Summer Reflections

Consider the following questions to get you started: 

• Academically, what kind of year did I have?
• What were my successes and what were my challenges?
• How did I adjust back to in-person learning? What adjustments should I make in terms of time management and/or communicating with my instructors?  

In terms of your academic plan and timeline to graduation: 

• Did I complete as many credits and courses as I had planned? 
• Do I need to repeat a course? Please become familiar with the Course Repeat Policy and applicable limitations and deadlines.
• What are some ways I can get some more academic support next semester? The Academic Success Center has many great resources! 
• Am I taking any summer courses? Summer sessions can be a great way to a way to catch up or get ahead. Summer registration is still open and doesn’t require advising clearance. Remember, Finish 15  to stay on track!   

What about your academic major? Consider the following:

• What aspects of my major am I enjoying and what uncertainties do I still have?
• How does what I'm studying impact my future career goals? 
• If you are undecided or are considering changing your major, check out the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising’s Exploratory Page for more resources/information to help you move closer toward a decision.
• Do I have any General Education Requirements left to complete? Can I use those courses to explore majors or minors I might be interested in?   

Tip: If you are still exploring career options related to your academic major, spend time this summer talking to people who have careers that interest you.  Check out the online self-exploration resources at UMBC’s  Career Center and don’t forget to stay tuned for updates about our The Major Event happening in November! 

Using all of this information, review your class schedule for the fall semester and make sure it still makes sense given the academic year you just completed (i.e.- do you need to repeat a class? Are you enrolled in too many credits?).  

Tip: If you have still not registered for the fall semester and need advising assistance, talk to a departmental advisor or contact the Office for Academic & Pre-Professional Advising at oapa@umbc.edu. 

Aside from academics, take some time to think about your social and extra-curricular involvement at UMBC: 

• Did I get involved on or off-campus in activities/events that interest me? How well did I balance my social and academic life? 
• What lessons did I learn from getting involved?   

Tip: Extra-curriculars can be a great way to meet new people but also get club and leadership experience that looks great on a resume!

Lastly, make sure you spend some time thinking about where you are financially right now: 

• How did I budget my money during the academic year? 
• Do I have concerns about paying tuition or funding other aspects of college?
• Am I aware of the financial tools and resources available to me as a UMBC student?   

Tip: Check out the status of your student account on myUMBC (under the topic Billing & Personal Finances) to be sure everything is in order.  Check in with your Financial Aid Counselor for assistance exploring funding opportunities as well!  The Financial Smarts@UMBC  website is also for great information on financing your education, living on a budget, and the concept of credit.   

Finally, UMBC is still very much up and running if you need support this summer!