A true story to begin the mentor tips:
One of our Exercise Science students just got accepted to PT school and sent me (Dr. Kravitz) a Thank You note which said. "The University Admissions Committee told me I had Fabulous Letters of Recommendation"; the student thanked me very graciously as I had written one of the letters. I replied to the student; "In every class in our Exercise Science program you EARNED that Fabulous Recommendation through your personal motivation to attain academic excellence. You are an outstanding role model student." As a professor, my goal is for every one of our Exercise Science students to 'earn' that type of recommendation.
MENTOR TIPS FROM FORMER EXERCISE SCIENCE STUDENTS:
1) Don't be shy to ask questions of your professors. Some classes can be very intimidating. Your professors are there to help you. They will also be your best advocates as you apply to graduate school. Start exploring your career options early. Look at PT, nursing, and personal training.
2) Be on time (or early) for your classes and STAY on track with your program. Make sure you are going to all of your classes.
3) Get involved. You gain so many unique experiences by participating in student organizations. Make friends in the program and stay excited about your education. This is the stepping stone to your career.
4) Try not to spread yourself too thin. It may impede your GPA. Make sure you find an appropriate balance in work, academics and leisture pursuits.
5) Focus on learning and studying the material in ALL your classes. Good grades will follow. With regular studying you will really improve your exam preparation skills
6) Balancing classes and assignments is all about good time management. Make some quality friends in the program; they will be a huge help along the way.
7) Explore your passions by getting more volunteer experiences EARLY. Then choose a major and career and focus on that pathway.
8) Plan your schedule of classes through graduation. Some classes are only offered once a year and are prerequisites for other classes. Early planning is the only way to ensure your path to successful graduation.
9) Enjoy your education. Work hard at the smaller details so that you fully understand the bigger picture.
10) Sit in the front of class as it will help you focus better on the topic and professor. Also, you will see that being courteous to other along the way will benefit you in the long run.
11) Be passionate about what you do and don't settle for average. In fact, be competitive when it comes to your GPA. For many graduate programs it is your GPA and GRE that is so important for admission, especially in the Science classes.
12) Always take the initiative. You can be a good student or a GREAT student: the choice is 100% up to you. Regularly self-assess how you can improve.
13) I've learned that you get out of things what you put into them, whether it be school, work, your health and your close friends. So put forth the effort that will yield improvement, success and knowledge.
14) If you are going into PT or OT school start volunteering right away at some facility. PT and OT schools really like to see your passion and commitment to the profession.
15) Start preparing for your application to PT and/or OT school early. Go to the PTCAS or OTCAS websites (CLICK HERE) and choose your programs of interest and take the proper prereqs early.
16) If you work cooperatively with other students, establish study partners or groups in your challenging classes, as this may be very helpful for test success.
17) Your college education will determine your future. Be Bold!
Click here for an inspiring 'Mentor Letter' to all students from Brandon, Marcello, Ph.D. Director of Sports Performance at Stanford University.
