Sophomore Experience
Welcome, Sophomores!
The Sophomore Plan is a year-long invitation for you to reflect on your progress so far, develop some goals and set some priorities for the rest of your time at Bryn Mawr.
Basic information is here but the real hub for sophomore planning is in Moodle. You are all enrolled in the Sophomore Plan course. Star the course so you'll see it with your current schedule.
The Sophomore Dean provides both individual and group advising to students as they embark upon their Sophomore Plan. Sophomores may set up meetings with their dean to review progress towards meeting degree requirements, clarify questions, and most importantly think through their priorities. The Sophomore Dean and other staff also host a series of conversations in the Fall Semester on topics related to the Sophomore Plan.
Your dean is here to help.
Your dean wants to be a resource to you as you plan for the rest of your time at Bryn Mawr and beyond. Before April, sophomores have the opportunity to meet with their dean to discuss their priorities and plans.
You are the one to determine when this meeting would be most beneficial to you. Keep in mind:
- Most people find that advising leads to a new understanding of what they’re interested in exploring further and how to go about reaching their goals.
- If you are considering study abroad, you will be learning a lot through the Study Abroad programming. Your dean can help you think about how what you’re learning applies to you.
- Your dean can also also help you explore some of the other ways to expand your learning beyond Bryn Mawr: Praxis independent study, 360s, summer opportunities.
- You do not need to have figured everything out before your meeting. Indeed, the more confused you are, the better it may be to meet sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure of your major, your dean can help talk through the options with you and provide suggestions for how to make your choice.
- Please note that you do NOT need to have met with your dean before you declare your major with your major adviser.
What to Expect
Your Dean can help you with the academic requirements necessary for completing your sophomore year.
Collegewide Requirements
Sophomores want to make sure they are on track to complete their degree. By registration in the Fall semester, students should complete the Collegewide Requirements Plan in BiONiC.
Exploring Majors (and Minors)
Each department's website presents its academic focus and summarize the requirements for the major, along with supplemental materials that will give you a more in-depth view of the field. You should read these materials for all the departments you are considering.
Major Information Sessions
Information Sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn more about departmental requirements and opportunities, course offerings, major advising, and other important topics.
Deciding & Declaring Your Major
Building on the curricular exploration that began as a first-year student, sophomores will decide on and declare a major field of study.
Resume & Career Planning
Many students will be trying to figure out what kind of work they want to do in the world and how their time at Bryn Mawr can help them learn more and gain valuable experience.
Exploring Study Abroad
As Bryn Mawr becomes increasingly familiar, sophomore year marks a natural time to learn about and plan for life beyond Bryn Mawr. Students do this in a few ways.