pre med meeting

Overall Performance: The student reports that classes are going well, although there are notable challenges with the increased difficulty of Calculus II compared to AP Calculus taken the previous semester.
Specific Subject Difficulty:
- Calculus II: Described as a significant step up in complexity.
  - Student felt like they have to figure out how to cope with the higher demands of this course.
  - Experience transitioning from the easier AP Calculus to the more challenging Calculus II.
- Other Classes: No specific issues reported; overall good performance in other subjects.

Office Hours and Help Rooms: Student expresses intent to utilize office hours on Sundays for practice problems, indicating reliance on additional help when needed.
Use of Resources: Positive acknowledgment of help rooms and office hours as beneficial resources.

Major Focus: Student is considering taking a biology course but expresses general ambivalence towards current courses.
Interest in Neuro Classes: They indicate an ongoing interest in neuroscience classes but are also contemplating different options.

Pre-Med Target: The student confirms that they are on a premed track and are considering medical school, demonstrating foresight in their academic journey.
Pre-health Advising: Recent updates on advising opportunities were mentioned. Regular attendance at advising sessions is emphasized; specifics of this process include:
- Advising operates in 15-minute drop-in time slots on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Importance of GPS: The GPS is highlighted as a critical checklist tool for degree planning, which assists students in tracking their academic progress.
Four-Year Plan: Concept discussed about constructing a comprehensive four-year academic plan during the perspectives course taken that semester.
- Aids students to determine what major, electives, and minors have been completed and what remains.

Gap Year Decision: The student is leaning towards taking a gap year, with insights into preparing adequately for medical school applications and standardized tests like the MCAT.
- Mentions a toolkit class as helpful in preparing for the MCAT and applications.

Minor Exploration: The student shows interest in considering a minor in Compassionate Care Medicine, alongside a technology-focused minor.
- Expresses curiosity but indicates uncertainty about how to fit additional courses into their schedule.
Guidance on Adding Classes: Advisement offered on adding minors, noting that they can double-count certain classes with the major:
- Specific mention of adding three classes required for a minor.
- References potential elective slots where minor courses can fit.
- Emphasizes that flexibility exists in scheduling, especially with options for summer courses or previously taken classes.

Summer Courses vs. In-Semester Courses: Conversation dives into the possibility of taking summer classes to prevent heavier loads during regular semesters:
- Spanish versus psychology courses discussed, weighing the rigor of each and scheduling logistics.
- Recommendations made considering previous experiences and comfort with subjects.
Research Opportunities and Engagement:
- Discussion surrounding summer activities that could enhance premed candidacy, general advice includes:
- Summer research programs, volunteer opportunities, or internships.
- Importance of exhibiting commitment through clinical and research experience.

Interest in Research: Inquires about opportunities related to new research facilities in the context of upcoming academic plans (e.g., Shields Family Hall).
- Suggests contacting research coordinators for relevant opportunities in sports-related research.
Connections in Research: Recommendations made to connect with individuals who have information on upcoming research positions or collaborative projects in newly constructed buildings.

Advice on Applying for Minors or Programs: Suggestions emphasized that students should proactively apply for programs of interest, even if initially not selected:
- Recommendations for tackling applications with compelling motivations that align with personal interests and the broader impact of technology in health care.
General Academic Responsibilities: Acknowledged the need to manage an academically rigorous schedule while pursuing additional interests.
Registration and Planning Discussion: Details shared on registration timelines and future meetings to assist with consideration of next semester’s courses, highlighting the need for proactive engagement in course planning and pre-health meetings.

Immediate Steps for Student:
- Register for classes on April 17.
- Consider attendance at registration nights to discuss future classes.
- Make plans for the upcoming study break on March 24.