Academic Plan
A. Course of Study
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program at Queen’s University, majoring in Biochemistry. I remain committed to completing this degree and pursuing my long-term goal of a career in clinical pharmacy. Despite the setbacks I have faced, my passion for science and my future aspirations have not changed. If anything, the challenges I have overcome have strengthened my determination to continue my education and succeed.
If my petition is granted, I plan to continue taking courses that align with my degree requirements and long-term career goals while steadily improving my academic standing. I also intend to continue taking summer courses whenever possible to strengthen my cumulative GPA and remain on track toward graduation.
B. Course Load & Scheduling
To maintain both academic progress and personal balance, I have planned the following course schedule:
- Fall 2025: Four courses
- Winter 2026: Four courses
- Summer 2027: Continue my course enrollment to strengthen my GPA and maintain academic progress
After reflecting on the past academic year, I found that a reduced course load helps me take the time to understand the material better and maintain my mental health. This balance contributed to my improved performance this past year and will remain an important part of my academic plan moving forward.
C. Strategies for Academic and Personal Success
Academic Support & Study Habits:
- I will continue meeting regularly with academic advisors and make these meetings a priority throughout the academic year.
- I plan to explore further tutoring opportunities in biochemistry offered by QSASS as well as the Biochemistry Peer Assistance Program when I need additional guidance on the program or other Queen’s resources.
- I will continue attending library study sessions and study groups with classmates, as these experiences have improved my understanding of the material while helping me stay accountable to my academic goals.
- Over the past year, I have developed study methods that work best for me, including adjusting my note-taking techniques to make more time for practice, choosing productive study environments, and surrounding myself with new peers who share similar academic goals.
- I will continue to use my structured planning system and calendar to organize assignments, exams, appointments, and important deadlines, making sure I stay on top of my responsibilities.
Mental Health & Personal Wellness:
- I am currently looking to find a therapist with whom I feel comfortable and can build a long-term relationship while studying at Queen’s.
- I will continue treatment with healthcare professionals regularly and seek additional support early if I begin to struggle.
- Maintain the healthier routines I have established over the past year, including improvements to my eating habits, physical strength, and overall self-care.
- Continue practicing coping strategies like breathing exercises and grounding techniques that help me manage anxiety and personal challenges without allowing them to interfere with my academics.
Routine & Accountability:
- I will continue using a detailed planner and calendar system to organize my classes, assignments, examinations, appointments, and personal commitments.
- I will regularly evaluate my academic progress and adjust my study strategies when necessary.
- I will maintain close communication with academic advisors throughout the year to monitor my standing and ensure I remain on track.
- I will continue to seek early help from student academic services whenever I encounter difficulties, rather than trying to manage challenges on my own.
D. Long-Term Academic Goals
- Achieve a cumulative GPA higher than 1.60 by the next academic assessment period and continue improving beyond that point.
- Complete my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biochemistry.
- Continue taking summer courses to strengthen my GPA and academic foundation.
- Apply for part-time pharmacy positions in Kingston or Stouffville to gain practical experience related to my future career goals.
- Apply to pharmacy school after finishing my bachelor's to continue my education.
- Continue seeking academic support, reflecting on my progress, and making responsible decisions that prioritize both academic success and personal well-being.
- Graduate with the knowledge and resilience necessary to pursue my long-term goals, recognizing that taking additional time to complete my degree, if necessary, is worthwhile.
E. Closing Statement
Over the past year, I have demonstrated meaningful personal and academic growth. I have built stronger study habits, developed effective organizational systems, learned when to ask for help, and discovered strategies that allow me to succeed despite ongoing challenges. I have proven to myself that I am capable of improving and that I genuinely belong in this academic environment. I am deeply committed to my education at Queen’s University and will continue working as hard as possible to achieve my goals. If given the opportunity to remain in school, I am confident that I will continue building on the progress I have already made and make the most of the second chance I have been given.
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program at Queen’s University, majoring in Biochemistry. I remain committed to completing this degree and pursuing my long-term goal of a career in clinical pharmacy. Despite the setbacks I have faced, my passion for science and my future aspirations have not changed. If anything, the challenges I have overcome have strengthened my determination to continue my education and succeed.
If my petition is granted, I plan to continue taking courses that align with my degree requirements and long-term career goals while steadily improving my academic standing. I also intend to continue taking summer courses whenever possible to strengthen my cumulative GPA and remain on track toward graduation.
B. Course Load & Scheduling
To maintain both academic progress and personal balance, I have planned the following course schedule:
- Fall 2025: Four courses
- Winter 2026: Four courses
- Summer 2027: Continue my course enrollment to strengthen my GPA and maintain academic progress
After reflecting on the past academic year, I found that a reduced course load helps me take the time to understand the material better and maintain my mental health. This balance contributed to my improved performance this past year and will remain an important part of my academic plan moving forward.
C. Strategies for Academic and Personal Success
Academic Support & Study Habits:
- I will continue meeting regularly with academic advisors and make these meetings a priority throughout the academic year.
- I plan to explore further tutoring opportunities in biochemistry offered by QSASS as well as the Biochemistry Peer Assistance Program when I need additional guidance on the program or other Queen’s resources.
- I will continue attending library study sessions and study groups with classmates, as these experiences have improved my understanding of the material while helping me stay accountable to my academic goals.
- Over the past year, I have developed study methods that work best for me, including adjusting my note-taking techniques to make more time for practice, choosing productive study environments, and surrounding myself with new peers who share similar academic goals.
- I will continue to use my structured planning system and calendar to organize assignments, exams, appointments, and important deadlines, making sure I stay on top of my responsibilities.
Mental Health & Personal Wellness:
- I am currently looking to find a therapist with whom I feel comfortable and can build a long-term relationship while studying at Queen’s.
- I will continue treatment with healthcare professionals regularly and seek additional support early if I begin to struggle.
- Maintain the healthier routines I have established over the past year, including improvements to my eating habits, physical strength, and overall self-care.
- Continue practicing coping strategies like breathing exercises and grounding techniques that help me manage anxiety and personal challenges without allowing them to interfere with my academics.
Routine & Accountability:
- I will continue using a detailed planner and calendar system to organize my classes, assignments, examinations, appointments, and personal commitments.
- I will regularly evaluate my academic progress and adjust my study strategies when necessary.
- I will maintain close communication with academic advisors throughout the year to monitor my standing and ensure I remain on track.
- I will continue to seek early help from student academic services whenever I encounter difficulties, rather than trying to manage challenges on my own.
D. Long-Term Academic Goals
- Achieve a cumulative GPA higher than 1.60 by the next academic assessment period and continue improving beyond that point.
- Complete my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biochemistry.
- Continue taking summer courses to strengthen my GPA and academic foundation.
- Apply for part-time pharmacy positions in Kingston or Stouffville to gain practical experience related to my future career goals.
- Apply to pharmacy school after finishing my bachelor's to continue my education.
- Continue seeking academic support, reflecting on my progress, and making responsible decisions that prioritize both academic success and personal well-being.
- Graduate with the knowledge and resilience necessary to pursue my long-term goals, recognizing that taking additional time to complete my degree, if necessary, is worthwhile.
E. Closing Statement
Over the past year, I have demonstrated meaningful personal and academic growth. I have built stronger study habits, developed effective organizational systems, learned when to ask for help, and discovered strategies that allow me to succeed despite ongoing challenges. I have proven to myself that I am capable of improving and that I genuinely belong in this academic environment. I am deeply committed to my education at Queen’s University and will continue working as hard as possible to achieve my goals. If given the opportunity to remain in school, I am confident that I will continue building on the progress I have already made and make the most of the second chance I have been given.