Student gets help at library / College Library on Flickr (link)
Deciding on a major can be challenging—trust me, I know. Whether you have diverse interests or a fear of commitment, you are not alone! Here at UW-Madison, plenty of resources are available to help you find your path and stay on track. Here are 3 tips from a former undecided freshman:
1. Utilize the Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS)
CCAS is a specialized advising service to help students gain information, self-knowledge, and experiences needed to choose their paths. They offer assistance with selecting exploratory courses, finding internships and jobs, and more, all while students decide on a major. Utilize their services during SOAR, by requesting an appointment, or during drop-in hours.
2. Take Advantage of Exploratory Courses and First Year Seminars
I recommend looking into these two types of classes that are geared toward freshmen/new students:
- Exploratory courses fulfill general education requirements and can help students make a more informed decision about their major. I took INTER-LS 139 (loved it!), but there are many others that do the trick as well.
- First Year seminars are great courses to help freshmen transition to college life. They allow students to learn more about the resources and opportunities available at UW.
3. Join Student Organizations
Go to the Student Org Fair, talk to members, explore clubs related to your career interests, stick with a few throughout your time at UW, connect with members, and gain valuable insights!
With the help of CCAS advisors, exploratory courses, first-year seminars, student organizations, and more, undecided students at UW-Madison can feel confident that they can jump-start their career while still being undecided.