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Academic PanelAcademic PanelFIP 2007FIP 2007
Ms. Francis, Ms. Pandita, Mr. Devlin,
Ms. Gong, Mr. He, Mr. Berastain, & Mr. Koll
Ms. Francis, Ms. Pandita, Mr. Devlin,
Ms. Gong, Mr. He, Mr. Berastain, & Mr. Koll
Starring…Starring…
Lesson 1:First Week of Classes:
Do’s and Don’t’s
Lesson 1:First Week of Classes:
Do’s and Don’t’s 6 Tips to Survive Freshman Week 6 Tips to Survive Freshman Week
With Ms. Kylie Francis
A young man hired by a supermarket reported for his first day of work.
The manager greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile, gave him a broom and
said, "Your first job will be to sweep out the store."
"But I'm a Harvard graduate," the young man replied indignantly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that," said the manager. "Here, give me the broom -- I'll show
you how."
Tip #1: Start Early Tip #1: Start Early
DO remember that your overall grade is cumulative. Every problem set, paper, project and,
in some cases, attendance counts…starting from the first couple of weeks.
DO remember that your overall grade is cumulative. Every problem set, paper, project and,
in some cases, attendance counts…starting from the first couple of weeks.
Tip #2: Don’t SlackTip #2: Don’t Slack
DON’T decide to drop your first problem set. For most of the science & math classes,
problem sets are assigned on a weekly basis and you’re usually allowed to drop one. However, the first problem set is probably the easiest so it’d be a waste to drop it.
DON’T decide to drop your first problem set. For most of the science & math classes,
problem sets are assigned on a weekly basis and you’re usually allowed to drop one. However, the first problem set is probably the easiest so it’d be a waste to drop it.
Tip #3: Don’t Ignore Shopping Period
Tip #3: Don’t Ignore Shopping Period
DO all your homework and take notes, even for classes you are just shopping Some professors like to assign
homework during shopping period. These are not ‘trial’ assignments; they WILL count towards your final grade.
The first couple weeks of material is still testable, so if you shop another class, get notes from a friend!
DO all your homework and take notes, even for classes you are just shopping Some professors like to assign
homework during shopping period. These are not ‘trial’ assignments; they WILL count towards your final grade.
The first couple weeks of material is still testable, so if you shop another class, get notes from a friend!
Tip #4: Mind Your Language
Tip #4: Mind Your Language
DO think seriously about taking languages Language classes meet everyday,
have strict attendance requirements, and often take off very fast. So if you miss the first few days of classes, it might be difficult to catch up.
Plus, they meet during reading period!
DO think seriously about taking languages Language classes meet everyday,
have strict attendance requirements, and often take off very fast. So if you miss the first few days of classes, it might be difficult to catch up.
Plus, they meet during reading period!
Tip #5: Don’t Shop Too Much
Tip #5: Don’t Shop Too Much
DON’T prepare a shopping list that’s too long Can’t get good overview in 10 minutes Check out syllabus online beforehand Shop for at least half an hour, see if
professor can hold your attention
DON’T prepare a shopping list that’s too long Can’t get good overview in 10 minutes Check out syllabus online beforehand Shop for at least half an hour, see if
professor can hold your attention
Tip #6: Don’t Be ShyTip #6: Don’t Be Shy
DO speak to as many people as you can about a class before taking it We are all your resources and would be
more than happy to help.
DO speak to as many people as you can about a class before taking it We are all your resources and would be
more than happy to help.
Lesson 2: Picking ClassesLesson 2: Picking Classes
With Ms. Manisha Pandita,
Mr. Ronan Devlin& Ms. Becca Gong
With Ms. Manisha Pandita,
Mr. Ronan Devlin& Ms. Becca Gong
Q: How many Harvard students does it take to change a lightbulb? A: One; he holds it in the air and waits for the world to revolve around him
Placement TestsPlacement Tests
Required: Math and Writing placements Take placements in all planned subjects Remember: These are only
recommendations! YOU ARE NOT BEING JUDGED and DON’T NEED TO CRAM!
Talk to professors and upperclassmen
Required: Math and Writing placements Take placements in all planned subjects Remember: These are only
recommendations! YOU ARE NOT BEING JUDGED and DON’T NEED TO CRAM!
