North by Northeastern

I'm Kaitlin, a dual-major in International Affairs and Political Science minoring in Arabic here at NU. I'm currently going into my third year, and will be spending this upcoming semester studying abroad at the London School of Economics and Political Science. This blog is a mishmash of all the experiences and knowledge I've gained in my past two years of school, so feel free to scroll through and ask me anything! I've studied abroad, gone on CoOp, and still seem to be doing alright, so hopefully I can pass on some knowledge. #GoHuskies (Oh yeah, and feel free to follow kaitlin.beegle on instagram for pictures of my everyday life on campus...because who doesn't want more followers?)

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

LONG TIME, NO SEE!

Hello, Huskies!!!

When Husky Ambassadors first gave me this blog as a platform through which to communicate with prospective students, I never knew how helpful it would be to many of you.  I always loved seeing your private “thank-you” messages, and it made my day to hear from someone that, by answering your question, I made you feel more comfortable and confident about applying to college. 

After a year of running this blog, I was preparing to study abroad for the semester and was happy to pass the torch on to one of my other Ambassador friends. Since then, I haven’t given it much thought, except for the occasional Insta post. 

Today, however, was the first day of Summer Orientation for some of the new students admitted for the upcoming year.  As part of the scheduled activities for Orientation, my roommate was taking part in the activity fair and running a booth for a club we are both involved in.  She put my name down on the sign-up sheet as an example, and one of you incoming students recognized it.  This new student told my roommate how much this blog meant to her, how many kids had used it, and how thankful she was to have it as a guide. 

First of all, random activity girl, THANK YOU AND YOURE WELCOME.  It took a lot of time for me to put this whole thing together, and I’m really glad it’s still being used!

Although I am too busy to start answering all your questions again and no longer use this Tumblr (other than right now, obv.), I don’t want to leave you guys hanging: if you’re in Boston, visiting campus, or preparing to enroll, I’ll temporarily make my Twitter public so you guys can Tweet at me.  If you have any last-minute questions or want to know where to hang out on campus while you’re here, shoot me a tweet and I’ll get back to you...the handle is @kbeegle2018

Also, I’m taking summer classes, so maybe I’ll run into a few of you ;)

Best of luck, guys. 

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

The largest collection of social science and economic texts in the world and I still don't have a dissertation topic... 💀📚💀 (at British Library of Political and Economic Science)

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

While studying abroad as a Hansard Scholar, we were invited for a tour of the British Parliamentary Archives and I got to hold the original US Declaration of Independence that was sent by Thomas Jefferson to King George. Someone should let Nick Cage know that if he's looking for secret maps, Britain is way more chill.

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

240 or so years after we first asked, and America has finally gotten some representation in British Parliament. Your Majesty's legislative aides have arrived, and this one is for the colonies 🇺🇸👑🇬🇧 #HansardScholars (at The Houses of Parliament)

[whineaboutit]

This week on Whine About It… TYPES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS THAT ANNOY ME.

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

If you would consider something “NSFW,” which this video is, should you then share in on your University approved blog?? 100%, because I’m a college student and appropriateness is never high on the list of things I concern myself with. Watch and learn/laugh, all while preparing for ~MOVE IN WEEK~.

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

For snow boots would rain boots with fur lining work?

Hi anon, 

Yep, as long as they’re waterproof! I use Hunter rain boots as my snow boots, just because I think they have the best traction.  You do you. 

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

what are the most important things (non academic) that you need to in college to be successful that you don't need in high school.

Hi anon, 

In general, I think there are few ways I could answer this question that don’t sound overwhelmingly cliche.  Of course, you need to work hard and be a self-starter, but aside from that I think that most students will come to view the “college experience” in a different way and will act accordingly. 

If I could tell incoming freshmen one thing that they would listen to without question, it would be not to get caught up in jumping through academic hoops and trying to make themselves out to be as impressive as possible.  Oftentimes when I’m working with prospective students or parents, half of what I am asked are questions about graduate schools/programs, as well as seemingly “prestigious” ways that I know a student could get ahead.  As a freshmen, this single-minded focus comes across as naive, and can ultimately be harmful when it prevents a student from changing a major or giving up an opportunity that they just don’t enjoy. 

In general, know that if you’re going to class and doing your readings, applying yourself and looking for opportunities to become involved in, you’ll do well.  Aside from that, know that students ultimately achieve college success in a lot of different ways and it simply takes experience to find out what works for you.  

Best of luck!

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Hi Kaitlin! I live in Massachusetts and I really would love to go to Northeastern. I have a lot of interest in the freshman level entry DPT program for physical therapy. Do you know anything about the physical therapy program or have you heard anything about it from someone else? I would love to know a student's opinion. Thank you!

HI anon,

To be honest, this is a really broad question and I’m not a PT major.  I know that a lot of students like Northeastern’s PT program in particular because it involves clinicals as well as co-op and is actually a 6-year doctoral program, so you don’t have to go through undergrad and then apply to PT school. However, other than that, I really don’t know that much. 

I would recommend you check out the Northeastern PT website, or go to the Admissions website and sign up for a special on-campus session for the Bouve College of Health Sciences! These would be two good places to get a feel of the program. 

Best of luck, and hope it helps!

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Hello! I am in incoming freshman and I was just wondering if you had any experiences with the federal work-study program. Is it hard to get hired if you have minimal previous work experience? Can you apply to jobs outside your major? Thank you so much!

