Academic Planning

Comprehensive Academic Planning Guide

Setting Academic Goals

Short-term Goals (Semester)

• GPA target: Set realistic semester GPA goals
• Course completion: Plan to complete all enrolled courses
• Skill development: Focus on specific competencies
• Extracurricular involvement: Balance academics with activities

Medium-term Goals (Academic Year)

• Cumulative GPA: Target overall GPA improvement
• Major progress: Complete prerequisite courses
• Experience building: Internships, research, leadership
• Relationship building: Connect with faculty and peers

Long-term Goals (Degree Completion)

• Graduation timeline: Plan 4-year degree completion
• Career preparation: Build relevant experience and skills
• Graduate school readiness: Meet admission requirements
• Professional network: Develop industry connections

Year-by-Year Planning Strategy

Freshman Year

• Focus: Adjustment and exploration
• Goals: Complete general education requirements
• Activities: Join clubs, explore interests
• GPA Target: 3.0+ to establish good standing

Sophomore Year

• Focus: Declare major, explore career options
• Goals: Complete remaining gen-eds, start major coursework
• Activities: Leadership roles, career exploration
• GPA Target: 3.2+ for scholarship and internship eligibility

Junior Year

• Focus: Deepen major knowledge, gain experience
• Goals: Complete majority of major requirements
• Activities: Internships, research, study abroad
• GPA Target: 3.5+ for graduate school consideration

Senior Year

• Focus: Complete degree, prepare for post-graduation
• Goals: Finish all remaining requirements
• Activities: Job search, graduate school applications
• GPA Target: Maintain or improve cumulative GPA

Course Load Management

Factors to Consider

• Credit hours per semester: Typically 12-18 hours
• Course difficulty: Balance challenging and easier courses
• Time commitments: Work, extracurriculars, personal life
• Professor quality: Research instructors when possible

Recommended Course Loads

• Full-time students: 15-16 credit hours per semester
• Working students: 12-13 credit hours per semester
• Summer sessions: 6-9 credit hours (accelerated pace)
• Final semester: Only remaining required courses

Academic Support Resources

On-Campus Resources

• Academic advisors: Degree planning and course selection
• Tutoring centers: Subject-specific help
• Writing centers: Assistance with papers and communication
• Library services: Research support and study spaces
• Career services: Job search and career planning

Online Resources

• Course management systems: Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle
• Online tutoring: Khan Academy, Coursera, edX
• Study tools: Quizlet, Anki, StudyBlue
• Productivity apps: Todoist, Notion, Google Calendar

Financial Planning

Cost Considerations

• Tuition and fees: Varies by institution and residency
• Books and supplies: Budget $1,000-1,500 per year
• Living expenses: Housing, food, transportation
• Opportunity costs: Income foregone while in school

Financial Aid Strategies

• FAFSA: Complete annually for federal aid eligibility
• Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based opportunities
• Work-study programs: On-campus employment
• Internships: Paid experience in your field

Career Preparation

Building Your Resume

• Academic achievements: GPA, honors, awards
• Work experience: Jobs, internships, volunteer work
• Skills development: Technical and soft skills
• Leadership experience: Clubs, organizations, projects

Networking

• Faculty relationships: Build connections with professors
• Alumni networks: Connect with graduates in your field
• Professional organizations: Join relevant industry groups
• LinkedIn presence: Maintain professional online profile

Planning Tools and Templates

Four-Year Degree Plan Template

• Year 1: General education requirements, exploration
• Year 2: Major declaration, core prerequisites
• Year 3: Major coursework, experiential learning
• Year 4: Capstone projects, career preparation

Semester Planning Checklist

• Before registration: Meet with advisor, plan schedule
• Course selection: Balance difficulty, check prerequisites
• Schedule optimization: Consider time blocks and commute
• Backup plans: Alternative courses if primary choices are full

Academic Success Metrics

• GPA targets: Set realistic semester and cumulative goals
• Credit completion: Track progress toward degree requirements
• Skill development: Technical and professional competencies
• Experience portfolio: Internships, research, leadership