Center for Academic Planning & Exploration

Exploring Majors and Discovering Interests at the UMN | 612-624-3076 | 511 Bruininks Hall | [email protected]

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Exploring Over Break

It’s Spring Break, baby! If you’re in a place where you’re questioning your major or are still in the exploring process, now is a great time to lean into uncertainty. Finals are over, and while you probably want to rest your brain for a while, you can make this break really productive. Here’s how-->

1.Major Profiles

If you haven’t checked out CAPE’s Major Profiles yet, you have to! On this page, you can search by college, interest area or theme. Each major profile includes degree requirements, career info, info on how to get in, related student groups and study abroad info. Many include student spotlights that give you an inside look into the major too.

2.Sign up for the Major Network

Have a few majors that you want to take a closer look at? Sign up for CAPE’s Major Network to get matched with student mentors from those majors. You’ll be set up with mentors when spring semester starts, and they can meet in person to chat, answer questions via email, and/or take you to sit in one of their classes.

3.Reflect

As you reflect on the semester, what is going well? What isn’t? Is there anything that you wish you were doing differently? Decide what you want to accomplish in the remainder of the semester, both academically and personally, and think about how what you learned last semester will help you going forward. I would highly recommend writing this down so you can look at it later.

4.Ted Talks

Ted put together this collection of videos called “Talks to help you pick your major” especially for academic decision making. The videos range from “What’s so sexy about math?” to “The secret US prisons you’ve never heard of before.” They’ve really thought of everything.

5.Informational Interviews

If you’re feeling ambitious, do a little informational interview. There are some great tips here. Informational interviews can seem daunting, but remember, most professionals would be enthusiastic about talking to young people! Genuinely! Only good things can come of doing one.

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On Changing Your Mind

You think you know what you’re going to major in! That’s awesome! How exciting!

But then suddenly, you’re not so sure.

That was me during my freshman year. I thought that I had finally figured it; I had finally reached a conclusion that felt right… until it didn’t anymore.

I had felt lost for quite a while. I entered college undecided, having almost no direction. I knew I liked reading and writing and that I was interested in English, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Cultural Studies, Journalism, Art History, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies and Political Science. I was also learning about new majors and minors that I didn’t even know existed.

Whenever someone asked me what my major was, which happened several times a week, I always responded with “I’m undecided!” Soon I noticed that I was the only one who I knew saying that I was undecided. Everyone else always had an answer.

During my second semester, after much deliberation, I decided to major in Professional Journalism. I felt so much relief - like I had finally figured it out. Spoiler alert: I did not end up majoring in Professional Journalism. I’m doing Strategic Communication now - a different track in the Journalism School.

But changing your mind isn’t something that only I have experienced. I’ve heard so many stories from friends and acquaintances.

I remember one friend telling me that she was majoring in something different every week. Each time someone asked her about her major, she confidently told them her newest idea.

Another friend wanted to double major, applied to a major, and then didn’t get accepted. She did another minor instead and loved it; she was so thankful that the original major didn’t work out because the path that she ended up on was a lot better for her, personally and professionally.

We all change our minds about things. Why should academic interests be any different? You’re not the same person you were in high school. And in the second semester of college, you’re not the same person you were in the first semester. So, be kind to yourself, and don’t be too surprised when your mind changes!

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Major Declaration Stories

“I entered college in CLA as a pre-Communications major and realized the Journalism school had more tailored courses for my interests. Over time, I observed that I had taken so many courses that fulfilled my initial Studies in Cinema and Media Culture minor that I raised it to a major for long-term benefit.”

-  MaiLei Meyers, Studies in Cinema and Media Culture and Journalism (Strategic Communication), Class of 2019

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“I first started out as an Industrial and systems major, but I was struggling to stay motivated as I was pursuing my major. All of the classes were so difficult, and I felt like I was losing my passion for being at the UMN. I began to question if my major was the right for me and decided to look into other engineering paths with my CSE advisor. There I realized none of the engineering majors really stuck out to me. I couldn't imagine myself as an engineer anymore. As I was feeling a little lost, my advisor recommended CAPE (Center for Academic Planning and Exploration), and I decided to go take a look. There I started working with a coach, and she was amazing. We took attitude and career assessments tests and I really felt like she was trying to help me find what I truly wanted to do. After looking into other majors, I decided to transfer to the Carlson School of Management to pursue a major in International Business. I chose International Business because it allowed me to continue my study of Japanese, and I really enjoy business as a whole. I am a very analytical person and enjoy working with other people to predict new marketing trends. I also like to look into businesses to see what is profitable. In the future, I would like to become a global outsource specialist so I can manage global partnerships and enjoy new cultures.”

