Chad Wittkop's (WSU Geoscience Class of 2000; Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities) Advice to current Geoscience about How to Get the Most Out of Your College Experience

This information comes directly from Chad, who spoke to current Geoscience students during the Assessment Day program in April 2000.

1) Take your allied science courses (math, chemistry, physics, biology) as early as possible.

2) Take your University Studies Basic Skills classes as early as possible, but spread out the rest of your general-education classes throughout your college career.

3) Develop bonds with departments other than Geoscience (think about completing a minor in another discipline), so that you develop an appreciation for another (at least one other) discipline.

4) Try to avoid taking the easy way out in your course selection (this will be boring and not challenging).

5) For those with an interest in graduate work, do an independent research project, even if it's not the project you've always dreamed of.

6) For those interested in entering the job market, do an internship to gain practical experience.

7) Keep your job and social life in perspective and in the proper place. Remember WHY you're in college! Do whatever you can to avoid having to work an outside job during the academic year.

8) Realize that YOU are responsible for your education. If you feel you've gotten a bum wrap, it's you to blame. Only you can learn the material covered in courses - your instructors can't do that for you. You have to make your own meaning of course material - work hard to put it in context with respect to what you know already. Instructors and Professors are there to facilitate your learning - use their expertise wisely.

Remember that the Quality of your education comes not from what you pay for it, but from what you put into it!