Comments on: How I Aced First Year University Science – Part 1: The Jump from High School to University

By: Sonia

Sonia — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:35:04 +0000

Thank you for your answers, I think I might participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award after all. Once again, great blogs,
Sonia.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:24:21 +0000

Hey Sonia,

1) I think you can only do that by reading/learning more, but also by thinking about what you read. Ask questions about what you’re reading, and try and answer them. And if you can’t figure out the answer, research it.

2) Anything – join clubs, sports, music, etc. Just try to find things you are interested in and get involved. There’s no magic formula.

3.) I’ve heard of it, and it’s well-known. If you think it sounds cool, go for it!

By: Sonia

Sonia — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:55:56 +0000

Hello, I’ve been reading a couple of your blogs now and they are very informative. I definitely agree with your theory about the grade-drops. I’ve known this for quite some time, but can’t stop freaking out. I feel that high school does not accurately assess your future success in university, let alone provide you with the skills necessary. This said, I am very scared for university. I do well in high school, mid to high nineties, but am unsure of whether I truly understand the material. I have tons of questions I’d like to ask you seeing as I am in Grade ten and a med-hopeful. Here are a few that I would love for you to address:
1) I know I need to truly know science,but how can I do that and where should I start? How can I get a deeper knowledge of science?
2) I volunteer at the local hospital but what else can I do to better my application for university?
3) Have you heard of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award? Is it worth while and recognized at all?
Thanks so much,
Sonia

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:29:18 +0000

Kelly: Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the blog

I don’t know much about the IB program to be honest, but I would assume that it’s more challenging than normal high school programs, so if you’re doing well there, you’ll probably do well in university too.

Raghav: I got 85 on my first chemistry test if I remember right.

By: Raghav

Raghav — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:01:12 +0000

Hey Joshua, read about ur experiences in the first few weeks of med school..very interesting…gives all us “hopefulls” an idea of what to expect if we want to go down that stream. Hopefully things get alot better

Quick question lol..do u remember what you got on ur first test in undergrad for chemistry??? Its random but did you get a low mark?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:49:57 +0000

Hey, I love your blog! I’m in grade 12 and I want to become a doctor as well.
I was just wondering, does this blog entry (the jump from high school to university) apply to International Baccalaureate students? I’m not sure if you’re familiar with this program, but I achieved a 7/7 in Standard Level Biology last year, and I am currently taking High Level Chemistry, English, and History, and Standard Level Math and French.
Since the IB program is so rigorous and is internationally-marked, have you seen a correlation between high achievement in this program and high achievement in university?
I’m really nervous about doing well in university next year (I’m applying to Health Sciences @ McMaster, Medical Sciences @ UWO and Life Sciences @ Queens).

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:59:43 +0000

Thanks winnie, I’m glad you are finding the blog helpful!

And I definitely agree with you – expecting themselves to score lower could definitely contribute to them actually scoring lower.

By: winnie

winnie — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:18:23 +0000

I’m glad I stumbled onto your blog, I’ve spent quite a lot of time reading some of your entries past couple days, I wished I knew about this website in highschool (now that I’m halfway in undergrad). I’m grateful nonetheless–I don’t think I can thank you enough for the effort & advice you’ve put into your entries!

With regards to the notorious “university grade drop”, I’d like to add in the pyschological factor contributes to this “phenoma” as well. Some highschool students may already harbour the pre-conceived notion of the grade drop, I think these students subconciously lower their own personal expectations, and become more easily statisfied with a mark below their normal standards. It’s always easier to shift the blame to “the harder curriculum” as the source of poor grades than realizing it is ultimately the individual’s poor learning habits that negatively hinders his/her marks. The self-fulfilling prophecy.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:57:35 +0000

Hi Khalil,

Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the blog =)

And yah those fire alarms were pretty annoying!

By: Khalil

Khalil — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:33:41 +0000

yea josh, great blog! I found your blog when i randomly google searched “york university and fire alarms” haha… yea i was really pissed that day. I was the guy who replied with the comment about the fire alarms in my economics class. I only started reading your other posts this week and i wished i had come across your blog earlier. It would have been really helpful during the start of my first year. But anyways, i am lucky that i found your blog