University of Wisconsin–Madison
Kicking off the spring-season opening of the Memorial Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, volunteers help carry out the Wisconsin Union's iconic sunburst chairs to the Terrace on April 13, 2017.  The Terrace chairs and tables are stored off site during the winter months.

Attend SOAR

The Prologue to Your L&S Story

During SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration), you will meet one-on-one with an academic advisor to begin writing your L&S story. This is not just about ticking checkboxes; it is an opportunity to explore how your unique identity and interests connect with the breadth of a
Letters & Science education.

During SOAR, You Will:

A large group of new UW-Madison students in Union South's Marquee Theatre sing and wave their arms in the air.
  • Learn how your liberal arts education can be customized to reflect you and your interests
  • Meet one-on-one with a professional advisor who will help you begin your academic journey
  • Review your placement test scores
  • Discuss any AP, transfer, and other credits
  • Learn how to search for, choose, and enroll in classes for your first semester
  • Discover how your classes and credits meet degree requirements
  • Learn how to make changes to your schedule
  • Be assigned an academic advisor

We do not meet with incoming students before SOAR, since we will not have all the necessary academic records to properly advise before then.

Prior to academic advising at SOAR, we encourage you to attend one of UW’s prospective/admitted student events and information sessions that take place throughout the year.

Review the SOAR website for information on how to prepare for your SOAR experience.

Our SOAR worksheet can also help you prepare. You will receive a printed copy at SOAR.

After SOAR, you will be assigned to an advisor in AAS. If you have questions after SOAR, email your assigned advisor. Once the term following SOAR begins, you can schedule an appointment with your advisor in Starfish