- Aaliyah Young, International Business, Class of 2021

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Choosing Your Major

Even if you enter college thinking that you know what you want to do, declaring a major can have a lot of road bumps. Some people take a class and realize that they really don’t want to do the major that you thought they would love. Other times, people’s interests just change as they learn more about themselves and what they truly enjoy. This is normal!

Here’s how four students at the University of Minnesota decided on their majors.

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“Because I have always been interested in so many things, choosing a major was not the easiest thing for me. I always love a good challenge, and my high school coursework in chemistry and math were very fun. For those reasons, I originally chose chemical engineering as my major. Soon after arriving on campus, however, I began research within the chemistry department. This experience changed my life. It led me in a direction focusing on a very specific field of chemistry, and I am constantly excited by the field. In the end, I decided to switch my major to chemistry with a minor in physics after talking to many advisors, friends, mentors, and family. Because I had such a burning passion and drive for chemistry over chemical engineering, I knew that switching majors would likely be a successful move.”

-Levi, Junior, Chemistry Major

“I have always had a really deep passion for language. As a toddler and child, this meant I often tried to steal the picture book from my mom and read it myself (though I had yet to learn how to read), and I wrote messy and nonsensical but fun stories in a notebook with yellow Labrador puppies on the cover. Now, this means that I can't read a book without analyzing it and having something to say about it, I always have at least one (or 2 or 4) reading books on me, and I write all the time. It was only natural that I transfer these interests to a major that not only feeds into this passion and develops it into a multifaceted skill set, but also opens me up to hundreds of career opportunities.”

-Lauren, Sophomore, English Major

“I'd always been interested in math, science, and how the world around me worked. I was particularly captivated with machines and the way they functioned - how did someone go about designing an engine, an airplane, a mechanical pencil? As I got older, I did more research and found out that mechanical engineers get to design and improve the world around them, and I wanted in!”

-Rose, Junior, Mechanical Engineering Major

“Originally, I thought I was going to be a chemistry major, but soon realized that was not for me. I was looking for something related to biology and the body and happened to stumble across physiology. Unsure if I would like it or not, I gave it a go and now I will be graduating with a physiology degree!”

-Taylor, Senior, Physiology Major

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Wellness Week

College. You know what I mean? As things get busier and busier and the #stress sets in, deadlines may be the only thing on your mind. This might be the time when you are truly learning to take care of yourself for the first time, which can be overwhelming.

I’ll keep this one brief because you probably have some homework waiting for you.

1. Physical Wellness

The Recreation and Wellness Center is seriously so great, but don’t feel like you have to drag yourself there every day. It can be really hard to get there often, especially in the middle of the semester. You can get exercise outside of the Rec Well though. Remember how you walk to class for 15 minutes every day - then 10 minutes to your next class, and 10 to work, and then another 15 home? Or bike everywhere you go? These things count as exercise, so don’t get mad at yourself for not making it to the gym!

Getting to a grocery store can be difficult sometimes too. Make a plan to stop at Nutritious U Food Pantry. Located in the Memorial Union, this free pantry operates once a month, and is open to everyone; no proof of need is required.

2. Mental Wellness

Think about your mental health before you feel like you need to. Students get 11 sessions of individual therapy a year at Boynton, so don’t let them go to waste! If you feel like you don’t have time to go it, I get it. But in the long run, you could save time if you’re able to be more productive.

3. Social

Did you know that your social health is a huge indicator of your overall health? Balance keeps us sane. I know that I find it hard to justify focusing on school work when a friend wants to chat. Instead of trying to multitask, I usually give my friends all of my attention for a short amount of time, then move on to productive work. And I encourage you to be intentional about discovering how this balance works best for you.

More than anything, listen to your body and emotions (have you tried meditation yet?). The work may be piling up, but you get to decide how you see it.

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read this out loud:

• I am allowed to take a break today

• It’s not selfish to put my feelings and health first

• I need to remember to care for myself

• I should be allowed to express myself, I am lovely as I am

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Don’t Forget About Yourself!

Self awareness sounds like it should be easy. Who knows you better than you know yourself, right?

