With college, your first priority is obviously academics. You’re paying tuition, and your parents don’t want that money to go to waste. At UW-Madison, there are more options than you’d believe. So why don’t you get your money’s worth?
Some students come in knowing exactly what they’d like to pursue. But if you’re like me, you don’t really know where to begin. I had sort of an idea, but wasn’t extremely confident. Freshman year is your “clean slate”; it’s the perfect time to start making the most of your education. (P.S. – it’s okay to change your mind throughout this journey!)
Here’s how:
1. Think about your interests.
Yes, sit down for a bit and really consider what you like. If you want to make a career out of this, wouldn’t you want to enjoy doing it?
2. Do some exploration.
Research, research, RESEARCH. Madison has a ton of resources at your disposal; take advantage of them! (Pro tip: talk to the ADVISORS! It’s their job to help with this.)
3. Consider a certificate!
Especially if you’re willing to put the work in, certificates are a great way to tie in more interests! Some require minimal credits, so don’t worry too much about fitting it into your 4-year plan. You can make it happen!
Here’s a link to a list of certificate programs: https://www.wisc.edu/academics/certificates/
Overall, checking out all of your academic options can help you not only learn a lot but also figure out what your passions truly are.