Incoming Undergraduate Students
Your engineering student experience begins at SOAR
At the university’s Student Orientation, Advising and Registration program. During SOAR, you’ll begin your transition to UW-Madison and the College of Engineering by learning about academic advising, degree requirements, and campus resources.
SOAR is coordinated by the UW-Madison Center for the First Year Experience (CFYE) and provides programming for incoming students and their parents and guests. Part of your SOAR programming will include time with College of Engineering professional advisors and student peer advisors.
What to expect during your engineering SOAR session
Meet and connect with other incoming students, current engineering students, and academic advisors.
Work with an academic advisor to understand
- AP/IB credits, transfer credits, and placement test scores
- Progression requirements and course selection
- Engineering majors and certificates
Enroll in your first semester classes
Work with academic and peer advisors to choose classes that meet requirements and build a schedule that’s a good fit for you.
Learn about ways to get involved and enhance your student experienc
Learn about resources available to support you during your first year and beyond
Incoming students should also explore
Computers and Software
Laptops are required for incoming students. You will find a laptop helpful throughout your career in Engineering at UW-Madison. In addition, there will be courses that make use of laptops in the classroom and for outside homework assignments.
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) provides computing resources for engineering students. Learn more about buying a computer, CAE computer labs, software offerings, and CAE’s other services and resources.
World Language Considerations
Students in the College of Engineering are not required to take a world language; however, students can take world language courses to fulfill part of their liberal studies elective requirements. Liberal studies are required for all engineering majors.
Students can use language courses to fulfill the requirements of certificates as well, such as the International Engineering Certificate. We suggest students take the appropriate language exam during placement testing to have the most options while at UW-Madison.
Campus Opportunities
Explore these additional opportunities offered on campus and you can discuss them more with your academic and peer advisors during SOAR.
Study and connect with fellow Badgers who have similar interests to you. Perfect for transitioning from high school to college.
A one credit course exposing students to campus resources and experiences to help achieve their personal and academic goals.
Additional built in small group study time to foster high levels of understanding and interest. For Math and Computer Science courses.
UW-Madison’s version of minors.