Academics Majors Minors Bryn Mawr College

Sophomore Experience

Welcome, Sophomores!

Student Success - Melissa Geiss

Sophomore Year at Bryn Mawr College is all about exploration. You’ll reflect on your progress so far, develop academic and career goals, and set priorities for the rest of your time at Bryn Mawr.  

Throughout the year, you’ll complete the components of the Sophomore Plan, which includes declaring your major, creating your Handshake profile and resume, deciding if you’ll apply for study abroad, and finalizing your plan to complete your academic requirements.  

The Sophomore Dean provides both individual and group advising to students. Sophomores may schedule meetings with their dean to review the college wide requirements, clarify questions about the Sophomore Plan, or think through their academic priorities. We host a series of conversations in the Fall on these topics. All Sophomores will receive a monthly newsletter from the Dean with timely information about academic advising, the Sophomore Plan, events, and programs. 

Your dean is here to help.

Your dean wants to be a resource as you plan your time at Bryn Mawr and beyond. You are the one to determine when these meetings would be most beneficial to you. Keep in mind: 

  • Most people find that advising leads to a new understanding of what they’re interested in exploring further and how to reach their goals. 

  • You do not need to have everything figured out before your meeting.  If you’re unsure of your major, your dean can help talk through options and provide suggestions for how to make your choice.  

  • If you are considering studying abroad, you will be learning a lot through the Study Abroad programming. Be sure to visit the Study Abroad website for more information! 

  • Your dean can also help you explore additional opportunities to expand your learning beyond Bryn Mawr: Praxis independent study, 360s, internships, and summer opportunities.  

  • Please note that a meeting with your dean is not required before you declare your major with your major adviser. 

What to Expect

The Sophomore Plan engages students in the exploration of their academic, career, and global opportunities. 

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Collegewide Requirements

Sophomores want to make sure they are on track to complete their degree. Prior to course registration in the Fall semester, students should .

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Exploring Majors (and Minors)

Each department's website presents its academic focus and summarize the requirements for the major, along with supplemental materials that will give you a more in-depth view of the field. You should read these materials for all the departments you are considering. 

Students and professor discussing their writing

Major Information Sessions

Information Sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn more about departmental requirements and opportunities, course offerings, major advising, and other important topics.

Sustainability - Teaching and Learning - Chemistry

Deciding & Declaring Your Major

Building on the curricular exploration that began as a first-year student, sophomores will decide on and declare a major field of study.

resume

Resume & Career Planning

Sophomore Year students start to focus on what kind of work they want to do in the world and how their time at Bryn Mawr can help them learn more and gain valuable experience.  

Study Abroad - Home Header

Exploring Study Abroad

As Bryn Mawr becomes increasingly familiar, sophomore year marks a natural time to learn about and plan for life beyond Bryn Mawr. Students do this in a few ways.