Why is it sometimes so challenging then?  And why is it so important? In college it’s too easy to get swept up in the incredibly fast moving world around you. There is constantly homework to do, class to attend, something to do, something to see, and something to plan. Where you fall into all of that can be a bit confusing. But to thrive, having a solid concept of yourself is not just helpful; it’s essential.

If you're in a place where you want to work on your self-awareness, check out this very nonexhaustive list of techniques to try.

1. Journal

Gone are the days of being disappointed when you end up with a journal in your family’s  holiday gift exchange. You’re going to want to use that journal from Aunt Cynthia and love it. Retrospection can be a gift. It’s often easier to see yourself once you have taken a small step back. So, get out your thoughts by writing them down. Come back to it in a couple of days. A little distance from your thoughts/feelings might just be the key to gaining clarity of mind.

3.Mindfulness

It took me a long time of hearing the word “mindfulness” tossed around before I learned what it actually meant. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, but “Live in the moment” and “Be present” are platitudes that never really meant anything to me. Basically, it’s about training yourself to let go of the thoughts that are not relevant to your present situation. The U of M’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing is a great resource to learn more about what mindfulness actually is and how to practice it. I highly recommend taking a look!

4. Meditation

Meditation is another thing that it’s taken me awhile to understand. Much like mindfulness, this practice is about simple awareness. It’s not about pushing away all of your thoughts and attempting to not think. It’s about being aware of your thoughts and letting them pass. Directing your focus inwards, onto your own body, can give you insight into your mood that you might not have noticed before. I use an app called Headspace. It’s the best.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that these things take time and consistent effort. It takes practice and more practice. But in time, you will learn about what may be the most important subject to study in college… yourself.

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Get Involved...With Literally Anything!

I bet you’ve heard at least once before, if not 100 times, “Get involved” and “Join a student group!” It can get a little repetitive.

Well, I’m here today to tell you… the same exact thing!

Connecting with spaces on campus where your interests are shared and validated can be crucial to your sense of belonging. I know that some people aren’t enthusiastic about putting in the effort to seek out groups because they already have a solid friend group. That’s awesome! But diversifying your network is always a beneficial idea.

And you don’t have to rely on word of mouth to find your perfect student group here. The U has this site called Gopher Link where almost every single student organization is listed, along with information on meeting times and locations. You can even browse by interest areas like “Cultural and Diversity,” “Fine Arts/Music/Film” and "Environmental/Sustainability."

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate the search:

1. Don’t feel pressure to commit right away

Finding the right place on campus can be a process. I spent a large portion of my first semester at the U just attending different student group meetings. Some felt right, and I continued attending. Other didn’t, and I never returned. So, don’t be afraid to go to a meeting just to see what it’s about. Never feel bad if you only attend one meeting.

2. You can join almost any time

If you missed the first or first couple meetings, don’t worry; that doesn’t mean that you can’t join. Many groups are open to new members at any point in the semester. Also, many don’t have official membership. Instead, students are welcome to show up any time, no strings attached.

3.Talk to people

Another cliche, perhaps, but one that’s said for a reason. Introducing yourself to just two people can make all the difference. You’ll have a familiar face to look for next time.

4. It’s not only for first-year students

This one is important! Having an upperclassman status doesn’t mean that you can’t explore. Most groups would be delighted to have anyone show up and inquire about their group. They want you there, and they want to their organization to benefit you.

So, getting involved really is the move.

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A New Year

Welcome back, Gophers! If you’re new here, we are so happy to have you on campus!

Beginning classes after summer break can be… a lot. Maybe you have to get from Willey Hall to Nicholson Hall in 15 minutes. Maybe you’re in an advanced math class and you can’t remember any formulas. Perhaps you were just assigned The Iliad and realized that you forgot how to read over the summer.

Whatever you’re feeling right now, it’s valid.

The following are tips from me (a real, live student!) for finding a little serenity in the whirlwind that the beginning of first semester can be:

1. Use that G-Cal

If you think that you don’t need Google Calendar, you do. Keeping track of your schedule with notes in a planner sounds like a great idea until you have 3 classes, 2 meetings, work and an appointment to remember every day. G-Cal has changed my life for the better!

2. Note all due-dates

This is a tedious process that takes a little time, but it is so worth it. I write down every single assignment, test, and reading in one place. It creates a nice visual of the entire workload that I have for each week. Trust me, in a few weeks, you won’t want to go back and check the syllabus crumpled at the bottom of your backpack for the date of when a certain assignment is due.

