Do work with your academic advisor to create a schedule with rigorous and diverse courses that help you improve your communication skills.
Do consider pursuing multiple majors and/or a minor, if feasible.
Do seek out courses that will help you to build skills you want to focus on and relate to your academic and professional plans.
Don't lose all hope if you have one rough semester or year when it comes to grades. Your application will be viewed holistically, meaning that your GPA is not the only thing that matters. You will typically have the chance to address any extenuating circumstances you have faced within your award application.
Don't play it safe when it comes to choosing your courses. A transcript with no challenges is less impressive, even if you have perfect grades.
Consider getting involved in undergraduate research - the earlier the better!
Seek out jobs or internships on campus and in the community to get experience in your field of interest - you can check out available opportunities on Handshake.
Make connections! Get to know your professors by visiting office hours and attending lectures and events. Attend career fairs and networking events to get to know community members and leaders in your field of interest. Having this connections and mentors will be essential as you start your application and create a list of possible recommendation letter writers.
In addition to our Manager of Nationally Competitive Awards, there are many offices on campus that have amazing resources to help you navigate the application process.
