Is it too late to change my major or add another major and/or minor?
No, you can pick up the forms from either of the College Offices. To change your major completely, you need to fill out a form dropping the current major and a form adding your other major. Once you have the departments sign the forms, you return them to the College Office at Brookings. Ideally, you should have all changes made before you file your intent to graduate.
I took a summer course away, will the GPA be figured into my Washington University GPA?
In order to receive credit for non-Washington University courses, you must receive a C or better, however, the grade received will not be figured into your Washington University credit. You should contact Angela Taylor (ataylor@artsci.wustl.edu) in the College Office at Brookings, to see if the credit has been added to your record.
What exactly is Junior Jumpstart?
The purpose of this one-day conference is to prepare you for life beyond Washington University. At the program, admissions experts, graduate and professional schools authorities, as well as representatives from a variety career tracks give students much needed advice on applying to professional and graduate degree programs, writing personal statements and resumes, preparing for examinations, and networking. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Diallo (toliver-diallo@wustl.edu) or Stephanie Vossen (svossen@wustl.edu) in the College Office.
How do we get to know our professors?
As you find more and more classes that interest you, you should take time out to get to know the professors of those courses. Take advantage of their office hours and talk with them about their research interests. Do not be afraid to propose an independent study with a professor on a subject that you would like to explore further but for which there is not a current course. You should only propose this option if you are disciplined and ready to work independently. This is a valuable experience though that you should not miss while an undergraduate. Building a relationship with anyone takes time but you will find it useful when you seek recommendations and advice about graduate study or transitions.
When should I be taking my GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.?
The best answer is that you should take the test when you are ready and feel prepared. You must also be cognizant of when you need to report your scores and plan accordingly. These exams will also be covered during the Junior Jumpstart in May.
You should consult with pre-professional advisors for more information about the LSAT and MCAT. Most students take the MCAT the spring of their Junior year though you can take the July test. Students are advised to take the LSAT by June of the year you plan to apply to Law School. September is the latest time by which a student should take the exam.
Dean Killen (dkillen@artsci.wustl.edu) or Dean Fleck (cfleck@wustl.edu) is happy to sit down and talk with you more about planning for graduate school and figuring out the best time to take the GRE.
Does the Writing Intensive course have to be taken in your major?
You do not have to take the Writing Intensive course in your major. Some departments will strongly recommend that you take their writing intensive course. However, you may elect to take a Writing Intensive course in another discipline and some students find it helpful to take the Exposition or Argumentation courses offered through English Composition.
“It has been a fascinating adventure of learning and self discovery, being able to choose from so many courses within Arts and Sciences.”