HI anon, 

Yep, I do....you should see this blog post for answers to your questions!  Though the anon who asked that question was not participating in work-study, the same process/experiences/etc. apply.  

Also, like I said, because work study jobs aren’t really that difficult and tend to be mostly centered around giving students a space to make money and do your homework, you can really apply for any job that you would like. 

Hope that answers your question! 

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Hey! What's the weather like in September in Boston? I'm trying to figure out how many warm weather clothes I should pack versus colder weather clothes. (L O V E your blog, by the way)

Hi anon! 

Weather in Boston tends to be hot and humid, around 80F for the first couple of weeks of school, and then gradually gets cooler.  Know that it usually doesn’t get cold (less than 40F) until December or so, but they’re predicting a record cold winter for us this year so who knows!! When packing, bring some warmer weather clothes but focus primarily on bringing cold-weather or transitional, seasonal clothing.  After all, when you arrive back on campus in January it won’t get warm again before the end of the semester (because a Northeastern semester ends in April), so having a closet full of shorts really won’t do you any good. 

Hope that answers your question! L O V E you too <3

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

I'm going to study business and am eager to learn about all the different facets of the business world, but I don't necessarily want to work an office job at a F500 company or the typical "business" jobs you associate with business majors. Can students apply for co-ops that are not in their respective majors like say government?

Hi anon,

Yep, that’s one of the things co-op is there for: to expose students to different opportunities and career paths, regardless of major.  However, what you’ll find with time is that each potential career track has a lot of facets to it that many people outside of the career have no idea exist, and you’ll find that there is a lot more to business than just “Fortune 500″ companies.  What you’ll ultimately find is that there are a lot of ways to apply your degree, and when it comes time to search for co-op you will be able to search for and apply to any job whose stated responsibilities you are qualified for. 

Hope that answers your question!

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Im living in IV, so will i need bed risers? or will they be provided? also will someone help me raise my bed?

Hi anon, 

Like I’ve said before, you may not bring risers.  If you would like your bed raised or lowered, you can put in a work request and it will be done in a day or two. 

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Hi Kaitlin! I was wondering what your SAT or ACT score was if you don't mind telling us

Hi anon! 

Nope, I don’t share.  My ACT score doesn’t matter, because every applying class is different and every applicant is reviewed holistically.  Sorry!! Here is a link to the profile of 2014′s incoming freshmen class, though: http://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/application-information/academic-profile/

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Hello! I'm a little lost shopping for winter clothes because I live in California. Have you ever gotten a coat from canada goose or is there another brand that you prefer for jackets and coats? Thank you!

Hi anon, 

I’ve answered this same questions a billion times...look back through my blog and you’ll quickly find the answer! Best of luck. 

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

Another thing! (This is my third ask haha..) I'm very excited to take part in NU's experiential learning opportunities and would in fact like to do research, coops (hopefully multiple), study abroad, dialogues, and service learning. However I would also like to graduate in 4 years. Is it possible to do all those things? (Is it even possible within 5 years?) I'm hoping my AP credits and taking summer classes might allow me to make use of all the opportunities available. Thank you so much! :)

Hi mikalengna!

You’re right, I have done this for students in the past...however, as you may or may not have seen the last time someone asked me, I have decided not to do it anymore.  Though I have worked for academic advising in the past and am good with the degree audits, 1). it takes a tremendous amount of time for me to do it, 2). what I say is in no way final and you’ll need to go over it with your advisor anyway ,and 3). there are a million details I would need to know about you and your planned degree, which I just don’t have. 

In regards to your AP transfer, you’ll probably test out of most of your Core requirements which will save you a lot of space in your degree.  Also know that research tends to be a part-time, out of class experience, and service learning and study abroad contribute to your degree and shouldn’t be delaying your graduation.  So, if you want to complete all 4 and only want to do 1 (maybe 2) co-ops, you should be able to do it.  However, you probably won’t be able to add any double majors or minors, which really isn’t that big of a loss. 

Also know that although completing all of these different things sounds ideal, and many people do it, determining the specifics of your degree is something that you and your advisor will figure out over time.  Don’t get too caught up in fitting everything in, if in the process you find that there is something else that you’re more interested in pursuing.

Sorry that doesn’t really answer your question, but feel free to ask me any other questions you may have! I’m officially studying abroad and am very busy, but if you don’t ask anonymously then you’re more likely to get a response ;)

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

I'm planning on majoring in Biology on a pre-med track, and I was wondering if you could calculate how my AP credits would transfer. I saw that you had done so for some previous people, but if it's a hassle feel free to pass! I'm sure my academic advisor will explain everything at orientation (I'm going to the one in September), but I'd rather go a bit more knowledgeable. I've gotten 4/5s in AP Euro, Art History, Chemistry, Bio, Physics, Comp, Lit, US History, Gov, Calc, Stats, and Psych.

(Commenting so part 1 goes through.)

[northeastern-kaitlinbeegle]

(Don't feel obligated to answer this) have fun abroad!! Be safe! Thank you so much for running this blog, it's been sooooo helpful. Go huskies!! :)

Hi anon, you’re welcome!! I’ll still answer a few questions when I have time, but I’m glad that what has been posted so far has been helpful :) #GoNU