3. Jot down those office hours

Did you know that office hours aren’t just for asking questions related to your class? You can go talk to you professor about the department, their research, or their career! If you’re in a class related to a field that you’re thinking about pursuing, make it a point to stop in and chat - at least once. Whenever I’ve dropped into my professors’ office hours, I’ve always felt that they appreciated that a student took the time to come in. Not many people utilize this resource, so you will definitely stand out to your professor if you do.

4. Grab your journal

After writing that 10 page paper on Roman mythology, you might not feel like you have one more word in you to document anything about your personal life. Whether you have a journal or just use the Notes app on your phone, taking a minute or two to stop and reflect on what you are thinking and feeling can give you a lot of clarity. It might be fun to go back and read later too.

5. Make time for socializing

Prioritizing social time is not a bad thing! While school is important, that doesn’t mean that your friends aren’t. Your work must get done, but the people surrounding you are essential to your well-being. You’re on a campus with about 30,000 undergrads, and you may never be surrounded by so many fun, interesting people again. There’s so much to learn from everyone. Take advantage of the connections that you can make on this campus.

6. Get excited

There is so much ahead of you. You may be staring straight into the eyes of 11 papers, 4 midterms, 56 assignments, 9 quizzes and approximately 129 readings, but sprinkled in between all of that will undoubtedly be moments of exploration, growth, and joy.

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Driven to Discover

Today’s challenges won’t rest, but neither will we. It’s why we’re driven. See how we’re tackling 5 of the world’s biggest challenges..

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Engage in your education

A bit of advice: your college education won’t get you very far if you don’t do things outside of the classroom. Getting engaged in your education is also a great way to get a better idea of what your interests and skills are, getting those who are undecided closer to declaring. Here are some of our favorite ways to get engaged:

Informational Interviews

Want to know a secret about adults with cool jobs? They typically LOVE talking to students! If you’re looking to learn more about possible career paths, reach out to someone. Not sure where to begin? Think about people you know in your family and friend circles. Gain some confidence by first talking with people you know within your family and circle of friends. This guide has some additional tips on informational interviews to help you on your way.

Student Groups

Second semester isn’t too late to dig into all the amazing activities the U of M has to offer! Check out Gopherlink or take a stroll across the Washington Ave Bridge to find a new student group to join!

Volunteering, Jobs, and Internships

Volunteering is a great way to get experience and learn new things while doing something great for your community. Summer jobs and internships can also be a great way for you to get a taste of areas and careers that interest you without a long-term commitment. Check out Goldpass to see opportunities specifically for UMN students! Summer can be a great time to gain experience, but remember to plan ahead as many places hire for their summer positions early!

Learning Abroad & Away

The U provides tons of opportunities to get academic experiences outside of the typical classroom. Check out the Learning Abroad Center for opportunities to take your studies outside of the U.S. If you want to keep things a bit more local, check out the National Student Exchange to study at a different University for a semester, or HECUA to get involved in internships and classes in the Twin Cities.

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Major Spotlight: Marketing

How and why did you choose your major?

Choosing a major was never something that felt very easy, I had a lot of interests and wasn't sure where to narrow them down to pick just a few things to focus on. In high school, I was involved with DECA which gave me exposure to business and through that I realized that I am definitely business-minded- I like understanding how organizations function, and I liked doing things with financial numbers. What ultimately led me to marketing is that I am both creative and analytical. I love different forms of art on top of my analytical side, so I didn't want to give up being creative. I think marketing has a lot of misunderstandings- that it's just advertising, or only creative- but by talking to friends and advisers, I realized that it's a blend of both, which I love.

Please give a description (in your words) of your major including the things you learn, favorite classes, and any challenges you have faced.

Marketing, in brief, is all about organizing strategy around selling products or services. At the heart of this is really understanding consumers and putting ourselves in their shoes. Marketing is very broad, so this includes everything from how we determine which products to make, how to communicate with consumers, and how to price products (along with many, many other activities). I really have loved my marketing research class because it taught me that empathy is at the heart of marketing, and we have to talk to consumers to understand what they want and need. In terms of challenges, I would say because marketing is so broad it often incorporates ideas from all business areas- some of which are strengths of mine and some of which are not. It's amazing to have such well-rounded learning, though!

