Timeline

Successful applicants map out a timeline to graduation to think about the classes and extracurricular activities they need/want and figure out when they fit. Here is a helpful guide:

Freshman Year

• Map out a timeline to graduation. Think about the classes and extracurricular activities you need/want and figure out when they fit. Remember to have FUN while you work.
• Investigate interesting, well-taught courses, including upper-division, and find out when they are offered.
• Get to know your advisor, professors, others across campus.
• Seek out a mentor.
• Actively seek out opportunities to talk with your mentor, faculty, and others about academic, career, social interests and ideas.
• Try out different clubs and organizations on campus. See Campus Life for opportunities. 
• Find out about research and/or independent study possibilities.
• Investigate awards given to graduating seniors and figure out which one(s) you want.
• Contact the NISF Office to talk about external scholarships and other award opportunities.

Sophomore Year

• Continue to take challenging and interesting classes. Try to take small research-focused seminars and/or those offering unique opportunities.
• Complete lower-division requirements and start taking upper-division classes.
• Engage in research.
• Develop a sense of those extra-curricular and community activities in which you are most interested.
• Study Abroad: start planning now for a trip in your Junior/Senior year.
• Apply for external awards for Junior year (Udall, Goldwater).
• Apply for relevant study abroad awards.

Junior Year

• Start developing a major research project (like an Honors Thesis).
• Run for a leadership position within your extra-curricular organization.
• Join professional organizations related to you field.
• Study Abroad.
• Take upper-division classes.
• Talk to the NISF Advisor about external scholarships and awards available after your Senior year. (Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Truman, Peace Corps, Huntington).

Senior Year

• Most major post-graduate scholarships and fellowships are due early in the fall semester.