Timeline
The following is an approximate timeline of things for you to consider
as milestones in our advising partnership.
First Year
First Registration
- Know how to read and use the Academic Catalog and online Schedule
of Courses
- Register for courses that provide a solid liberal arts foundation
- Know the basic requirements for graduation
- Identify one or two places to engage on campus outside the classroom
Fall Semester
- Know the course add/drop deadlines and how to add or drop a course
- Become familiar with your Academic Evaluation (accessible via PioneerWeb)
- Plan a schedule of courses for at least one or perhaps two majors
- Reflect on skills you want to develop
- Consider off-campus study as a part of your plan
- Articulate possibilities and goals for the coming summer
Spring Semester
- Consider areas to explore that will help you solidify a major choice
- Develop a complete four year plan (required for pre-registration with
me)
- Practice good study habits as academic rigor increases
- Explore and apply for summer opportunities
Second Year
Fall Semester
- Attend the Second Year retreat
- Further consider areas to explore that will help you solidify a major
choice
- If interested, plan for off-campus study
- Attend an informational meeting and research programs
- Declare a major in advance
- Apply by December deadline
- Visit with CDO and/or potential major department faculty to plan summer
opportunities
Spring Semester
- Discuss how to find a new advisor in your major
- Declare a major in consultation with a major advisor
- Write context statement
- Update four-year plan
- Select coherent courses for third year
- Explore and apply for summer opportunities
Third Year
Fall Semester
- Refine four year plan
- Partner with the CDO staff
- Create or revise your résumé
- Learn to network
- Develop a plan for an internship or other work experience
Spring Semester
- Consider/apply for off-campus study, if interested
- Select coherent courses for fourth year
- Ensure you are on track for graduation
- If considering graduate school, determine when you will take the GRE,
LSAT, or MCAT
- Explore/apply for summer opportunities
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
- (Re)imagine your life after Grinnell
- Talk with other mentors about your transition
- Consider/apply for post-graduation plans
- Identify recommendation letter writers
- Schedule GRE, LSAT, or MCAT test if necessary
Spring Semester
- Graduate and embrace the world!