Visit major advisers
Major advisers are specialists who can help you with questions specific to your declared major. They know about departmental resources, individual faculty, major requirements, and opportunities related to your specific academic interests. Tell them you want to attend graduate school and enlist their support with making faculty contacts and reviewing academic and research opportunities. Every major has a web site with detailed information, so be sure to become familiar with every aspect of your desired academic department. Most importantly, consult with an adviser as you prepare to make decisions specific to your discipline. In some cases, you should develop an advising relationship in your area of specialization as soon as possible.
Consider various academic choices
Double majors, simultaneous degrees, and minors are ways to explore and develop your interests in more than one area. Your College adviser can tell you about the planning required for you to pursue formal study in more than one discipline. A double major or simultaneous degree alone may not improve your chances for graduate school; it might be better to work on an honors thesis in one department. Ask the experts before choosing from the variety of available academic programs.
Choose and declare your major
- Evaluate the courses that have interested you and the careers related to them.
- Speak with advisers in those fields.
- Identify the criteria required by the department and College to declare and be accepted into your major.
- Continue to take courses that will satisfy your intended major.
- If you are having difficulty deciding on a major, meet with a career counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services or Career Services. Take assessment inventories to identify interests, values, skills, and personal preferences and learn how this information relates to various majors. Student Life Advising Services also provides counseling.
Take a Sophomore Seminar
The Sophomore Seminar Program offers small, interactive courses that are specifically designed for students who are considering a major in the sponsoring department.
Consider academic enrichment options
Independent study, tutorials, and fieldwork can provide you with significant insight into research and graduate study.
Think about studying abroad or pursuing opportunities for mentorship and leadership
The Berkeley Program for Study Abroad and local programs and organizations provide opportunities for exploring your interests and potential.
Start or continue language study
Consider a minor or double major in a foreign language. Studies in the arts and humanities or the social sciences are deeply enriched through foreign language study. In fact, the earlier you begin language study, the less likely to delay your progress in a graduate program.
Take an undergraduate research course
- The Office of Undergraduate Research offers many research opportunities.
- Identify courses in your major that prepare you for research and take one or more of them.
Strive to qualify for an honors program
Your department and the College deans' office have honors programs that provide not only advanced skill development and recognition, but also distinct privileges such as special scholarships and other funds.
Know your degree requirements
Become familiar with your major, college, and degree requirements.
Get to know the academic rules
You should know the criteria that affect your status as an undergraduate. This information is available in Earning Your Degree: A Guide for Students in the College of Letters and Science (pdf), the General Catalog, the Schedule of Classes, department handbooks, and other materials available through resources such as L&S Advising. The information you should be familiar with includes:
- College and university requirements
- Unit requirements and limitations
- Deadlines for adding and dropping courses
- Using the P/NP option
- Academic regulations - class standing, minimum progress, repeating courses, and senior residency
- Calculating your grade-point average
- Honors requirements and designations
- Obtaining and reading your Degree Audit Report (DAR)
- Information systems for obtaining grades and other important information, such as Info-BEARS
- Declaring degree candidacy when you are ready to graduate
Consider a summer internship, fieldwork, or course work in your discipline
Visit with your faculty advisor and staff at the Career Center to plan a productive summer.