Talk to professors and upperclassmen
Picking your first coursesPicking your first courses
No single perfect plan
Balance interest and exploration
No single perfect plan
Balance interest and exploration
Picking your first courses: Requirements
Picking your first courses: Requirements
Don’t overload with requirements in first year
Don’t ignore them either If reasonably sure of field of
interest, take its intro courses If not, explore!
Don’t overload with requirements in first year
Don’t ignore them either If reasonably sure of field of
interest, take its intro courses If not, explore!
Of Ec10 angst and LS bluesOf Ec10 angst and LS blues Large classes, taught in sections Use the professors and section
leaders to the maximum Experience depends on section
leader (Use the CUE guide) Study groups. Don’t be afraid to
help and take help
Large classes, taught in sections Use the professors and section
leaders to the maximum Experience depends on section
leader (Use the CUE guide) Study groups. Don’t be afraid to
help and take help
CUE Wha…?CUE Wha…?
Rates courses based on quality of teaching, workload and content
Good for starters, but not infallible Talk to upperclassmen/random
precocious freshmen
Rates courses based on quality of teaching, workload and content
Good for starters, but not infallible Talk to upperclassmen/random
precocious freshmen
Freshman SeminarsFreshman Seminars
Small classes, interesting, close interaction with great professors
Low stress, great way to balance course load
Pick 2 or 3 seminars you find most interesting
Small classes, interesting, close interaction with great professors
Low stress, great way to balance course load
Pick 2 or 3 seminars you find most interesting
Language CoursesLanguage Courses Required, though you will all
probably place out But make sure they have a placement
test for your language! Contact FDO! Fantastic way to enter a new culture The TF is important NOTE: sections meet during reading
period
Required, though you will all probably place out But make sure they have a placement
test for your language! Contact FDO! Fantastic way to enter a new culture The TF is important NOTE: sections meet during reading
periodRonan
Balancing ClassesBalancing Classes Classes vary in workload Science/Maths classes tend to be heavy, but
watch out for heavy reading assignments Ask people who have taken these classes before. Balance between cores & concentration
requirements, Sciences & Arts. Consider your priorities: extracurriculars vs
academics. A light first semester may be useful in
facilitating the adjustment to college/US life
Classes vary in workload Science/Maths classes tend to be heavy, but
watch out for heavy reading assignments Ask people who have taken these classes before. Balance between cores & concentration
requirements, Sciences & Arts. Consider your priorities: extracurriculars vs
academics. A light first semester may be useful in
facilitating the adjustment to college/US life
Core classesCore classes You have to take 7 of them if you
do not have Advanced Standing If possible, try taking them early
on If you finish all cores before senior
spring, you can get a Harvard certificate to apply for H-1 B visa
You have to take 7 of them if you do not have Advanced Standing
If possible, try taking them early on
If you finish all cores before senior spring, you can get a Harvard certificate to apply for H-1 B visa
Add/DropAdd/Drop First week of classes = shopping
period Standard courseload = 4 classes Can add or drop 1 or 2 classes until
5th Monday of a semester Rather drop than add – starting a
class later than others is stressful
First week of classes = shopping period
Standard courseload = 4 classes Can add or drop 1 or 2 classes until
5th Monday of a semester Rather drop than add – starting a
class later than others is stressful
The Secret of the SyllabusThe Secret of the Syllabus When shopping, the syllabus is your friend! Check your final exam/paper schedule!
(exam groups) Check midterm and problem set dates.
Make sure you don’t have big conflicts!
When shopping, the syllabus is your friend! Check your final exam/paper schedule!
(exam groups) Check midterm and problem set dates.
Make sure you don’t have big conflicts!
TIP 1: Don’t leave all your studying for reading period!
TIP 2: No one does work over winter break. I’m serious…don’t even bother trying.
Things to look for on a syllabus:
Things to look for on a syllabus: Requirements (final research paper,
take-home midterm, etc.) Balance of % weights in requirements # of pages of reading per week Specific readings in the class -- not just
the general topic # of (good) TFs DATES!! (Put them into your calendar!)
Requirements (final research paper, take-home midterm, etc.)
Balance of % weights in requirements # of pages of reading per week Specific readings in the class -- not just
the general topic # of (good) TFs DATES!! (Put them into your calendar!)
