Science Major FAQ
	Should I take two science classes each semester in my first year at Drew?
	It depends upon what you intend to major in and how strong your high school preparation in the area is. In order to easily complete the Biomedical Sciences major, students should take both Biology 130-131 and Chemistry 140-141 in the first year. However, if your background is not strong you should begin with Chemistry, since it is a co- or prerequisite for biology. You may wish to take the Chem Concepts Inventory to assess areas you may need to strengthen and concentrate on. You may wish to review the Biology syllabus and ensure that your previous courses prepared you for this course.
	How can I get involved in research?
	There are many ways. Students often begin research experiences as a work-study position. Look for announcements of work-study jobs, or ask your professors. After a student has completed a few courses in the discipline, most departments have a for credit research program. The Biomedical Sciences major sponsors SPUR, a Summer Research program. For information about how to identify a mentor and apply to SPUR, see http://www.cdrewu.edu/cosh/spur/research.htm. Other opportunities will be posted in that website as they become available. All science majors should explore different career options and pathways.
	Study Skills and General Questions
	Should I ever withdraw from a class? For what reasons? What help is available for students that are having difficulty with a course?
	Students can contact their professor in the course, their advisor, an academic counselor or the program director for help. Forming study groups with other students, or more formal programs like the mentoring available through the Students’ Center are also good avenues to increase success.
	How can I improve my study skills and time management?
	The Student Education and Service Center (SESC) offers workshops and assessments that can help. Explore their website at http://www.cdrewu.edu/cosh/current_students/sesc.htm
	How many extracurricular activities should I participate in during my first year?
	Only you can determine how much time you can spend. You should try some new groups and activities, but keep in mind that your main job is to study and do well in your classes. One recommendation is choose one thing you already like doing and join a club or interest group to make new friends. Choose one other activity that allows you to explore something new. Volunteer!
	How can I get more money for my undergraduate studies at Drew?
	Apply for financial aid ON TIME!!! This site has lots of information about scholarships, work-study, deadlines, etc. Make an appointment with the financial aid officer. Visit other websites that identify scholarships, such as http://www.fastweb.com (requires log-in) or http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/links/undergrad/scholarships.cfm Students should consider employment and paid internships during the school year once they have established that they can manage their time and complete course requirements. Summer jobs, internships and research experiences are good options. Browse through this website for many opportunities. Also consider a Google search. You’d be surprised what you can turn up.
	What programs can freshmen get involved in that are non-medical but still science oriented? * Saturday Science Academy II Mentors -- Help others learn Science! * Science and society -- Join exciting projects that teach science to the community, and earn Community Service Credits * Volunteer in the Lincoln Elementary School and help students learn science. When should I begin preparation for the GRE? Now. As a Drew student, can I take courses outside of Drew? During the summer between first and second years, it is relatively easy to get permission to take courses at other institutions. Contact your program director for information. What are the benefits of going to summer school? Classes at Drew tend to be smaller in summer (but more intense).
	Pre-meds
	What are the requirements for medical school? Every medical school requires at MINIMUM one year of biology, chemistry through 2 semesters of organic, 1 year of physics. Many require calculus and yes MTH230-231 satisfies this requirement. Many have recommended courses as well. Please visit: http://www.aamc.org/ to read a lot more about each medical school and find out more about preparing. I want to prepare for medical school. What should I major in? Medical school requires a strong preparation in science, but does not require a science major. I personally know people who were admitted to medical school with Film Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, Math, History and Music majors as well as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and NBB. They all had more than the required science however. My personal recommendation is that all future doctors should have genetics and statistics. Should I double up on my sciences freshman year? It depends upon what you intend to major in and how strong your high school preparation in the area is. In order to easily complete a Biomedical Sciences major, students should take both Biology 130-131 and Chemistry 140-141 in the first year. However, if your background is not strong you should begin with Chemistry, since it is a co- or prerequisite for biology. You may wish to take the Chem Concepts Inventory to assess areas you may need to strengthen and concentrate on. You may wish to review the Biology syllabus and ensure that your previous courses prepared you for this course. What is a personal statement? When should I write one? It’s an application essay. There are many examples on-line. The career center offers workshops on writing such statements. Try a google search to find out more. Here’s one example. http://www.medadvising.ku.edu/essaytips.shtml You should keep in practice by editing yours annually. What programs does Drew offer to help prepare for the MCAT? Real preparation for the MCAT is in your science classes. Every pre-med should buy a book early and review the MCAT examples as they take their classes. Are there scholarships available for medical school? Very few. Visit the following links for more financial information: National Health Service Corp. Medical Access Program Financial Aid Info Page AAMC Financial Aid Page U.S. Dept. of Education How can I work in a hospital as an undergrad? Volunteer. Attend a summer shadowing program. Should I take all of my required courses for Med School at Drew? Yes or at a comparable level college. What is an MD/Ph.D program? What are the benefits? MD/PhD programs are special preparation for medical researchers who want to be part of academic medicine. See a really nice page by an Emory student at http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/undergrad/mdphd1.html They have many advantages including special financial program pay for both medical and graduate components. When should I start MCAT prep? Now. How much does medical school cost? It varies a lot. Again see http://www.aamc.org/students/financing/start.htm. What if I change my mind about medicine, what are other career options in the science/health related fields? See the careers in science section of ScienceNET. Don’t forget Science journalism, public health, science policy and allied health.