Why COSAS is reaching out to sophomores:
While many Universities have had much success with programs aimed at providing support for students during their first year, few continue this support into a student’s second year. As one would expect sophomore students tend to feel pushed from the nest, so to speak, and often struggle to remain connected to the University. Couple this with a mounting pressure to make academic and career choices that will shape the future of these students and there is no doubt that sophomores are a student population which deserves our attention.
It is part of our goal to demonstrate to students who have contact with COSAS that typical impressions of sophomore year, like those listed below, are generally unfounded and combatable. By reaching out to sophomores for advising we will be able to address those issues which commonly arise during the second year and provide a clean transition from first year advising to a COSAS advisor who can partner with a student until graduation.
What to Expect
Normal impressions of one’s sophomore year:
Many sophomores feel:
- that graduation is a very distant goal
- they no longer have access to academic resources on campus
- they are no longer important to the University
- that their coursework has gotten much more difficult
- they don’t have the freedom to take the classes they want to take
- they may have chosen a major that is not a good fit for them and have no “plan B”
- the “romantic” image of college and college life is dead
- they must assume more responsibility and are not quite ready
- they have no idea where to go to get answers
- there’s no point to the courses they have to take
The reality of one’s sophomore year:
Many sophomores don’t realize:
- they may already be done with about 1/3 of their undergraduate education
- every tuition paying student has access to all university resources
- UCF has hired a record number of advisors to specifically work with sophomore students
- they have moved on into course work which is preparing them to be leaders in their chosen field
- many majors have quite a few elective hours built in and you are always free to take some courses “just because”
- a majority of students switch their major at least once. Speaking with an advisor can help
- college is hard work but there is always a way to get involved on campus and just have fun
- developing one’s sense of responsibility is part of the learning process
- if they’re reading this they’ve already found a channel to every answer they seek
- every course they take builds a foundation for the next and ultimately leads to one’s academic or career goal
Sophomore Year Advising Calendar:
Summer
July-August
- Stop by COSAS to meet your advisor and go over your audit before fall begins
- Make a short list of measurable goals for the fall semester
- Look through the Academic Calendar and make note of important deadlines and dates
- Write out a semester by semester academic plan for the remainder of your undergraduate career. Pay close attention to pre-reqs and the total number of hours in both lower and upper division courses
Fall
September
- Begin to think about what you’d like to do after graduation. Visit Career Services to meet with a career advisor or utilize the online resources provided on their website to explore areas of interest
- Explore student organizations related to your major and career goals
- Attend an OUR workshop to learn how to get started with undergraduate research
- Take advantage of the Rec & Wellness Center and start a healthy work-out routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule
October
- Pay close attention to the withdrawal deadline (refer to the academic calendar for specific dates)
- Make an appointment or attend an advising workshop before the withdrawal deadline. Bring questions, your audit and the academic plan you wrote up last summer
- See when your registration window for spring will open on my.ucf.edu
- Visit your professors during their office hours to discuss any issues you may have with their class or your major
November
- Consider study abroad as an option in the near future and attend the Study Abroad fair or meet with an advisor to discuss how this will impact your academic career. The Sophomore Experience Abroad program is typically taking applications for the following summer at this time.
- Register for classes
- Explore research and funding opportunities with the Office of Undergraduate Research
- Stop by SARC and take advantage of the free tutoring before final exam week is here
December
- Prepare for finals by getting plenty of rest and start studying early
- Stop by the Student Union for extended hours, study groups and tutoring
- Reflect on your fall semester grades and be realistic about your choice of major if your GPA is suffering
- Look over your audit to make sure you are registered for an efficient class load in the spring
- Consider applying to be a LEAD scholar and work with faculty involved in research or special projects
Spring
January
- Consider last semester and assess which study strategies and time management skills worked and which ones didn’t work for you and consider making appropriate changes
- Look over last semester’s list of goals and assess what can be added, removed or improved upon for this semester’s list
- Think about adding a component to your work-out routine to challenge yourself and help eliminate stress
- Look through the Academic Calendar and make note of important deadlines and dates
- Visit Career Services to meet with a career advisor or utilize the online resources provided on their website to further explore areas of interest
February
- Make an appointment to see your advisor in order to discuss summer and fall classes
- Renew your FAFSA if seeking financial aid
- Start creating a Resume or C.V. which you can add to as your accomplishments grow. Career Services offers workshops and appointments to help with this
March
- Consider taking part in the summer research academy offered by OUR
- Meet with your professors during office hours if you have not done so
- Pay close attention to the withdrawal deadline (refer to the academic calendar for specific dates)
April
- Prepare for finals by getting plenty of rest and start studying early
- Look back over the goals you set for yourself this semester. Did you meet them? What were the greatest challenges in meeting them? What will next semester’s goals look like in comparison?
For a complete list of specific dates see the UCF Academic Calendar.
For questions about your degree audit, General Education or university wide policy such as grade forgiveness, major changes or academic standing you should contact the College of Sciences Advising Services (COSAS).
As a student in The College of Sciences you have access to several Advisors. For questions regarding your major and planning course work for your program of study you should contact your Department Advisor.
See our Advising Contacts page for additional resources.
It is highly recommended you meet with both of your advisors every semester!
REVIEW YOUR SOPHOMORE SCHEDULE
Worried about your Schedule?
Fill out the form below to have your COSAS advisor review your schedule plan and offer suggestions:
Fill Out the Form