Word
from the Assistant Provost
Les C. Eddington
There are two areas I would like you to think about as
a science minded student. First are some reasons why the Lord may want
you at APU and, secondly, I'd like to share a proven formula for finding
career success in the sciences.
When you fist considered joining the APU community as a student you
were, hopefully, trying to find where God wanted you. In doing that
you might have been attracted by the small class size, teachers that
care about their students, the availability of support services and
the potential of Christian fellowship. These are all good but can be
found at any large university to some extent. What is unique to APU
is our strong student life program that provides additional and specifically
Christian support at the dorm level. Also, there is a "World View" difference
(Christians versus atheistic or, at best, agnostic) that pervades every
area of your developing life whether it's ministry opportunities, selection
of life-long relationships with students and faculty or access to graduate
and/or career opportunities. It may very well be that these latter
items were the real reason the Lord brought you here, even if you weren't
directly aware of them.
The below state formula for success has been modified from various
pre-medical student brochures and literature but is applicable to all
majors in our department:
Background
Many of you have come to APU with variable background in the sciences.
Testing will help determine the right starting courses for you. We
want every student to be successful and background in science should
never be a stumbling block.
Academics
Don't be afraid to give yourself to academic respectability. You need
to get A's and B's in your since subjects with a GPA around 3.5 or
better. It takes discipline- God has called you- Don't settle for second
best.
Service
Service and ministry opportunities are myriad. Employers are looking
for a liberal arts trained student who is not a "bookworm",
but has a balance in their life. Don't omit considering volunteer opportunities
as a part of this formula.
Research
You will have opportunities as an upper classman in our Biology or
Chemistry areas. Look for it- Get involved.
MCAT/ GRE, ETC.
(Medical College Admissions Test; Graduate Record Exam)
This letter in the acrostic BASRM stands for the various types of national
testing to be prepared for and taken near the end for your college
years. This plus you GPA, research and service record will determine
the graduate opportunities that will become available to you.
Good luck and welcome to our department.
L.C. Eddington
Assistant Provost
