Step 4 in Devising Your Plan: Electives and Individualizing Your Education

Next, identify the times in your four-year plan when you can take classes to individualize your education.  Some students do this by pursuing education abroad, internships, or research under faculty supervision.  Some students choose to take more classes in an area of their major that's particularly fascinating to them.  Still others choose to pursue a minor in a different discipline.  This part is ENTIRELY UP TO YOU!  Be sure you consider your educational goals and what you'll need to reach them.  For example, if you plan to apply to law school, you might choose to take some legal studies classes and/or other classes that will improve your ability to do well on the LSAT.  If you are planning to become a teacher, you might consider a minor in education.  Do your research early, and talk with advisors and others -- if there are specific things you need to include in your education to meet your goals, it's important you identify them while there's still time to include them in your plan.  Taking a proactive and intentional approach will ensure your education is best for you!

See our student example below, in which she adds in classes and experiences to further the goal of graduating with fluency in Spanish and an abroad experience. Please note that this plan is an example used to demonstrate the academic planning process; it may not reflect accurate requirements for the major or GE catalog you are following.

Step 5:  Be Flexible