By Alayna Johnson, 2019-2020 SCS Student Advising Leader: After you’ve completed the chemistry curriculum, taken the general GRE, made connections with professors across campus, and maybe even completed an internship or two, you may think your graduate application package is complete. Unfortunately, there may be a final step: the GRE chemistry subject test. This is a 3-hour, multiple-choice, paper test that some students choose to take to further demonstrate their aptitude in chemistry. I took the exam last April and wanted to share my experiences and tips for a successful test-taking...

By Alayna Johnson, 2019-2020 SCS Student Advising Leader As an SCS advising ambassador, one of my jobs is to attend information sessions for prospective and admitted chemistry/chemical engineering students. One of the most commonly asked questions is the difference between the 100-level general chemistry sequence (102-105) and the 200-level general chemistry sequence (202-204). Both cover roughly the same material, but some major differences do exist. Here are some of the factors you may consider when deciding between these two tracks: Major: Most, if not all, chemistry science and letters...

By Kamakshi Katwala, 2019-2020 SCS Student Advising Leader: Your college roommates can be the best thing that ever happened to you… or your worst nightmare, or anywhere in-between. Some people are not used to living with others in close proximity, and that can be a major challenge. That being said, I have experienced both ends of the spectrum, and there are certain things you can do to make living with your roommates much easier on all of you. First, get to know each other. The chances that your roommate is just like you is nearly impossible, and it is important to recognize that. Your...

By Madeleine Chalifoux, 2018-19 SCS Student Advising Leader: Staying in the CU this summer? Whether you are spending the summer working on campus or taking classes, summertime in Champaign-Urbana presents many opportunities to get involved in new activities both on and off campus. Here are some ideas: Explore downtown Champaign. Experience the nightlife and culinary scene in downtown Champaign by sampling popular bars and restaurants such as Destihl, Big Grove Tavern, Black Dog, and Pizza Antica. Afterwards, walk on over to Cream and Flutter for a decadent cupcake. If you are looking to...

By Alayna Johnson, 2018-2019 SCS Student Advising Leader: Note Taking for Success in Chemistry Courses A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about tackling organic chemistry where I mentioned the importance of taking great notes. I thought I would write this week’s blog about successful note-taking! Without further ado: this is my tried-and-true note-taking method for acing your chemistry classes. Step 1: during lecture Attend the lecture. Even if the professor posts notes after class, don’...

By Madeleine Chalifoux, 2018-19 SCS Student Advising Leader: Once you begin to receive acceptances from grad school, spring semester of your senior year can quickly become a busy time. The timeline looks something like this: Grad school applications for Ph.D. programs in chemical engineering, chemistry, or other related fields are often due at varying times from early to late December. Then, schools being offering acceptances on a rolling clock beginning anywhere from the end of December until March. Once accepted, schools will invite all prospective students to visit for a weekend,...

By Madeleine Chalifoux, 2018-19 SCS Student Advising Leader: This year, Champaign-Urbana is holding the 11th annual Illinois marathon. Race weekend is April 25-27th and registration is open to anyone who wants to participate! This race is a great community event that brings together community members, amateur runners, athletes from around the world, and college students alike. Not up for a full marathon? No problem! Many other race options exist from the 5k, to 10k, to half marathon. You can also grab a group of friends and sign up as a relay team to run the marathon so that each member ends...

By Alayna Johnson, 2018-2019 SCS Student Advising Leader: Earning a minor is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore different fields while in college. Popular minors for SCS students include biology, physics, and food science. However, many students successfully minor in completely unrelated subjects such as music and business because they are passionate about the subject area. Because the chemistry and chemical engineering curricula are so strenuous, some students may feel hesitant to put even more on their plate (understandably!). However, there are still some great reasons to...

By Jun Hyup Og, 2018-2019 Student Academic Advising Leader:      As the famous quote from a popular TV series “Game of Thrones” goes - “Winter is here”. And thus, now is the time to dress warm and stay indoors as much as possible. Many will remember the last days of the January as the coldest day in UIUC history as the weather report stated that “Chicago was colder than Antarctica, Alaska and the North Pole”, and of course, Chicago being 4 hours away, meaning that the freezing weather applied to Urbana-Champaign as well. Fortunately, the Chancellor, Robert J. Jones,...

By Alayna Johnson, 2018-2019 SCS Student Advising Leader:   Remember your nightmares about the ACT not so long ago? Get ready for them to come back and haunt you: it’s time for the GRE! The Graduate Record Examination, or the GRE, is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for most graduate schools in the United States. The exam is about four hours in length and offered at more than 1,000 testing centers globally (including one right here in Champaign!). The cost of the exam is $205 and you can take it up to five times each year. In the US, it is most often administered on...