spectrum: academics

Do you want to contribute to science, but don’t have time to join a research lab? Interested in understanding the intricacies of behavioral studies from a new point of view? Or would you simply like to make some extra money in your free time, without a long-term commitment?

We’ve all been there: It’s 3:47 a.m., you’re in Butler, and you have a midterm tomorrow—or rather, today. You’re watching Crash Course videos at 2x speed and scouring for past exams in a desperate attempt to cram your brain with all the necessary information before your 8:40. A thought pops into your head: Why am I even taking this class?

Many students at Barnard and Columbia start off their college experiences as pre-med students, but wonder, “Is pre-med what I actually want to do?” While Gen Chem, the required introductory class for all students on the pre-med track, is often overflowing with people desperate to get off the waitlist, courses of higher levels, like Gen Chem IV, often have way fewer students enrolled. However, others don’t find out until much later on in their college careers, and, by that time, even though they are normally able to easily change majors or tracks, they feel as if they have wasted time doing something they don’t love. To help everyone out there still trying to figure out if they really want to be pre-med, here is a list of tips and tricks that will hopefully provide some guidance in whether you should pursue the pre-med track.

Shopping period is halfway over, which means our schedules are shaping up for the semester and homework is pouring in. After a whole month of sleeping in, probably not going to the gym, definitely binge-watching Netflix, and eating all the sugar cookies at your grandma’s holiday party, convincing yourself to head to Butler and get into a daily routine can be pretty hard. But never fear, Spectrum is here with tips on how to combat the lethargy you’re feeling in this cold, harsh weather and get back in the study zone.

Were you a little too optimistic about how “ready” you’d be to get back to work after winter break. Seriously need to revisit your jam packed schedule? We know what you’re thinking; 12 is a beautiful number, especially next to the words “Enrolled Credits.” If you’ve found yourself stuck at 11, or just looking for another class with lighter workload, Spectrum has compiled a list of the one-credit wonders that are sure to help ease the stress still lingering from last semester.

Finals season has arrived and, along with it, the frustratingly familiar routine of wandering endlessly through Ref in search of a vacant seat. If you’re tired of wasting your precious moments in Butler searching instead of studying, Spectrum has solutions!

Attention, Columbia students! Registration season is once again upon us, and you know what that means: Late nights scrolling through class directories, frantic messaging of wise upperclassmen for tips, and choosing classes just because they fit your schedule. Woohoo!

Cheryl? Millie? Milstein Center? The Cheryl and Philip Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning? The name of Barnard’s brand-new library has already become a topic of wide controversy, but there’s one thing we can agree on: This building is sick.

At first glance, the list of Barnard requirements may seem quite daunting. Within your four years as a Barnard student, you have to complete your first-year courses, distributional requirements, Modes of Thinking, a major, and take electives for a total of 122 points. However, it’s not nearly as bad as it may seem. To help you understand how it all works, here is a crash course on Barnard requirements.

Noise levels are scaled 1 to 5. 1 meaning you are able to hear PrezBo’s toupee hit the floor in an empty Low Library, and 5 being Baker Field during the game-winning touchdown on Homecoming.