Academic Plan
Academic Plan
1. Course of Study
My lack of success last year was almost entirely due to the circumstances I have outlined in the letter, however, it was also in part because my studies were in a field that I was not interested in. I let others influence my decision to pursue math because it was an area I was gifted in over my years in highschool. Next year, I am choosing a path that I am passionate and excited about. I believe that this will greatly increase my chances of success.
My interest lies in health science, biology, life science, kinesiology, and similar areas. I have always enjoyed taking biology courses, I had just never considered it as a degree path as it was not what I was strongest in. I am aware that some of these plans are in different faculties and it is extremely difficult to get into them as an ArtSci student, and I am perfectly content with choosing biology as my field of study if the others do not work out. This would require me re-taking prerequisite courses such as CHEM 112, and calculus. I enjoyed chemistry and have faith that I would be successful in the course taking it a second time. I also witnessed my peers find success in calculus by attending study groups, tutorials, office hours, and tutoring. I am prepared and equipped to utilise all of these resources to find success in calculus next year. This new path excites me much more than my previous one ever had, and I am hopeful that I can begin in September 2024.
Due to my mental state at the time, I found myself shutting out my peers as well as the learning resources provided to me. I did not attend my tutorials, extra help, office hours, or request help from my peers. I typically have no trouble reaching out to others for assistance, and that is exactly what I plan to do next year. I am excited to participate in study groups with my peers, and to discuss topics with TA’s or professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their field. Utilizing the many resources that Queen’s provides to help me succeed will enhance my experience both academically and socially.
2. Full time vs Part time
I am committed to being a full time student. I know that I am capable of successfully completing the typical courseload of 5 courses a semester. I will not be working during the school year, as I would like to be able to entirely focus on my coursework in order to ensure that next year is successful. I am fortunate enough that financial resources are not an issue for me and they were not a factor in me failing to successfully complete my first year. This means that if I require additional academic support such as tutoring, that is something I am willing to invest my money and my time into. Choosing courses that I am passionate about and that excite me is also going to make being a full time student much easier. My failure was in part due to my program choice, as mentioned previously, and I believe my current course of study is much more in tune with my interests and passions. I am completely confident that I will be able to dedicate 10+ hours a week to my education.
3. Strategies for success
My strategies for success are as follows:
Routines
Creating a strict but achievable daily routine for myself has always been largely effective. Last year, I fell out of my routines and it proved to be detrimental. Now that I am acquainted with Kingston and will be living with friends that I am comfortable and happy with, it will be much easier for me to create solid
routines that I can follow. Scheduling my days makes it possible for me to stay on task, block out time for things such as exercise, socialization, schoolwork, and time alone to recharge.
Continuing to see a counselor
My issues last year were due to mental health problems I did not forsee and did not know how to deal with. Now that I am regularly seeing a counselor and know how to recognize unhealthy behaviour in myself, I can get ahead of any issues I am having and deal with them effectively in the way that best suits my needs. I already feel like a completely different person than I was during second semester. I have taken the time that I needed to get myself back on track, spent said time with my support system at home, and am now feeling ready to leave home again and continue my studies. I have the proper tools to help me get through the year independently, and am looking forward to doing so.
I am extremely excited by the prospect of continuing my Queen’s education as soon as possible, and am prepared to give my education my full attention.
1. Course of Study
My lack of success last year was almost entirely due to the circumstances I have outlined in the letter, however, it was also in part because my studies were in a field that I was not interested in. I let others influence my decision to pursue math because it was an area I was gifted in over my years in highschool. Next year, I am choosing a path that I am passionate and excited about. I believe that this will greatly increase my chances of success.
My interest lies in health science, biology, life science, kinesiology, and similar areas. I have always enjoyed taking biology courses, I had just never considered it as a degree path as it was not what I was strongest in. I am aware that some of these plans are in different faculties and it is extremely difficult to get into them as an ArtSci student, and I am perfectly content with choosing biology as my field of study if the others do not work out. This would require me re-taking prerequisite courses such as CHEM 112, and calculus. I enjoyed chemistry and have faith that I would be successful in the course taking it a second time. I also witnessed my peers find success in calculus by attending study groups, tutorials, office hours, and tutoring. I am prepared and equipped to utilise all of these resources to find success in calculus next year. This new path excites me much more than my previous one ever had, and I am hopeful that I can begin in September 2024.
Due to my mental state at the time, I found myself shutting out my peers as well as the learning resources provided to me. I did not attend my tutorials, extra help, office hours, or request help from my peers. I typically have no trouble reaching out to others for assistance, and that is exactly what I plan to do next year. I am excited to participate in study groups with my peers, and to discuss topics with TA’s or professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their field. Utilizing the many resources that Queen’s provides to help me succeed will enhance my experience both academically and socially.
2. Full time vs Part time
I am committed to being a full time student. I know that I am capable of successfully completing the typical courseload of 5 courses a semester. I will not be working during the school year, as I would like to be able to entirely focus on my coursework in order to ensure that next year is successful. I am fortunate enough that financial resources are not an issue for me and they were not a factor in me failing to successfully complete my first year. This means that if I require additional academic support such as tutoring, that is something I am willing to invest my money and my time into. Choosing courses that I am passionate about and that excite me is also going to make being a full time student much easier. My failure was in part due to my program choice, as mentioned previously, and I believe my current course of study is much more in tune with my interests and passions. I am completely confident that I will be able to dedicate 10+ hours a week to my education.
3. Strategies for success
My strategies for success are as follows:
Routines
Creating a strict but achievable daily routine for myself has always been largely effective. Last year, I fell out of my routines and it proved to be detrimental. Now that I am acquainted with Kingston and will be living with friends that I am comfortable and happy with, it will be much easier for me to create solid
routines that I can follow. Scheduling my days makes it possible for me to stay on task, block out time for things such as exercise, socialization, schoolwork, and time alone to recharge.
Continuing to see a counselor
My issues last year were due to mental health problems I did not forsee and did not know how to deal with. Now that I am regularly seeing a counselor and know how to recognize unhealthy behaviour in myself, I can get ahead of any issues I am having and deal with them effectively in the way that best suits my needs. I already feel like a completely different person than I was during second semester. I have taken the time that I needed to get myself back on track, spent said time with my support system at home, and am now feeling ready to leave home again and continue my studies. I have the proper tools to help me get through the year independently, and am looking forward to doing so.
I am extremely excited by the prospect of continuing my Queen’s education as soon as possible, and am prepared to give my education my full attention.