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Other advice posts that may be of interest:
How To Stop Procrastinating
How To Study When You Really Don’t Want To
Unusual Study Tips
How To Do Uni Readings
Active Revision Tips
found this gem of a... poem? in my notes app. enjoy.
12 March (Calc 3 Pain)
I normally try not to post in color, but today I feel that it’s warranted. I just finished my last lecture with my calc 3 professor and I couldn’t help but be a bit sad.
We all have that teacher whom we don’t expect to make a difference in our lives, but upon getting to know them you come to find that they are a giant breath of fresh air.
With the toxicity of school leeching itself into every orifice, nook, and cranny it was nice having that one class I could count on to be invigorating.
This one is for you Mr. Lewis. I can’t begin to repay you for your teaching service, but the least I can do is show my genuine appreciation for you.
Conquering the Why School? Essay
From a student who got into MIT & the Ivy League
I’ve read many Why School? essays. These often come across as generic, with no real indication of interest. I’m here to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes in your essays.
-Look up their course catalog. Don’t simply write, “I’m interested in your stellar economics program.” Great, so are hundreds of other applicants. Name-drop a couple of classes and explain why those specific courses appeal to you. It’ll show you’ve done your homework.
-Discuss a few clubs. Colleges want students who will contribute to their campus outside of the classroom. Are you interested in journalism? Talk about joining the school newspaper. Are you a violin virtuoso? Indicate your interest in the orchestra. Or are you into something that isn’t yet available? Say you’ll start a new group!
-Latch onto research opportunities. Schools love students who can contribute to their published papers. Look up ongoing research projects in whatever department you’re interested in (and no, research isn’t only for STEM fields!) and talk about how you’ll get involved.
-Talk about what makes a school unique. Columbia has a Core Curriculum; Princeton has a yearlong bridge program in Bolivia. Why do you want to attend this specific school?
-Touch upon your long-term goals. How will this university help you achieve your goals of becoming a lawyer? How do you want to make the world a better place? Colleges are looking for people who will contribute meaningfully to society.
-Don’t mention rankings or prestige. Harvard already knows it’s world-renowned, it doesn’t need you to stroke its ego. You should be choosing the best school for you, not the best school according to US World & News Report.
Good luck! I’ll also be happy to read your college app essays, feel free to message me :)
What is it about the age 28 that says hey it’s time to get things done?
I’m graduating from community college at 28.
Also shout out to my “late” bloomers.
My boyfriend didn’t go to university until he was 28 because he didn’t feel anywhere near ready when he was 18. He graduated with first-class honours, went on to do a Masters, and is now a history teacher. It’s so much more important to do things when you’re able to fully commit to them and do them to the best of your ability than to rush to do them by an imaginary deadline.
The beauty of mathematics
An assortment of computer models rendered employing variations of the Lorenz equation.
Transgender Day of Visibility.
Anti anxiety.
2 April (Calc 4 and Diff. Eq)
These classes are the embodiment of a toxic relationship (but in the best of ways). The overall course load is a lot and most days I am struggling to get done by 10pm, but I can confidently say I FEEL LIKE A MATHEMATICIAN.
The math I’m doing now has real world applications. Yeah finding the slope of a line is cool, but when you find the vector tangent to the curve that accurately depicts the heating or cooling of a particular environment per mile THAT’S ACTUALLY USEFUL, AND HELPFUL TO THE WORLD.
On one hand, I have late nights followed by early mornings, and a fair amount of stress.
On the other, I have an overwhelming sense of validation, pride, and comfort.
This post goes out to @juicycupz, she was hands down the best partner I’ve ever had. While we may not be together now, she definitely played a major role in who I am now.
Stay up ✌🏿
🎧 Trappin in paradise 65 - Smooth Sounds
Derek, 29, They/Them, Vegan, Astro/Biophysics major. Nonlinear systems = LIFE
85 posts