College of Letters & Science
Are you a NEW University of Wisconsin - Madison student?
This site is designed to help you to get ready for SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration) by introducing you to the College of Letters & Science. This site is designed for students who:
- do not know what they want to major in;
- are interested in one of the 66 majors offered by Letters & Science;
- or, plan to earn their degree in another school or college.
Letters & Science is the largest college in the university and enrolls over half of all UW-Madison students. It also provides the foundation courses in science, math, languages, and literature for all undergraduate programs across campus. The college awards over half of all undergraduate degrees, and teachers over 85% of the credits that students take during their freshman and sophomore years at UW-Madison. Letters & Science is at the heart of UW-Madison and continues over 100 years' tradition of liberal arts excellence and achievement that spans the arts and humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, and social sciences.
First, congratulations on your admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison! We know you are excited about attending UW-Madison and we are excited to see you here as a full-time student in the Fall.
Although most of your questions will be addressed at SOAR this summer, we have provided a list of common questions that you might have, and contact information for offices that can help you find the answers that you seek. We've included information that you will find helpful now or before you arrive in Madison for your SOAR experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
SOAR
Why is it important for me to go to SOAR?
When will I register for my classes?
Are there classes or programs that can help me find an academic community during my first year?
Academic Advising
Do I need to take a world language? What world languages does Letters & Science offer?
Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science Requirements
Course Selection
Who is going to help me select my courses?
How can I register if I haven't decided on a major?
What happens if I can't get into the classes that I want?
Tips on how to get off to a good start.
College Major
What if I am undecided in my major?
College of Letters & Science Catalog (includes all of our majors and certificate programs)
SOAR
When will I register for my classes?
Scholarships and Financial Aid
How can I find out about Scholarships?
How can I learn more about student financial aid and loans?
Other resources? Other questions?
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Why is it important for me to go to SOAR?
You will get academic advising and course selection help for your first semester at UW-Madison. You will meet with an advisor who will help you with your placement scores and your scores from Advance Placement tests and IB tests and determine if you received college credit due to your scores. Advisors will also help you understand the differences between a BA and a BS degree and go over courses that you might be interested in taking in addition to filling your general education requirements. After SOAR concludes and your paperwork is processed, you will then be assigned an academic advisor.
When will I register for my classes?
You will register the afternoon of your SOAR date. There will be peer advisors (upper-level undergraduate students) and professional advisors there to assist you.
Are there classes or programs that can help me find an academic community during my first year?
Yes! One of the most popular ways to find community at UW Madison (in addition to living in a residential learning community, is to explore of the dozens of Freshman Interest Groups (FIGS) offered in the fall semester.
Learn more about FIGS and Residential Learning Communities
Students who are enrolling through another school or college will be assigned an advisor. Students who do not have a planned major or who are planning to major in one of the 66 majors in Letters & Science will be assigned an advisor after we have worked with you at SOAR. Will will make that assignment based on our conversations and your interests at SOAR. The person's name will show up in your MY UW "Student Services" window after the Fall Term begins. We will send you an email to let you know who your advisor is and how to contact them. Your advising needs for the immediate fall term will be fulfilled at Summer SOAR.
They are assigned based on academic interest. If you are sure you want to choose a major in the College of Letters & Science, we’ll assign you to an advisor in our Letters & Science Academic Services located in 70 Bascom. If you aren’t quite sure or you have numerous interests you are still exploring, then you might be assigned to Cross-College Advising Service. Both are very good options and both will give you opportunities to find your interests and to grow as a scholar.
Do I need to take a world language? What world languages does Letters & Science offer?
One of the general education requirements in Letters & Science is the completion of a foreign language. At SOAR, your advisor will go over your options with you. See more information on the foreign language requirement.
Who is going to help me select my courses?
When you attend SOAR, you will be advised by a professional advisor and upper-classmen "peer" advisors. They will make sure you have a manageable schedule that fits your interests and your major interests (if you've thought about a major by this point). If you don't have a decided major yet, do not worry. Your courses will vary enough that they will help you explore possible major interests but also fill university breadth requirements.
What happens if I can't get into the classes that I want?
If a class is full, you have several courses of action you may follow. It is recommended you register for a schedule you can tolerate (a back-up schedule), because there is no 100% guaranteed method for getting into closed classes. Ideally, you should create a schedule that will not have to be overhauled if you get into the closed class. Remember that people are changing their schedules constantly over the summer, so a course you want may actually open up. You need to remain vigilant and keep checking the course's availability.
You can try the following, however:
* Contact the professor. This works much better when you either know the professor or have a background in the subject. Explain why you need the class and why that particular section works best for you.
* Some departments, especially ones that are not particularly large, are more likely to allow you to register. In other cases, as with Business classes, no amount of pursuing will get you in, because they have to ensure that all Business students have an opportunity to get into the classes before they open them up to the rest of the student population.
* Attend the class. Your fellow students switch their schedules around into the beginning of the semester, which can work to your advantage. Go to the closed class the first two weeks of semester and check the class enrollment online regularly. Explain to the professor your situation and why you need the class. People drop courses and sometimes the instructors will reward your dedication by opening a spot for you.
Always understand, however, that there is no guarantee if you attend the course that you will automatically be enrolled.
How can I find out about Scholarships?
The deadline for incoming freshmen scholarships applications has passed. for both the Letters & Science Scholarships Office and the UW-Madison Office of Student Financial Services. Letters and Science notified students of scholarships awarded through the Letters & Science Scholarship Office the week of April 14th. Offers were extended by phone. Notification regarding denials were mailed out in late April. You can look for external scholarships through organizations you belong to, or through your high school's guidance office.
How can I learn more about student financial aid and loans?
Please fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) for the 2008-2009 school year. This is the key to your eligibility for federal financial aid. Information about how to apply for financial aid is available on the Office of Student Financial Services web site (http://www.finaid.wisc.edu/how.html). All questions about financial aid should be directed to Office for Student Financial Services. The answers to may of your questions are available on their web site (http://www.finaid.wisc.edu/)
These links are meant to help you explore the College of Letters & Science and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It's good for you to explore and understand the various opportunities available to you. Keep a list of detailed questions you have and bring them to SOAR! Our advisors and peer advisors will be happy to answer them for you. In the mean time, if you have questions about general student life or general student academic life, you can email a student who works in our office. They would be happy to answer your questions!
College of Letters & Science: for in-depth information about the College, department majors and programs, and administration.
Timetable: Introduction to the Time Table and schedule of classes
What classes are you interested in taking?
Letters & Science Honors Program: information and admission information is located on their web site
Pre-Med or Pre-Law interests? Let us know when you register for SOAR or when you arrive for SOAR to make sure you get the appropriate advising. There is no need to email anyone now, as you will be advised regarding this at SOAR.
College of Letters & Science Catalog: This comprehensive resource will tell you everything you need to know about Letters & Science and our policies and majors. Further, it explains the "General Education Requirements" which all Letters & Science students must complete prior to graduation. You may have additional questions after you have looked at the catalog. Write down those questions and bring them to SOAR!
Are you an international student?
Are you a “Special” student or “Guest/Visiting” Student?
If so, Special Students would contact the Division of Continuing Studies.
International (Visiting) Students could be considered Letters & Science, but still should be directed to the Office of International Student Services.
More Questions? AskaPeer!