Academic Milestone Checklist

We invite you to use this as a resource to check your progress as you matriculate through Columbian College to ensure you're taking full advantage of all the resources offered by the university.

First-Year Milestones

Summer

  • Look for an email invitation to join GW’s career platform, Handshake, and set up a profile.
  • Attend GW Student Employment webinars on preparing for and finding on-campus work-study jobs in July.

Fall

Spring

Sophomore Year Milestones

 

Fall

  • Make sure any completed transfer credits have posted and been applied to DegreeMAP correctly.
  • Meet with your POD advisor.
  • Take exploratory classes to identify a potential major.
  • Create a personal 4 year academic plan with the assistance of a faculty advisor and your POD advisor.
  • Consider applying for a Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
  • Talk with an advisor about the First-Year Forgiveness Policy.
  • Check out GW Passport to explore Study Abroad options.
  • Meet with a pre-professional advisor to discuss your readiness to apply to graduate/professional schools.
  • Visit the Center for Career Services or attend a career event to explore career fields or options for Summer Internships.

Spring

Junior Year Milestones

  • Meet with your POD advisor to discuss your progress with completing general education and/or your faculty advisor to discuss your progress with major/minor degree requirements and make any necessary adjustments (e.g., course substitutions) to your academic plan.
  • Make sure any completed transfer credits have posted and been applied to DegreeMAP correctly.
  • Meet with a pre-professional advisor to discuss your readiness to apply to graduate/professional schools.
  • HPAC
  • Attend the D.C. Law School Fair in October
  • Consider applying for a Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
  • Speak with an advisor about taking an elective class Pass/No Pass.
  • Challenge yourself in your particular organizations or engagements by applying for leadership roles, taking on special projects, creating new initiatives, etc.
  • Apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), if applicable.
  • Meet with a Career Industry Coach for guidance on finding and applying for a summer or semester internship OR other career-related experience.
  • Attend employer panels, networking events, and site visits offered through Career Services.
  • Consider applying for internship or research credit, either CCAS 2154/3001 or a major-specific class.
  • Research and consider applying for one of the CCAS combined degree programs
  • Get upcoming transfer credit approved (TCAF PDF Form) prior to enrolling in another academic institution.

Senior Year Milestones

Fall

  • Finalize your Major(s) and/or Minor(s) in advance of submitting your graduation application.
  • Submit your “Intent to Graduate” form to CCAS Advising.
  • Speak with an advisor about taking an elective class Pass/No Pass.
  • Meet with your POD advisor to discuss your progress with completing general education and/or your faculty advisor to discuss your progress with major/minor degree requirements and make any necessary adjustments (e.g., course substitutions) to your academic plan.
  • Check Handshake for potential internship or job opportunities and consider applying for internship credit, if applicable.
  • Meet with a pre-professional advisor to discuss your readiness to apply to graduate/professional schools
  • Ask faculty, staff, and past employers to be references for you.
  • Attend a CCAS-hosted senior meeting.
  • Consider applying for CCAS-sponsored scholarly travel funds (PDF).
  • Register for your final semester’s classes and submit your official graduation application through GWeb.
  • Complete applicable paperwork to be a part-time student in your final semester

Spring

  • Meet with Career Industry Coaches in Career Services to tailor your resume and cover letter, develop industry-specific job search strategies, and practice interview skills.
  • Make sure all transfer and study abroad credit transcripts have been sent to GW and all transfer credit has posted correctly on DegreeMAP.
  • Confirm with an academic advisor that DegreeMAP accurately reflects your degree progress including finalizing petitions, transfer credits, and course substitutions
  • Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), if applicable.