Student Timeline

As you make your way through your four years at Cornell, there are many important milestones to reach along the way. This checklist can help keep you on track. As a Cornell student, you are the author of your own life and play the central role in making sure that your educational goals are met. While advisors are available to assist you, keeping track of these key milestones is a part of the new adult role you're learning to inhabit.

First-Year

• Get to know your faculty advisor and advising dean
• Complete two first-year writing seminars
• Begin fulfilling the language requirement
• For students considering Study Abroad, begin fulfilling the language requirement and exploring area studies
• Begin exploring potential majors
• If interested in the College Scholar Progam, attend an information session in the spring.
• Have a college-level resume ready by the end of the year, critiqued by Arts & Sciences Career Development

Sophomore Year

• Meet with your faculty advisor or advising dean to discuss progress toward selecting a major
• First semester: Deadline for application to the College Scholar Progam.
• Apply to a major by the end of the second semester
• Second semester: Deadline for application to the Mellon-Mays Program and the Cornell Presidential Research Scholars Program
• Connect with Career Development

Junior Year

• Transition from your freshman-sophomore advising dean to junior-senior advising dean
• Begin to explore post-graduation plans — employment vs. graduate school
• Meet with pre-professional advisors (pre-med, pre-law) if you are interested in applying to professional degree programs
• Meet with your advising dean to review progress toward degree completion
• Have at least one career-related experience completed and line up another for the summer
• Participate in an alumni-student networking event

Senior Year

• Fill out the application to graduate in the fall 
• Prepare applications for graduate or professional school
• Request letters of recommendation from faculty/staff who know you well
• Consult with Career Development for career counseling
• Beginning of final semester: Meet with your advising dean or faculty advisor to review your academic record and ensure that your enrollment will complete all major and college requirements for graduation