Timeline

The following is an approximate timeline of things for you to consider as milestones in our advising partnership.¹

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 SelfService)
• Plan a schedule of courses for one or perhaps two majors
• Reflect on interests and skills you want to develop (see the CLS's FOCUS Career Assessment)
• 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
• Attend GRINNELLINK receptions to meet alumni in various fields
• Explore and apply for summer opportunities

Summer

• Begin applying for internships for the next year (internship applications for next year can open as early as July the year before)

Second Year

Fall Semester

• Further consider areas to explore that will help you solidify a major choice
  • Visit the CLS (especially your CLS advisor and career community advisor)
  • Talk to upper-class students
  • Contact alumni or other professionals
• If interested, plan for off-campus study
  • Attend an informational meeting and research programs
  • Meet faculty from intended major in advance
  • Apply by December deadline
• Visit with CLS and/or potential major department faculty to plan and prepare for summer opportunities

Spring Semester

• If interested in Grinnell-in-London, apply by February deadline
• Discuss how to find a new advisor in your major
• Declare a major in consultation with a major advisor
  • Draft written rationale
  • Update four-year plan
• Select coherent courses for third year
• Update and revise your résumé
• Explore and apply for summer opportunities

Summer

• Begin applying for internships for the next year (internship applications for next year can open as early as July the year before)

Third Year

Fall Semester

• Refine four year plan
• Consider/apply for off-campus study, if interested (last chance!)
• Partner with the CLS staff
  • Update and revise your résumé
  • Continue to network
  • Develop a plan for an internship or other work experience
• Research potential employers/career paths (e.g., via CLS resources, the web, alums on the CLS network)
• If considering graduate school, prepare for the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT

Spring Semester

• Select coherent courses for fourth year
• Ensure you are on track for graduation
• If considering graduate school, register to take the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT
• If interested in Grinnell in London, apply by February deadline
• 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!

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Footnotes:

¹Some bullets adapted from "Four-Year Career Development Plan", (2012) Grinnell College Career Development Office.