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Choosing a SOAR Advising Group
As part of the SOAR reservation process, you’ll select an Advising Group. This connects you with advisors who specialize in your interests. SOAR Advising Groups are tied to UW–Madison’s schools and colleges, limited-enrollment programs, and the Cross-College Advising Service for undecided and exploring students.
Which SOAR advising group is right for me?
Step 1: Explore the Guide to see all UW–Madison majors. Use filters to find programs that interest you and see which school or college they belong to. If you have a major (or a few) in mind, that can help you choose an Advising Group.
Step 2: Determine the option that best describes you and click to learn more!
- I am undecided or exploring majors
- I have a preferred major or know the school or college I want to work with
- I have been accepted into a limited-enrollment program
Step 3: Select your chosen SOAR Advising Group during the SOAR Reservation process.
Are you considering a graduate-level professional program?
If you’re considering medical, law, veterinary, dental, occupational, physical therapy, or another graduate-level professional program after earning your Bachelor’s Degree, you can select an undergraduate major in any field and still achieve these goals. You should major in something that truly interests you and choose the SOAR Advising Group aligned with your undergraduate major interests.
I am undecided or exploring majors
It’s perfectly okay to explore majors at SOAR! This is a great time to learn about different programs, ask questions, and discover what truly interests you before making a decision.
Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS)
CCAS advisors are perfect for students who are undecided or exploring, as they know all the majors offered at the university and are here to help you explore your options!
Other reasons to choose CCAS as your SOAR Advising Group:
- Students who are undecided about majors within the College of Letters and Science
- Students whose primary interest is pursuing admission to the College of Engineering, but were not directly admitted to Engineering prior to SOAR.
I have a preferred major or know the school or college I want to work with
If you already have a preferred major—or know the school or college you want to work with—that’s a great first step!
Your SOAR Advising Group will be determined by the school or college that offers your desired major(s).
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) offers majors focusing on food and agriculture, bioenergy, health and wellness, the environment, and community development.
CALS advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have decided on their major in CALS
- Are still exploring majors within CALS
- Have an interest in biosciences, but are still generally exploring majors
The Wisconsin School of Business is a competitive-admission program that prepares students to succeed in a global economy while promoting ethical and socially responsible leadership. It’s a dynamic learning environment designed for today’s multicultural society.
School of Business advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Are interested in applying to the School of Business through the pre-business process once on campus
- Have been admitted to the School of Business through the direct admission process
The School of Education offers a wide variety of academic majors and programs in the visual arts, dance, and theatre; education policy, leadership, and teaching; and a variety of health and wellness areas.
School of Education advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Are still exploring majors within the School of Education
- Have decided on a major in the School of Education
School of Human Ecology (SoHE)
The School of Human Ecology (SoHE) brings together science, creativity, and curiosity to tackle real-world challenges and improve lives. Discover exciting majors like Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies, Community and Organizational Development, Design, Innovation and Society, Human Development and Family Studies, Interior Architecture, Personal Finance, and Textiles and Fashion Design.
SoHE advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have decided on a major in SoHE
- Are still exploring majors within SoHE
- Have an interest in SoHE majors
The College of Letters & Science is UW-Madison’s liberal arts college and is home to half of all UW undergraduate students. L&S courses span the entire spectrum of subjects in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. These courses build a strong liberal arts foundation, giving you broad knowledge and skills while still deepening expertise in your major.
L&S advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have decided on a specific L&S major
L&S values exploration, which is why many of our students start by exploring majors with Cross College Advising Service (CCAS) at SOAR. If you’re still deciding on a major within L&S, please choose CCAS as your SOAR Advising Group.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for professional nursing careers. Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and requires a separate application during your sophomore year. If accepted, you’ll start the two-year nursing major in your junior year.
At SOAR, nursing advisors will help you choose first-year courses and also review the admission criteria and application process for the School of Nursing.
School of Nursing advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have decided to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing major and wish to apply to the School of Nursing their sophomore year
The School of Pharmacy is all about improving lives through the discovery, development, and safe use of medications. If you are interested in math, chemistry, and biology and want to help treat illness and promote health, consider the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program—a professional degree for students interested in becoming pharmacists. Or explore the B.S. in Pharmacology & Toxicology, a science major where you’ll dive into the beneficial and adverse effects of chemicals and medications.
School of Pharmacy advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Are interested in applying for the School of Pharmacy
- Have applied and been admitted to the PharmD Early Assurance program
- Are exploring pharmacy as an option or who are interested in taking the “fast track” into the Doctor of Pharmacy program after two to three years of coursework
I have been accepted into a limited-enrollment program.
The SOAR Advising Group options below are only available for students who have applied or auditioned and been directly admitted to these programs.
If you are interested in one of these programs and have not been directly admitted, please choose another SOAR Advising Group that best aligns with your academic goals.
The Mead Witter School of Music offers two great paths: professional Bachelor of Music degrees or a flexible liberal arts major that allows students to combine a Music major with any UW-Madison degree. As a music major, you can focus on what inspires you—classical performance (instrumental or vocal), music education, jazz studies, or music composition.
Mead Witter School of Music advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Auditioned for and have been admitted to the School of Music (even if you plan to earn another major or have been admitted to the L&S Honors Program)
Students considering music education who have not been admitted to the School of Music should choose the College of Letters & Science (L&S) as their SOAR Advising Group.
The College of Engineering offers 12 undergraduate programs for students ready to tackle big challenges and make a difference through innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. College of Engineering students use their strengths in math, science, and the liberal arts to solve real-world problems in traditional fields, as well as emerging areas like sustainability, renewable energy, and nanotechnology.
College of Engineering advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have been directly admitted to the engineering program
Students whose primary interest is pursuing admission to the College of Engineering, but were not directly admitted to Engineering prior to SOAR should choose Cross College Advising Service (CCAS) as their SOAR Advising Group.
The College of Letters & Science Honors Program offers a vibrant community where talented and motivated students from all backgrounds and interests learn together, collaborate with faculty, and take on challenging Honors coursework.
First-year L&S Honors students have wide-ranging interests and can be either decided or undecided about their intended major(s). Students in the L&S Honors Program can take advantage of a variety of programs and certificates across campus while pursuing an Honors degree.
L&S Honors advisors at SOAR work with students who:
- Have successfully applied to and been admitted to the L&S Honors Program