[July 4th]

I think the most important thing a new student can do to get out in 4 years is to quickly pick a major and know all of the rules that go along with it.

I finished in 4 years at Wisconsin with a dual Poli Sci/Int'l Relations degree, because I would sit down for several hours before registration, and map out all of the classes I could take that would count for both majors. I had my majors done by the end of the 1st semester of my senior year. The one time I saw a counselor was at the end of that semester, and I asked, "I'm done, right?" My final semester was then full of all of the classes I had wanted to take, but wasn't sure if I could spare the time.

[CatoRenasci]

Your advice is good if a student really knows what they want to do when they start. Unfortunately, most students change majors, once or twice, but sometimes more. I suspect PoliSci/IR was relatively easy to double major, as there should be lots of overlap in major courses, i.e. courses that not only fill elective requirements for one or both, but dual listing of courses for the major. In our daughters case coming up, looking at BM Music Performance/BA History or English, there will be less overlap, but electives for one can sometimes be the required major courses for the other.

I didn't double major, but I have to say I was always careful to make sure I had my requirements fulfilled or waived early on. The most important thing a student can do is to get the current college catalog and read it carefully. Everyone concentrates on the viewbooks and fluff, but the meat is in the catalog.

[nebulas]

Looking at colleges for my daughter. She's strong in math and science and has talked about Air Force Academy. She wants to be a pilot (fighter) but I'm not sure she will qualify physically (she's 5' nothing). If anyone has any alternate suggestions I would appreciate it.

[Incorrigible]

map out all of the classes

I thought this was required of all UW students!  The campus was so big, you couldn't make your next class in four years nevermind graduate!

[carton253]

I did the same thing. When I applied, I sat down with the counselor. I had all my classes picked out. He reviewed them... said great... and sent me on my way.

I hope to graduate in three years... the tough part is getting the classes. Two have been cancelled on me due to lack of interest. And, most classes I need are all on Tuesday at the same time.

[Crusher138]

Look into the CLEP tests.

I took them and skipped almost all of the grunt freshman English and math classes. Unfortunately my test scores didn't come out until I was already in a Freshman English class. I tried to drop it, but the TA was a total witch and proceeded to not only refuse to sign the drop slip, but started giving me C's and D's on work I had previously gotten A's on. I showed my CLEP test scores to the department head and brought my work and my final grade was changed to an "A", but I still had to sit through the classes...