What types of experiences outside of the classroom have you had relating to your major? (i.e. clubs, jobs, internships, volunteering, study abroad etc.)

I've studied abroad in Brussels, where I gained knowledge of marketing at an international level. I also currently intern at Ovative/group, a digital marketing agency. There, I have had lots of experience with marketing analytics and using data to come up with creative solutions for clients' digital marketing strategies!

In your opinion, what is one thing, or one piece of advice that other students pursuing your major should know?

Embrace collaboration! Marketing is very collaborative, and marketers work with countless other areas of a business. People are your best resources, whether it's employees or customers.

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Trying to decide on a major or minor?

Come to the Major/Minor Expo this Wednesday!

The University of Minnesota has more than 140 majors and 130 minors to choose from. It’s no wonder that 60% of students change their major at least once after they declare. Luckily, there’s an event every year that puts all of these majors and minors in one place, just waiting for students like you to walk in and ask questions. So, why should you come?

The people.

It’s true. The Major/Minor Expo has representatives from almost every program at the U, all coming prepared to talk to you, give advice, and answer your questions. It’s a great place to see just how many majors are out there, to compare, or to learn more about a few majors or minors you may be considering. There are also advisors present who able to tell you about your options if you want to transfer colleges within the University of Minnesota. 

The learning.

Like I said, there are tons of majors at the U. It can be really eye-opening just to walk around and see what’s out there. The majors at the Expo are grouped by interest area, such as Education & Human Services, Business & Communications, Engineering & Physical Sciences, and more! If you’re like most students, there are dozens of majors and minors available that you’ve never even heard of. Plus, exploring minors can be a great way to incorporate a hobby or side interest into your college experience.

The fun!

Yes, of course we’re going to make this fun! The first 50 students through the door get a free t-shirt, and we’ll be playing games and giving away popcorn, snacks, tote bags, and more all day long! One lucky student who completes the exit survey will even win a new pair of Beats headphones! The Expo is an exciting day for a lot of people at the university, so we’re all having fun while it lasts. Come join the party—Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1-4pm, Coffman’s Great Hall. z.umn.edu/majorminorexpo 

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Career vs. Major: How Do You Choose?

For most people, the reason choosing a major and sticking with it can be so hard is because we’re all worried about what sort of career that major will lead to. One of the most difficult concepts for me to get into my head during my major exploration process was that major ≠ career.

For me, the best way to calm myself down in my frantic anxiety over choosing a major was to think of it less like a life sentence, and more like a gateway. Your major certainly steers your career path in a certain direction, but it’s far more about giving you the skills necessary for an array of futures, not just one. When you think of it as a gateway with hundreds of options on the other side, it’s a lot easier to choose a major that’s right for you. 

The U of M has tons of resources to help you figure out what some of those options on the other side of the gate may be. CAPE’s Major Profiles have links to Career Info for every major on campus, which often list jobs and professions held by alumni with those majors. Places like your college’s Career Services offices can also be really helpful--their counselors are experts in knowing what types of paths different majors can take you down.

I know that declaring a major is still scary and a big commitment. Here’s a fun stat to make you feel better: nearly 60% of people who declare majors change them at least once before they graduate. Explore thoroughly by taking courses in topics that interest you and using all the resources the U has to offer. After that, you just have to trust yourself and know that you’re the only one who knows what’s best for you!

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Welcome to Spring Semester

Winter break was great while it lasted, and winter is unfortunately still here. Hopefully, your break was spent relaxing and spending time with those who matter most to you, but now it’s time to buckle down and get back into your old school routines. The switch from break mode to school mode usually catches me off-guard, so here are a few tricks that have worked well in helping me get my act together:

Get Organized Now

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last few weeks with very few responsibilities and things to keep track of. If you don’t feel like you have your ducks in a row by the time the first week of classes ends, it can be really easy to fall behind. Put your class schedule in your calendar (and include room numbers!), order all your text books, and clean your room. Making sure that you know where everything is and where you need to be will help you stay afloat in these stressful first weeks. 

Get Involved

Winter break can be pretty isolating. Some of us spend time at home, where we can’t see many of our college friends. Others spend time on campus while all of our friends are at home. A great way to beat the winter blues is to try new things and meet new people. Find a new student group or a new study spot, and don’t forget to make a few friends in your new classes. You’ll want them later, when you miss class and need someone to share their notes.