Lesson 3: Picking a Concentration
Lesson 3: Picking a Concentration
With Ms. Becca GongWith Ms. Becca Gong
Top Five Lies Told by Teaching Assistants:
#5: I'm not going to grant any extensions.
#4: Call me any time. I'm always available.
#3: It doesn't matter what I think; write what you believe.
#2: Think of the midterm as a diagnostic tool.
#1: My other section is much better prepared than you guys.
Picking a ConcentrationPicking a Concentration
Picking a ConcentrationPicking a Concentration Now: middle of sophomore year! “Advising Fortnight” - they woo
you Take intro classes to keep your
options open Size is important Honors only? Requires a thesis!
Now: middle of sophomore year! “Advising Fortnight” - they woo
you Take intro classes to keep your
options open Size is important Honors only? Requires a thesis!
Switching ConcentrationsSwitching Concentrations
Can do so until spring of senior year
However, need to fulfill all requirements of new concentration
Try to keep your bases covered
Can do so until spring of senior year
However, need to fulfill all requirements of new concentration
Try to keep your bases covered
Secondary FieldsSecondary Fields
Can only have one Depending on your major, a closely
related field may not be allowed Varies, but generally 5 courses Only one course can double-count
w/ your concentration
Can only have one Depending on your major, a closely
related field may not be allowed Varies, but generally 5 courses Only one course can double-count
w/ your concentration
Lessons 4 & 5: Grades & Advanced Placement
Lessons 4 & 5: Grades & Advanced Placement
With Mr. Yinnie HeWith Mr. Yinnie He
An exhaustive study has revealed that 62.381527% of all statistics are made up on the
spot.
GPA/GradesGPA/Grades Grades consist of several
components – Final, midterm, papers, section participation, problem sets etc.
In almost all courses, grades are assigned on a “curve”
Usually TFs determine your grade
Grades consist of several components – Final, midterm, papers, section participation, problem sets etc.
In almost all courses, grades are assigned on a “curve”
Usually TFs determine your grade
GPA/GradesGPA/Grades GPA is calculated as the simple average of
all course grades (A=4, B=3, C=2) Average at Harvard = 3.4 If you get A- average, you are very good! GPA esp. important for certain careers
(e.g. law school), while less important for others (e.g. creative jobs)
Do not ask other people about their GPA!
GPA is calculated as the simple average of all course grades (A=4, B=3, C=2)
Average at Harvard = 3.4 If you get A- average, you are very good! GPA esp. important for certain careers
(e.g. law school), while less important for others (e.g. creative jobs)
Do not ask other people about their GPA!
Advanced Placement & Standing
Advanced Placement & Standing
APs, IB, A-levels, Abitur, French Bac can count for Harvard credit Be sure to talk to Freshmen Deans Office
as early as possible Advanced Standing
Graduation in 6-7 semesters, BA/MA in 8 semesters
Think hard a/b whether it’s worthwhile!
APs, IB, A-levels, Abitur, French Bac can count for Harvard credit Be sure to talk to Freshmen Deans Office
as early as possible Advanced Standing
Graduation in 6-7 semesters, BA/MA in 8 semesters
Think hard a/b whether it’s worthwhile!
Lessons 6: Writing in U.S. College Courses
Lessons 6: Writing in U.S. College Courses
With Mr. Ronan DevlinWith Mr. Ronan Devlin
A Harvard English 101 class was asked to write a CONCISE essay containing four
elements: religion, royalty, sex and mystery.
The only "A+" in the class read:
"My God," said the Queen, "I'm pregnant. I wonder who did it?"
Expository WritingExpository Writing
American style is different to most international writing styles
Mandatory ‘Expos’ program will help to acclimatise(/ze!) you to the American system
Expos is taken as a half course in either the fall or spring semester (assignments are random)
It is possible to change your expos assignment if you have a genuine reason for doing so.
American style is different to most international writing styles
Mandatory ‘Expos’ program will help to acclimatise(/ze!) you to the American system
Expos is taken as a half course in either the fall or spring semester (assignments are random)
It is possible to change your expos assignment if you have a genuine reason for doing so.
