"Start strong by building your foundation."

• Meet with your academic advisor and create a tentative 4-year plan
  Why: Early planning keeps you on track and reduces surprises later.
  Advising at WSU

• Introduce yourself to your professors and attend office hours
  Why: Building relationships with faculty leads to mentorship and future recommendations.

• Participate in Week of Welcome and involvement fairs
  Why: Getting involved early helps you find your community and interests.

• Visit the First Gen Student Center (Lighty 260X, Pullman Only)
  Why: Support, resources, and a welcoming space tailored to first-gen students.

• Learn how to use myWSU, Canvas, and the Academic Calendar
  Why: These systems are essential for managing your courses and deadlines.
  myWSU | Canvas | Academic Calendar

• Explore UCORE and potential majors
  Why: Helps you choose a direction and understand graduation requirements.
  UCORE Requirements

• Create a basic résumé with the Academic Success & Career Center (ASCC)
  Why: Be ready when early job or internship opportunities come up.
  ASCC Résumé Support

• Attend a major or career exploration workshop
  Why: Learn how to match your interests with possible career paths.

• Attend student success workshops (e.g., study skills, time management)
  Why: Build strong academic habits from the start.
  Academic Success & Career Center

• Explore Cougar Health Services and University Recreation
  Why: Well-being supports learning and overall success.
  Cougar Health Services | University Recreation

• Understand how priority registration works
  Why: Being proactive helps you get into required courses.
  Registration and Enrollment Resources

• Start tracking your finances and learn about FAFSA/WASFA
  Why: Understanding your finances prevents future challenges.
  WSU Financial Aid

• Connect with a mentor—peer, faculty, or staff
  Why: Guidance and encouragement from others supports your success.
  View Mentor Programs

"Take ownership of your path and deepen your engagement."

• Declare your major (by 60 credits)
  Why: Required for most programs and unlocks advanced coursework.

• Review your degree audit and adjust your plan
  Why: Keeps your path to graduation clear.
  Academic Requirements (myWSU)

• Join a student organization or identity-based group
  Why: Involvement builds leadership and connection.
  WSU Involve

• Meet with a career advisor to explore internships
  Why: Helps clarify goals and build your résumé.

• Attend a career fair or networking event
  Why: Learn what employers are looking for and start building connections.
  Academic Success and Career Center

• Use tutoring or the Writing Center
  Why: Improve your academic skills and confidence.
  Undergraduate Writing Center

• Understand your financial aid package and review award letters
  Why: Make informed decisions about loans and expenses.
  Student Financial Services

• Start building faculty relationships for recommendation letters
  Why: Trusted faculty references are key for jobs, scholarships, or grad school.

• Explore study abroad, research, or service-learning opportunities
  Why: These enrich your education and résumé.

• Take on a leadership role in an organization or campus job
  Why: Builds transferable skills employers seek.

• Update your résumé and set up your Handshake profile
  Why: Be ready for opportunities as they arise.

"Take your learning beyond the classroom."

• Apply for internships, research projects, or co-ops
  Why: Gain practical experience and grow your network.

• Pursue advanced leadership roles in campus activities
  Why: Demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and commitment.

• Explore post-grad options: graduate school, jobs, service
  Why: Planning now gives you time to prepare for applications.

  • Take standardized tests (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc.) if necessary.
  • Apply early. Electronic applications are standard for most programs and universities.
  • Ask about deadlines and other important dates.
  • To stay ahead of the time- and labor-intensive process of applying: build an organizational system to keep each of your applications together.
  • Initiate and maintain funding opportunities, like RAs, TAs, GAs, scholarships, grants, etc.
  • Apply for financial aid (FAFSA) and other external funding opportunities.

• Meet with your advisor for a graduation progress check
  Why: Ensures you're meeting all academic requirements.

• Take upper-division and capstone courses in your major
  Why: These synthesize your learning and prepare you for your career.

• Apply for scholarships available to juniors and seniors
  Why: Extra financial support can ease final-year expenses.
  WSU Scholarships

• Study abroad or complete a global learning experience
  Why: Enhances adaptability and cross-cultural understanding. We have a unique First-Gen Abroad program with scholarships and opportunities, and it is a shorter session in the summer.
  Education Abroad

• Conduct informational interviews with professionals or alumni
  Why: Provides insight into career paths and builds your network.
  WSU Alumni Coug Connect

• Find Career Fairs and Employment Opportunties
  Why: Prepare early and get feedback from career experts.
  Career Fairs Calendar

• Reflect on your academic and personal journey
  Why: Helps you refine your goals for senior year and beyond.

"Finish strong and prepare for what’s next."

• Apply for graduation through myWSU
  Why: Required for degree awarding and participation in commencement.
  Apply to Graduate

• Review your final degree audit with your advisor
  Why: Confirms you’ve met all degree requirements before you leave.

• Finalize your résumé, references, and cover letter
  Why: Ensure your materials are polished and tailored.
  Résumé Support

• Submit job or graduate school applications
  Why: Being proactive opens more doors—and financial support options.

• Complete student loan exit counseling (if applicable)
  Why: Understand your repayment options and responsibilities.
  Loan Exit Counseling

• Continue building your professional network
  Why: Networking can help you find jobs and mentorship post-graduation.

• Reflect on your journey and share your story
  Why: Celebrate how far you’ve come—consider mentoring others or writing a reflection and sharing with first@wsu.edu. 

• Attend Senior Send-Off or cultural/leadership grad celebrations
  Why: Mark your milestone and connect with your WSU community.

• Join the WSU Alumni Association
  Why: Stay connected to Cougar community, events, and career support.
  WSU Alumni Association