CSULA PEEPs
Resources for current EEPsters and PEEPs
CSULA PEEP Yahoo Group
 | We have a private Yahoo Group set up just for PEEPs. Click on the "Join" button on the left to ask to join the CSULA PEEP group (admissions are verified by group administrator PEEP Virginia Mushkatblat), or you can do it from the PEEP Group page as well. The Group page includes a roster database to contact other PEEPs, for instance, to arrange car-pooling options every day or for special events. |
Resource Information
By request, information has been assembled on a variety of topics to help PEEPs and EEPsters. Please feel free to suggest new topics that will be of benefit to PEEPs, or additions to these documents:
- Emergency Procedures. CSULA has security on campus to ensure safety every day as well as in emergencies. There is an extensive campus-wide security plan, and routine emergency drills, to ensure that the plans would be implemented as expected during emergencies. Click on the link above for more information, with tips on home preparedness as well.
- Emergency notification. CSULA offers an emergency procedure that will text-message in case of an emergency. Your EEPster must sign up for this service, but multiple phone numbers and email addresses are allowed, so your EEPster can sign up both his/her own cell number and yours -- visit the website for more information.
- Medical facilities. CSULA has a Health Center on campus, with many services available free or at reasonable prices, in addition to the Medical Clinic with Medical Doctor and nurses on call. Prices and services are subject to change, but recent flyers are available here:
- Internships/Summer Opportunities. While specific opportunities are dynamic, general advice and a list of places to examine are available at the link above. The absolute best place to start is through the EEPster's own network of professional and private contacts.
- Educational Resources: Especially Freshman parents should note the resources that EEP has for all EEPsters. Mentoring is not just a summer job for our EEPsters -- all upperclass EEPsters are always willing to help underclass EEPsters with any question. It is great for EEP if each and every EEPster is successful -- EEP is distinctively notable for its camaraderie and support, and not competitiveness. The two biggest challenges in adjustment to the college routine for most EEPsters is speed (that 10-week quarter goes by so fast!) and math (most EEPsters have some gaps having skipped high school). At the first onset of any problem (and preferably before, prophylactically), the EEPster should consult the EEPC Academic Chair to arrange FREE tutoring in the problem subject. EEPsters are tutored by upperclass EEPsters who have displayed a mastery of the subject material. Note that the majority of successful EEPsters have both been tutored and performed tutoring in their years at EEP. There are also a wealth of mathematics support, including Math dvds from the Teaching Company (available on loan for viewing at home, as well as in the EEP lounge -- have your EEPster ask the EEP office staff) and EEP Math Resources.
- Advisement. EEP has on staff academic advisors for the freshmen and sophomore EEPsters -- the advisors are part-time graduate students as well as a tenured professor. Older EEPsters are expected to consult their academic advisor in their major field of study. However, all EEP staff as well as parents are more than happy to give advice on academic and career paths, as well as internships.
- Scholarships. EEPsters are eligible for all scholarships available to any student; scholarships are not limited by age.
- Study Abroad. Experience a Different Coast . . . Study Abroad! Past EEPsters have studied abroad for 1-3 quarters at places like Oxford University and the University of Dublin. For our older EEPsters, international programs and the National Student Exchange can be a very nice option. Your EEPster can visit International Programs and Services on campus, or call at 323-343-3170, or attend one of the on-campus Fairs with over 20 study abroad providers. Interested EEPsters and PEEPs should also visit the IPS (CSULA International Programs and Services) website. Application deadlines are generally in February for the following academic year. Many EEPsters study abroad for an interim year prior to graduate school in America -- EEPsters have done this in Europe and Asia.
Graduate School Myths dispelled by Rich.
"EEPsters do not need a 4.0 GPA for grad school acceptance. Many EEPsters believe they must earn straight A's to get into grad school. Perfectionism is a problem for most gifted students and while a noble concept, to be perfect is not realistic. EEP has a B average standard (3.0) in EEP, not a 4.0 requirement. It is OK and acceptable to earn a B. Students should assume a Mastery orientation not a Performance orientation in terms of school work." Rich's suggested EEPster goals for grad school:
- Strong GPA (3.5 and above is great), this is a B+ average.
- Strong test scores on (graduate) entrance exams.
- Strong letters of recommendation developed over time through building faculty relationships.
- History of Involvement, leadership and extra curricular activities.
- Excellent communication and social skills often developed over time by involvement in activities and with peers.
- Focus and passion for a career or academic discipline.
Advice from EEPsters on achieving success.
Rich's advice is: 1.Engagement, 2. Self-regulation, and 3. Motivation!
Advice from high-achieving EEPsters included: 1. Become actively involved in school through clubs, organizations and faculty interactions; 2. Keep and maintain a schedule planner, to monitor performance, to understand which class material is most difficult and to plan their study schedules accordingly and in advance; 3. Set short and long term achievement goals, to choose to apply adequate effort to act on those goals and to be persistent in the pursuit of these goals. And specific study skill advice included emphasis on motivation, and analysis of personal skills and weaknesses.
To read about the advice in more detail, visit Rich's Spring 2009 newsletter.