Frequently asked questions for students interested in joining the Biology Scholars Program (BSP).

What are the components of BSP?
Students in BSP participate in monthly community meetings, weekly study groups, and social and networking events. Students also gain access to advising by BSP staff.

What happens at the monthly community meetings?
The monthly community meetings are mandatory and provide a way for BSP members and advisors to stay in touch throughout the semester. Commonly, BSP advisors and guest speakers give talks regarding study skills, research opportunities, summer programs, career options, etc. Also, the meetings provide a forum for member thoughts, concerns, and general questions.

What networking events are available?
In the past, BSP members have had the opportunity to take part in networking trips to various locations, such as New York City and Boston. Sites visited include graduate schools, medical schools, and companies—all typically hosted by Cornell alumni who impart their advice and experiences to the group.

In which courses are study groups offered?
The availability of study groups varies from one semester to the next. However, for the 2009-2010 academic year, classes covered by study groups included: Introductory Biology (both Lecture and Personalized Instruction courses), Introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, and Biochemistry.

Biology study group

When and where do study groups meet?
The standard study group meeting time is each Monday evening in Stimson Hall from 8-10 pm. Some study groups will meet on Sundays. Prospective members should leave Monday evenings free for study groups.

How large are study groups?
Each study group consists of (at most) eight students, with the average number per study group closer to four or five students.

What happens at study group, and how long do meetings last?
At study group, members meet with their study group leader for two hours to review, practice, and clarify material from class. Students become more familiar with the fundamental concepts and gain problem-solving skills. Typical activities include students posing questions for the rest of the group to work on, discussing suggested problems, and participating in activities prepared by the group’s leader. BSP members must come to meetings prepared and ready to participate.

Are study groups mandatory?
Study groups are a mandatory component of BSP, as well as one of the greatest perks of becoming a member. Students are asked to be sure that their schedules are clear during the meeting time (usually Monday evenings). Students must inform their leader if they will be absent.

Who leads the study groups?
Each study group meeting is led by a single leader. A leader is not necessarily a teacher, tutor, or TA. Instead, he or she leads cooperative learning by redirecting and reinterpreting questions, explaining concepts, and posing problems for the whole group to figure out together. Thus they direct group discussions, ensure that group members learn to rely on one another as resources, and provide supplemental materials such as worksheets and practice questions. Leaders meet weekly with program advisors to discuss the progress of the study groups.

Who are the study group leaders?
Study group leaders are undergraduate or graduate level students who have successfully completed and excelled in the course they lead for study group. Each leader receives training in leading study groups and must also observe several study group sessions before serving as a group leader. For information about becoming a study group leader contact Jeff McCaffrey (jm298@cornell.edu).

Chemistry study group

How many study groups can a member sign up for?
It is mandatory that members participate in at least one study group. However, students should feel free to attend another study group if it is offered at a time other than their primary one. Students are expected to come prepared and actively participate in every study group to which they commit.

Should I apply to BSP?
BSP provides an actively engaged community comprised of students who focus on collaboration. Our members have diverse backgrounds, making each meeting a learning experience. You will learn about new cultural and ideological perspectives and gain insight into who you are as a person. Students find this program helps them reach a new level of learning in the sciences.

How do I join BSP?
Fill out our online application, due during the last week of August. A more specific deadline will be forthcoming.

I have more questions about the Biology Scholars Program. Who can I contact?
Contact Jeff McCaffrey (jm298@cornell.edu) or Bonnie Comella (bec3@cornell.edu) via email, or come in during their office hours.