Put What You’ve Done to Use

While you probably spend most of break binge-watching and sleeping in, the time you spent shouldn’t go to waste. Did you work over break? Browse the major catalogs? Spend time doing things you love? Those experiences should fuel and influence where you go with your major exploration from here. Think about what you liked and disliked about work or the activities you did while you had time off. Think about where your mind wandered between episodes on Netflix. Use the things that matter to you and make you happy to decide where you want to go with your college career. 

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Ever wondered what a major in Urban Studies means?

Us too. Laura’s a junior in the program this year, and has a lot to say about why she loves her major! Check out her story:

How and why did you choose your major?

Finding this major was quite the roundabout process. I already had a major declared in Strategic Communications within the Journalism school, however I felt like something was missing. I loved taking classes that focused on politics, the environment or social issues. I kept struggling with wanting to switch to political science or global studies but then I found urban studies after some late night googling sessions and fell in love. I can take my love for politics, social issues, policy analysis and it all fits into one beautifully diverse major. Unlike most urban studies majors I wasn't obsessed with cities, rather I saw the opportunity to take all my interests and focus it down to cities and see how all these dynamics live and breathe in that space.

Please give a description (in your words) of your major including the things you learn, favorite classes, and any challenges you have faced.

The urban studies major is composed of 4 different tracks. You can decide if you want to study social and cultural dynamics in a city (this is the path I am taking) environment/infrastructure, international urban issues, or urban political economy. What does all of that mean? Basically you are analyzing the different relationships in cities whether that be with people and city systems/policies, infrastructure and its impact on both people and the environment or looking at developing countries and seeing what issues they face. One of my favorite classes was POL 3771 Politics of Race, Class and Ethnicity. This class challenged what I thought I knew about the complexities of these topics and really allowed you to take a deep dive into what is race, how does it differ from different cultures, etc. Another cool thing you are able to do with Urban Studies is take colloquium courses with people who are currently out in the world doing "urban studies work." Currently I am taking a course on environmental justice in Zambia within the mining industry there and it is fascinating! It is awesome to have the chance to have incredibly small classes with people who are doing interesting work and engage in discussions. Challenges: this major is very diverse which I love, but also makes it difficult to summarize. You have to be very intentional about what classes you select and constantly ask yourself what am I trying to get out of this major since there is so much flexibility with classes.

What types of experiences outside of the classroom have you had relating to your major? (i.e. clubs, jobs, internships, volunteering, study abroad etc.)

I recently added on this major so I have not had a ton of time to get involved with groups on campus so much. That being said though I am excited to get involved with the Minnesota Urban Studies Student Association. I studied abroad in Bali, Indonesia last may and while the class was looking at inter-cultural leadership and globalization, I saw cities that would be considered as still "developing" and the direct environmental impacts of not having an established infrastructure so it was really eye opening to see that this work is vital and needed. This was part of the push to add urban studies as a major.

In your opinion, what is one thing, or one piece of advice that other students pursuing your major should know?

This major requires you to be a tenacious learner. You have to want to know more and keep asking why for everything.

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Prepare for Spring Semester

Registration for Spring semester begins next week! Are you prepared? Here are some of our best tips:

Check for your registration time!

Be sure to check the “Registration” tab on your MyU Academics page to find your registration date and time. Try to register as close as possible to the time that’s given to you, classes will fill up quickly!

Meet with your adviser

Your adviser is the true expert when it comes to making decision about classes to take. They know everything you need about which classes you need to complete your major or which classes you can take to explore majors! It’s like, their job. 

Check your APAS report

U of M students can find this at the very bottom of their MyU Academics page, under the “My Classes” tab. Clicking “Generate an APAS report” will show you each and every requirement you need to keep on track for graduation. It’s an easy way to make sure that you don’t forget about a random lib-ed or two!

Super undecided? Get help!

If prepping for registration scares you because you have no idea which classes you want to take, now is the time to seek help! There are countless campus resources that can guide you in tough decisions like these. Your academic adviser can provide a lot more support than you’d expect in these situations--after all, they know a lot about majors. Your college’s career services center can also offer a lot of advice when it comes to choosing which career path or major may be right for you! Another great option is the Center for Academic Planning & Exploration (that’s us!). We work across the U’s colleges, so we know a lot about a wide variety of majors. You can make an appointment, stop by walk-in hours, of come to CAPE Express, an event dedicated to preparing for registration on November 16th!