Four-year plan
The seven majors offered through the College of Biological Sciences can be completed in four years. CBS academic advisors are experienced with helping students choose classes for their major, keep a balanced course load, plan ahead, and stay on track for graduation. The following guide lists a few of the key areas CBS students should consider at each step along the way. Remember, good academic and career planning involve getting experience in and out of the classroom!
Freshman year
Academic To-Do List | Career Preparation and Co-curricular Activities |
Complete any missing high school preparation requirements. These are listed on your APAS report, e.g. Missing one year of visual/performing arts. | Join a student organization! Find your niche at the U of M, develop leadership skills, and meet other students who share your interests. |
Complete the freshman composition requirement. | If you are interested in the health sciences, visit the Health Careers Center website and attend a workshop or fair. |
Keep ahead in chemistry and math coursework these courses are the foundation of all CBS majors. | Visit the Career Center for Science and Engineering in 50 Lind Hall. Look for opportunities to do an informational interview with a professional in a career that interests you. |
Make an appointment with your CBS academic advisor by the end of October. Attend your appointment and bring a list of questions. | Apply for a summer volunteer or job opportunity in health care, eldercare, tutoring, child education, or business to get start building your resume. |
Complete Nature of Life follow-up activities and assignments. | Visit a First Step Meeting at the Learning Abroad Center. |
Choose one or more potential majors and investigate them. Declare your major when you receive an email prompt from CBS Student Services in the spring. | Prepare an updated resume that includes your college experiences. CCSE can help you with this process. |
Sophomore year
Academic To-Do List | Career Preparation and Co-curricular Activities |
Make an appointment with your faculty mentor to discuss your major and research interests. | Get volunteer experience in a research lab or in the career field that you are considering. |
Make certain all AP, IB, or transfer credit has been added to your academic record check your APAS. | Explore Learning Abroad programs and scholarships. Get ready to apply for a program. |
Start searching for a research mentor, consider the upper division CBS Honors program. | Pursue a leadership role in a student organization. |
Schedule and attend your required appointment with your CBS academic advisor. | Decide when you will take entrance exams such as the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, GRE, etc. These are often scheduled for junior year. |
Attend at least one U of M Career Fair. | Participate in one activity that is entirely new to you, such as taking an art class, or tutoring other students. |
Junior year
Academic To-Do List | Career Preparation and Co-curricular Activities |
Register for Directed Research in your major. | Gather information about specific graduate or professional programs and prepare for application. |
Apply to the CBS Honors Program and/or submit a UROP grant proposal. | Attend Health Career Center workshops on writing personal statements and interviewing skills. |
Schedule an appointment to see your CBS advisor now is the time to plan out courses through graduation! | Use CCSE resources to post your resume and practice interview skills. |
Apply for CBS Scholarships. | Continue volunteering to build experience. |
Participate in an internship or learning abroad experience. | Line up letters of recommendation from three or more professors who know you well. |
Meet with non-CBS department to declare second major or minor if one is being pursued outside CBS. | Get a summer job related to your career field of interest. An internship or job now may lead to full-time employment later. |
Apply for graduation by filling out the Application for Degree after all majors and minors are finalized. | Take entrance exam(s) in your chosen field(s). |
Senior year
Academic To-Do List | Career Preparation and Co-curricular Activities |
Participate in an internship or service learning course. | Apply for admission to graduate or professional school(s). |
Review your APAS report and make certain you understand your final requirements. | Update your resume and participate in mock interviews on campus. |
Meet with your CBS academic advisor and discuss remaining requirements. | Interview for graduate and professional programs. |
Prepare a research poster and participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium. | Explore programs such as Peace Corps, Americorps, post-baccalaureate internships, or English teaching abroad. |
RSVP to participate in the CBS Commencement program (all seniors eligible to participate). | Join CBS Alumni Society |