U.S. Writing StyleU.S. Writing Style THESIS!! - In American college essays you are
expected to make a coherent argument in favour of a specific, debatable thesis. Counterarguments should be addressed, but their weaknesses should be outlined in order to demonstrate why your argument is superior.
MOTIVE!! College essays should justify themselves. That is to say that they should explain why your argument is worth making, or why the subject is important.
THESIS!! - In American college essays you are expected to make a coherent argument in favour of a specific, debatable thesis. Counterarguments should be addressed, but their weaknesses should be outlined in order to demonstrate why your argument is superior.
MOTIVE!! College essays should justify themselves. That is to say that they should explain why your argument is worth making, or why the subject is important.
Cheating and PlagiarismCheating and Plagiarism Taken VERY seriously in U.S. Will get
you suspended or expelled, sometimes even if it’s unintentional.
MUST STILL CITE when paraphrasing Writing with Sources
When in doubt, ASK. Cheating: can get into trouble for being
recipient OR giver
Taken VERY seriously in U.S. Will get you suspended or expelled, sometimes even if it’s unintentional.
MUST STILL CITE when paraphrasing Writing with Sources
When in doubt, ASK. Cheating: can get into trouble for being
recipient OR giver
Lessons 7: Using Your Resources
Lessons 7: Using Your Resources
With Mr. Pierre BerastainWith Mr. Pierre Berastain
A young man rolls an overloaded cart to the checkout register in a Cambridge supermarket and starts to
unload his many purchases.
The salesman ask: "Are you from Harvard or MIT?"
The young man proudly replies: "Harvard! How did you guess?"
Salesman points to the sign "10 purchases or less" and says:
"Harvard students can't count, MIT students can't read"
ProctorsProctors They live in your entryway you
can bother them at any timeWhat should you bother them with? Roommate issues Academic issues Personal issues Just to talk
They live in your entryway you can bother them at any time
What should you bother them with? Roommate issues Academic issues Personal issues Just to talk
http://slantmouth.com/articles/myPalAl/images/roommate.jpg
Your Woodbridge Mentor, PAF and Upperclassmen Your Woodbridge Mentor, PAF and Upperclassmen
These are students, which means they will have a different insight from your proctor on things like Choosing classes Getting used to living away from home Extracurriculars Social life
These are students, which means they will have a different insight from your proctor on things like Choosing classes Getting used to living away from home Extracurriculars Social life
Academic AdvisersAcademic Advisers These are usually members of the
Harvard faculty or your proctor They provide more formal advice on
academic matters You’ll be meeting with this person to
discuss your academic progress at Harvard
These are usually members of the Harvard faculty or your proctor
They provide more formal advice on academic matters
You’ll be meeting with this person to discuss your academic progress at Harvard
The Bureau of Study Counsel (BSC)
The Bureau of Study Counsel (BSC)
Counseling on cultural adjustment, study habits, time management and family/personal issues
Peer tutors for all subjects, including Writing and English language
Workshops on how to get the most out of your classes
Counseling on cultural adjustment, study habits, time management and family/personal issues
Peer tutors for all subjects, including Writing and English language
Workshops on how to get the most out of your classes
CONTACT: Linden Street, www.bsc.harvard.edu or 617-495-2581
Harvard Writing Center (HWC)
Harvard Writing Center (HWC)
Basement of Barker Center, Quincy Street.
Offers student writing tutors who will help you write, rewrite or edit your papers at no charge
Scheduled half-hour conferences are available M - F from 9 am - 5 pm. Drop-in hours are M – Th from 5 - 9 pm.
To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/
Basement of Barker Center, Quincy Street.
Offers student writing tutors who will help you write, rewrite or edit your papers at no charge
Scheduled half-hour conferences are available M - F from 9 am - 5 pm. Drop-in hours are M – Th from 5 - 9 pm.
To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/
Lessons 8: Chill Out
Lessons 8: Chill Out
With Mr. Daniel KollWith Mr. Daniel Koll
The three biggest lies of a student:
#3: Thank you, I'm not really hungry.
#2: Tomorrow I stop drinking.
#1: Tomorrow I start learning.
Work Ethic at Harvard Puritan work
ethics in Cambridge?
Balancing out Harvard: Academics Extracurriculars Social Life...
Freedom to choose what is most important for yourself
Tips to cope with academic pressure
