SOAR Checklist
Before coming to campus, use this website as your guide to prepare for your SOAR session. The checklist includes links to a variety of campus offices and resources to help you access the most up-to-date information. If you have additional questions, you can also always contact the SOAR office by email at soar@studentlife.wisc.edu or by phone at (608) 262-4707. We can’t wait to see you on campus!
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1. Complete Your Admissions Steps
The Office of Admissions provides lots of information for new freshmen, transfer, and international students who are transitioning to UW-Madison. Please complete the correct checklist for your admit type before continuing with the SOAR registration process.
- Admissions Checklist for New Freshmen–Fall Admits
- Admissions Checklist for Transfer Students–Fall Admits
- Admissions Checklist for International Students–Fall Admits
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2. Take Your Placement Test
You will need to complete placement testing before attending your SOAR session; placement testing is the way advisors learn more about your skills and help correctly advise you about your first-semester courses.
- Freshmen are required to take English (or English as a Second Language, ESLAT) and math placement tests, regardless of previous coursework. Testing in a world language is also highly encouraged.
- Transfer students are informed which test(s) they are required to take via email from the Office of Admissions. Information about which test(s) you need to take is also available at the bottom of your Transfer Credit Evaluation, located in your Student Center.
You must register for your placement test(s) before making your SOAR reservation; however, you do not need to complete your placement test(s) before selecting a SOAR date. Testing must be completed before attending the SOAR program.
Testing can be completed two main ways:
- Regional placement tests are intended for students who live in Wisconsin, Chicagoland (DuPage), or Minneapolis (Washburn). Regional placement tests are paper-and-pencil-based tests. More information about testing dates and locations is available here. Select the date and location in order to register.
- Computer-Based Tests (CBT) are for students located outside of Wisconsin. CBT tests are hosted through Castle Worldwide. A complete listing of Castle Worldwide testing locations is available here.
The FAQ page for the Testing & Evaluation Office can provide you with additional information about testing and how to register for your placement test(s). To confirm which test(s) you need to take, consult your admission letter or contact the Office of Admissions at (608) 262-3961 or e-mail onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu.
- Information about testing and SOAR Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
- Information about taking placement testing in world languages
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3. Prepare to make your SOAR Reservation
- Review all the content listed on the SOAR Program Overview page.
- Students should determine which advising group they will advise with at SOAR. Review the information provided by the Office of Undergraduate Advising at advising.wisc.edu.
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4. Make your SOAR Reservation
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5. SOAR Accommodations for Students and Parents/Guests
The SOAR program strives to ensure all participants can fully participate in the program, if students or guests need accommodations for the SOAR program, please follow the links below.
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6. Make Your Overnight Accommodations
Freshmen SOAR sessions span two days, and housing accommodations were not automatically included in your SOAR registration process. We recommend staying on campus to experience all residence hall living has to offer. Book your stay online at https://www.housing.wisc.edu/conferences/soar/reservation/.
Both parents and students have the opportunity to stay on campus. If staying in housing is not the best fit for your family, you can browse our list of local hotels offering discounts to SOAR participants.
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7. Get Ready to SOAR!
- Complete the Preparing for SOAR module in MyUW. This must be completed prior to arriving at SOAR.
- Pay any outstanding SOAR fees.
- Visit youatuw.com and connect with other #futurebadgers using #youatuw on social media.
- Learn more about academic advising on campus and about how advising will work at SOAR by visiting the Office of Undergraduate Advising’s website.
Review this information to prepare for your SOAR experience. SOAR gives you a closer look at what life is like for a UW–Madison student. Come to Madison prepared, and discover the exciting resources waiting for you.
- 8. After SOAR
Other Summer Programs
Looking to get a jump start on your Wisconsin Experience? In addition to SOAR, check out these other summer opportunities for new students!