What Students Say About BSP

“I was always the kind of person who liked to work alone, but these study groups have shown me that people really do learn better when they are surrounded with other students. It helps to have people explain to you what you do not understand, or explain what you understand in a different manner. I also remember the information a lot better because we get the opportunity to dissect it during study group!”
Sophomore
Career Plan: Medical School

“If you are looking for a support system of students and staff that share your best interests and goals, then BSP is the right place for you. BSP is more than just a simple program. Through all the doors it opens and opportunities it offers, BSP makes sure your years at Cornell are some of the best you'll ever have. The friends and connections you make through BSP are for a lifetime and the benefits it provides are unparalleled.”
Junior
Career Plan: Medical School

“Take a chance! I know the BSP application is at the very beginning of the year and you're being bombarded by a plethora of organizations seeking your membership, but BSP isn't just a club. BSP isn't a once-a-week with strangers trying to boost their resumes. BSP is a family, a network, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow as a Cornell biology student. Maybe you'll find your best friend through BSP. Maybe BSP will take you to the Galapagos Islands. You never know, but first you have to take that chance!”
Sophomore
Career Plan: PhD or MPH

“You're never alone when you are a Biology Scholar!”
Freshman
Career Plan: Medical School

"The seminars and the study groups have definitely helped me academically and socially. Coming into a school as big as Cornell, it is very easy to feel intimated by your peers and feel scared to ask for help. However, being a part of BSP has allowed me to realize that everyone is on their own path to success and the BSP has become a safe place for me filled with people and mentors to whom I can voice my concerns."
Sophomore
Career Plan: Medical School

"Being a member of the Biology Scholars Program opened doors at Cornell that I didn't even know existed. In a large university, like Cornell, it is challenging at first to adapt to a less personalized learning environment. BSP helped give me more structure regarding advising and academic resources. Especially through BSP it is easier to get to know professors and advisors that are key to getting the recommendation letters that I needed to get into a summer internship program after my first year. Without a doubt, one of the biggest advantages is the network of BSP alumni, who are more than willing to talk to members about their Cornell experiences as well as beyond.

I was not necessarily interested in evolutionary biology going into the Galapagos program, but I knew that it was a truly unique opportunity from what other BSPers had said. I was not wrong. My second semester of freshman year consisted almost entirely of the Galapagos program and truthfully, through the program I learned so much about evolutionary biology, how the field of science works and, most unexpectedly, about life and myself. A very important lesson I learned is that professors aren't really all that scary. The "Galapabros" and I spent so much time with the professors leading the program and on the trip to Galapagos, with whom we still have very close ties to. Learning that lesson as a freshman in college will help me in the coming years because I no longer feel so intimidated by professors."

Sophomore
Career Plan: MD/PhD or Clinical Researcher

“The study groups provide a guaranteed time-slot every week where I can count on someone reliable to help me feel comfortable with my more difficult classes. Moreover, that someone is often a Biology Scholar, which fosters an environment of success because I feel motivated to become like them.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Graduate School (Ecology)

"This amazing program has afforded me exposure to research labs, networking with Cornell faculty, teambuilding and leadership skills, professional development, and more. Most importantly, I have found friends and mentors who I feel lucky to say have shaped my Cornell experience for the better.

As cliche as it sounds, applying to BSP was without a doubt the best decision I have made at Cornell. It has enhanced my experience academically and socially. Having a small group of students who you can feel comfortable with while doing homework, studying, or just having fun makes all the difference in such a big school. As a biological sciences major you will also quickly realize just how helpful the advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Biology are. By being in BSP, we are lucky enough to get to know these advisors who can guide and help you with anything you may need throughout your 4 years!"
 

Sophomore
Career Plan: Undecided - MD, PhD, or MD/PhD

“I find it difficult to just sit down by myself and review material from class on a weekly basis, so the study groups give me a structured time when I do this.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Graduate School

“Without BSP study groups I would have done significantly worse in many of my core classes here. BSP has given me a supportive community of driven young scientists to be around and commiserate with during some of the harder times. Not only that, but Jeff is one of the best advisors anyone could ask for—he’s honest and knows what he’s talking about and has helped me through some of the toughest decisions and situations!!!”
Senior
Career Plan: Graduate School (Neurobiology/Psychology)

“BSP is a great environment to befriend a diverse group of students that are all connected by their interest in biology, but even within this subject, there are a wide array of directions one can take.”
Senior
Career Plan: Technical Services Analyst for healthcare software company, then MBA

“Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t know much about the steps I needed to take with regards to classes, research, internships, and much more so it was a very helpful to be part of a group that focuses and exposes us to all of these things. Having someone like Jeff and the other OUB advisors to always be there for you was also a very big help. BSP really helped me be successful at Cornell and I can’t imagine having to go through Cornell without all the help I got through BSP.”
Senior
Career Plan: Medical School

