year class of 20 students may get you a reference letter, but it may not be a great one. This is simply because your academic referees should be those who know you well and whom you’ve had an opportunity to work with in some way beyond the classroom (to showcase your work ethic and critical thinking skills), and of course, whom you’ve had a positive impression on! The likelihood that you’ll receive a generic ‘Student X’ reference letter decreases significantly if your referee knows you well.

If you’re thinking, “Uh… well, I’m in my fourth year, and I’ve only just started thinking about grad school…” have no fear! There are a number of classes you can take at the fourth year level (in many programs, and even at the second year level) that will allow you to work in a lab with a supervisor, with whom you can build a relationship. These courses will also help to increase your personal and professional skills in the program(s) that interest you. This serves as the perfect opportunity for you to not only find a referee (as long as you make a good impression by being professional and taking initiative), but should also let you learn more about what careers are out there for your program (plus, you’re getting credit for it, so two birds with one stone, that kinda thing). Try to sign up for these classes in the semester before your application is due, so that you have your references in time for your application submission. Keep in mind that you can also volunteer to work with professors (usually in their labs and in their studies) and that it isn’t a must to take these classes (for those who learn about this opportunity past the Add/Drop deadline). 

Note: Please do not sign up for these classes just for an easy A or a reference letter. Often, these classes require a significant number of hours and dedication, and taking these classes without being interested can prove to be a long and gruelling semester. Also, professors generally aren’t required to write a reference letter for you – they do it out of their own will, so take that into consideration when signing up! 

Generally, a referee who knows you well (not only your character, but career aspirations too, and ideally, how your work with them has led you closer to your goals), and whom you’ve made a positive impression on (due to your professionalism, enthusiasm and initiative) will undoubtedly help you get an excellent reference letter! 

I’ve focused on academic references, but don’t forget that at least one of your referees can be non-academic. This gives you a lot more leeway in terms of who you can ask to be your reference (let’s keep your sweet old Grandma out of this one, okay?). Ideally, the referee you choose in this category should add to the picture you’ve painted for the admissions committee in terms of who you are as a person. Maybe you were involved in an interesting project that you’re passionate about that isn’t necessarily related to the position or program you’re applying to; asking a superior who took part in this project to be one of your referees would likely be a good idea, as it would show the admissions or hiring committee where your passions lie (outside of your career), giving you a more well-rounded (read: interesting and memorable) application. 

Plan ahead and ask early.

Give the referee ample time to write your letter. Not only does it look unprofessional to ask for a letter days (or even a week or two) before the deadline, but it is highly likely that your referee may not be able to write the letter in time due to prior commitments, leaving you scrambling at the last second (and worse case scenario, with an unfinished application). Furthermore, the more time a referee has to write your letter, the more thoughtful and indicative of your potential it will be. No one wants a generic reference letter; avoid unnecessary stress and ask at least a month or two in advance.

Also, it might be a good idea to follow-up with your referee. Check-in with them as the deadline draws near: a) to make sure that they haven’t forgotten (which is unlikely, but these things do happen) and b) to answer any questions they may have regarding your application. It may even be helpful to provide them with your resume/CV, as well as the copy of your application so that they understand what the recommendation letter is for (and their role in the process).

Make sure the rest of your application is up to par! 

An excellent reference letter is always great to have, but it can only do so much. It can help you distinguish yourself from your peers, but it likely will not wholly make up for the other parts of your application – meaning: make sure you put just as much work into the rest of your application as you did in your reference letters!

And there you have it folks… I bid you farewell in these scary, dark times known as the “I-have-a-bachelor’s-degree-but-I’m-tweeting-#OnMyGrind-whilst-clocking-in-at-McDonald’s” age. May the odds be ever in your favour!

Aala - YouAlberta Blogger

Aala is in her final year of the Neuroscience program [insert other random but completely boring things about her that make your eyes glaze over]. Now, onto the real important stuff: any doctors out there reading this? She's got a serious case of wanderlust-itis, and was wondering if there were any immediate cures? Because it’s got her on Pinterest, pinning images of places she’ll likely only visit in her dreams, when she should be paying close attention as her physiology professor goes over the role of CCK in the digestive system. FOR THE THIRD TIME. Sigh. At any point during the day, you can most definitely find her in the lineup for Tim Horton’s (ANY Tim Horton’s really, she's got quite a radar for it) getting her daily Iced Capp fix. 

Fall Break Study Tip Ideas (In Cartoon Form!)

The YouAlberta team was asked to provide some pieces of study advice based on how they get through midterms, and this is the result... in cartoon form:

(Note: Coffee appears a lot...)

Step 1: Wake up early

Step 2: Make some coffee

Step 3: Go to class

Step 4: Consider a late afternoon nap (or at least crave one...)

Step 5: Check your "To Do" list

Step 6: Find some caffeine

______________________________________________________

When you need to study....

Start by organizing your notes.

Try working out to relax.

Eat healthy study snacks.

Go to class. (This one usually helps.)

Take 10 minute study breaks every 3... hours? Possibly every 30 minutes? Preferably not every 30 hours...

Go to your prof's office hours if you need help with a concept.

And finally... get some sleep.

______________________________________________________________

Panel 1: Wake up early

Panel 2: REALLY early (the clock says "6:00am")

Panel 3: That might be going to class...

Panel 4: Understand a concept... or ask a question?

Panel 5: Study 

Panel 6: Realize you need a break

Panel 7: Head to a coffee line

Panel 8: Take a study/coffee break with a friend

___________________________________________________________________

"Take a Fake Break"

Panel 1: Study like you normally would

Panel 2: Think of a creative way to review your material

Panel 3: In this case, find a resource (like a neuro-anatomy colouring book)

Panel 4: There's the resource

Panel 5: Enjoy taking in the info you need to study differently (in this case, by colouring neuro-anatomy instead of just re-reading your notes)

___________________________________________________________

"How to Survive Midterms (And How Not To)"

Try: Making an Epic Study Plan for yourself

Try: Eating healthy snacks (and yes, there is more coffee in there)

Don't try: Having a Netflix marathon instead of reading

Try: Studying in the library

Don't try: Having a disco wine party the night before your exam

Try: Sleeping the night before your exam

__________________________________________________________________

"Cramming The Night Before An Exam: You Probably Shouldn't"

Panel 1: Realizing that you need to start studying late at night (likely not a good idea)

Panel 2: Studying (a good idea... but probably not late at night)

Panel 3: Time passes

Panel 4: You'll likely start to feel exhausted

Panel 5: More time passes

Panel 6: Move to a different study spot (this could actually be helpful... moving around a little and having a change of scene can be useful)

Panel 7: That could be the sun coming up... or it could be your notes heading out a window... either way, likely not helpful

Panel 8: Realizing that you've been up all night studying can be stressful. 

The bottom line: Avoid being in a situation where you have to cram the night before. Start studying early, break things down into sections to review, and make sure that you take care of yourself.

_________________________________________________________________

This one probably needs a little more explanation....

Step 1: Wake up form a good night's rest

Step 2: Eat a healthy breakfast

Step 3: Attend a review session for your class

Step 4: Study in the library

Step 5: Have a coffee/study break with a friend

Step 6: Study in the library again

Step 7: Work out at the gym.... that's honestly the suggestion here. Honestly. 

Step 8: Get a good night's rest and repeat.

----

So to summarize: 

Stay well rested, eat properly (yes you do need to eat properly), take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it (because it's always okay to ask for help), give yourself a break when you need one, and take your time.