Upperclassman Academic Milestones

As you move beyond your first year, your focus shifts from building a foundation to broadening your scope, gaining experience, and preparing for life after graduation. Use the checklists below for your Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years, and bring questions to your CLASS advisor anytime.

Sophomore Year

Objective: Broaden your scope.

Begin taking courses applicable to your future goals, consider minors or certificates, get to know professors for research and references, and start exploring internships. Visit the Career Center and explore the printable Sophomore Milestones.

August and September: Use your syllabus to plan your semester. Start meeting with professors during office hours. Get advised for Spring. Consider Study Abroad 101. Visit the Career Center to search job opportunities for your major. Get involved in organizations related to your career interest.
October: Apply for FAFSA for the next year. Register for Spring. Check in with professors about midterms.
December: Check your grades and adjust your schedule if needed.
January: Use your syllabus to plan your semester. Start meeting with professors during office hours. Apply for scholarships.
February and March: Get advised for Summer and Fall. Check in with professors about midterms. Visit the Career Center to begin researching summer internships.
April: Register for Summer and Fall semesters.
May: Check your grades and adjust your schedule if needed.
Summer: Rest. Take courses if you need them. Look for enrichment opportunities to prepare for the future.

Junior Year

Objectives: Expand your network, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.

Take advanced courses in your major, pursue research or an internship, consider study abroad, work closely with faculty for recommendation letters, and start preparing graduate school materials early. Explore the printable Junior Milestones.

Take advanced, exploratory courses in your major.
Engage in a research project, internship, or field experience related to your career goals.
Pursue a study abroad opportunity.
Work closely with faculty for recommendation letters and mentorship.
Use the Center for Leadership Development to strengthen your leadership and professional skills.

Identify two or three career paths of interest and learn about daily responsibilities, required education, and job outlook.
Create your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Attend career fairs, industry panels, or networking events.
Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center.
Prepare and gather graduate school materials early, since many programs want applications by the end of junior year.

August: Use your syllabus to plan Fall. Begin working on your resume and narrowing career interests.
September: Get advised for Spring. Attend Fall career fairs and apply for Spring internships.
October: Register for Spring. Submit FAFSA for senior year. Begin gathering grad school materials.
January: Use your syllabus to plan Spring. Apply for scholarships. Research summer internships, research, and shadowing opportunities.
February: Get advised for Fall classes.
March: Register for Fall. Ask for letters of recommendation for grad school or job applications.
May: Plan for your senior capstone, internship, or research project.

Senior Year

Objectives: Finalize your plan, clarify next steps, and start your next chapter.

Complete your capstone and remaining degree requirements, request a graduation check early, apply for graduation in MyUNT, finalize your career materials, and build a post-graduation budget. Explore the printable Senior Milestones.

Enroll in a capstone or final research project in your major.
Complete an internship, practicum, or student teaching.
Finish any remaining degree requirements and request a graduation check with an advisor early.
Apply for graduation in MyUNT.
Celebrate your academic achievements and reflect on your journey.

Finalize your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
Use the Career Center for resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search help.
Attend career fairs, industry panels, or networking events.
Use the Student Money Management Center to create a post-graduation budget and manage student loans.
Submit job or graduate school applications early in the year.

August: Finalize your post-grad plan: job, grad school, or gap year.
September: Get advised for Spring and do a final grad check. Apply for graduation. Attend Fall job fairs.
October: Register for Spring. Apply for graduation. Submit FAFSA if continuing to grad school. Finalize your resume.
November: Continue applying to grad schools or full-time jobs.
January: Prep for interviews. Attend Spring career events.
March: Confirm post-grad plans. Accept offers or next steps.
May: Graduate. Reflect and celebrate your accomplishments.