“BSP is amazing! It is one of the most influential forces in my life at Cornell. I've formed so many friendships through the program, and I am glad that I was able to join. BSP is a great program where students get to meet a wide variety of professionals in fields that interest us. It also offers academic and often emotional support that I am forever grateful for.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Medical School

“BSP has really helped with academics, especially this semester. With my study group, I am on top of material that I think would otherwise be slipping through my fingers. My Biochem study group has greatly improved my understanding of that class!!!! BSP has also helped me to focus a lot in the past two years; reminding me constantly of the long term, what my goals are, and what my future could be like.”
Junior
Career Plan: Peace Corps, Graduate School

 

“The Biology Scholars Program has helped expose me to new career paths and cutting edge ideas. I have met many people with similar interests and experiences. This has helped to make the transition to college easier.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Research in Medical Entomology

“I love BSP! My participation in BSP has better defined my association with the Biological Sciences Major. I appreciate the flexibility for scholars to initiate programs of interest for fellow scholars. I also appreciate the study groups and their leaders. The sophomore seminars were very helpful. I actually refer to my notes when I have to analyze scientific papers. The experience in the Biological Sciences Major will be incomplete without BSP. Thanks to Jeff, the OUB advisors, my fellow BSPers, Study Group Leaders and all who make BSP the best program on campus!”
Sophomore
Career Plan: MD/MPH

“BSP is not just a group but more like a family. You get to meet many friends that have the same interests as you. The study groups are great because you actually look forward to discussing the topic and being with your friends at the same time. BSP creates a very enjoyable and stress-free environment. It's a great support system and you can always depend on your study group leader and Jeff (the BSP Program Coordinator).”
Freshman
Career Plan: Medical School

“At first I thought BSP was just study groups that would help me advance in general Bio classes but slowly I came to realize it's not JUST a program, it's a community. Biology Scholars are who I end up eating dinner with, sharing secrets and jokes. These are really wonderful people that inspire and encourage you. With BSP I feel comfortable and always welcomed.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Optometry School

“With BSP I can ask questions about anything and know that I won’t be looked at funny. Being a part of a community where everyone is accepted and treated like family is the best part. It has helped me de-stress at times and figure out what I do need to be stressing about at others.”
Freshman
Career Plan: Medical School

“Study groups have allowed me to see alternative ways people solve problems”
Freshman
Career Plan: MD/PhD (Neurology)

“BSP was a support system since the moment I got to Cornell as a freshman. I think being part of BSP, especially being able to have a close relationship with the Office of Undergraduate Biology advisors, made me feel like I had a place at Cornell and that there are people who care about me succeeding as a biological sciences major. In such a large institution, this is definitively beneficial to anyone. The social connections I am creating with some of the underclassmen and with other students from my year have also been beneficial.”
Senior
Career Plan: Public Health, Medicine

 

“BSP has helped me find a community within the Cornell campus. I have made new friendships which I hope last a lifetime. I get to know more about some campus activities and how to get involved in them. The upperclass BSPers have been a source of motivation and courage.”
Sophomore
Career Plan: MD or MD/PhD

“When I first joined BSP, I thought it was going to be a club that would have weekly meetings and just talk about biology, however, I was wrong. While we do have discussions about biology during many of the seminars and meetings, we talk about real life issues that students face in Cornell. Through talking about the same difficulties, successes and setbacks that we all shared, BSP allows for members to feel like part of a common community. Additionally, BSP exposes members to different careers in Biology and helped me establish connections with faculty members, alumni, and other professionals.”
Sophomore
Career Plan: MD (Pediatrician)

“BSP is like a newly found family for me at Cornell. I have made life-long friends in BSP!”
Sophomore
Career Plan: Work for the United Nations Children's Fund

“BSP means interacting with your peers to further our understanding of the biological world while forming friendships through teaching and learning with one another.”
Sophomore
Career Plan: Graduate School

“Through BSP I have become more acquainted with innovative research and opportunities in medicine. The wonderful and interesting people I've met have made BSP all the more enjoyable.”
Sophomore
Career Plan: Medical School

“BSP has been a big part of my life here at Cornell. It has helped me adjust academically and socially. I formed friendships with other people who are on the same path as me. Because of the requirements to stay in BSP, I have constantly been trying to push myself to go above the expectations of being a biology scholar.”
Junior
Career Plan: Medical School

“BSP creates a fun, yet challenging environment to collaborate and excel with other students at Cornell.”
Sophomore
Career Plan: Graduate School

"BSP helps to remind me of all the things I love about Biology. It keeps me motivated when school proves to be increasingly arduous. Further, there is always a fellow BSPer or adviser to talk to when I need advice-- and I can be sure they have my best interest in mind and will lead me in the right direction."
Junior
Career Plan: MD or PhD