First-Years and Sophomores

The first and sophomore years are pivotal in a College student’s experience. Within these two years, you will declare your major, have the opportunity to investigate study abroad options, and fulfill your core requirements.

Advising takes several forms in the first year. All students are expected to meet with their advisor to craft a preliminary, non-binding four-year plan that will enable them to best explore their interests and attain their goals. In addition, students entering the College with declared majors in math, science, foreign language, and linguistics require specialized advice from the start of their degree and are assigned a faculty advisor during their first year. All new students are assigned a peer advisor in the summer before their arrival at Georgetown.

All students are encouraged to establish close intellectual relationships with their faculty. This is one of the objectives of the first-year Ignatius Seminars. The seminars allow faculty to build on their shared intellectual experience with their students to foster the habits of reflection and integration, to discuss their students’ reading and writing, and to create an intellectual and imaginative context in which the student evolves his or her interests.

Students who entered Georgetown as undeclared will declare a major in their sophomore year. Faculty advisors are assigned at the time of major declaration and guide students through all aspects of degree completion. For most majors, it is important to bear in mind that the introductory courses for the major fulfill some part of the core education requirements.

As students identify and develop their intellectual interests in their first four semesters, they may choose to apply for traditional minors and application-only minors/programs in the spring of their sophomore year. The College offers minors by application in business administration, education, inquiry, and justice, film and media studies, and journalism. Liberal arts majors who are interested in exploring business may choose to apply for the Bakers Scholars Program.

Each fall, parents and friends of first-years and sophomores students are invited to Georgetown for Parents Weekend. Over these three days, guests will get a taste of life on the Hilltop by taking part in seminars, sporting events, performances, and worship services. They will also have the opportunity to meet faculty, deans, students, and fellow guests.

First-year and sophomore students who have questions should contact the Office of the Dean located in room 303 of the Intercultural Center, at 202-687-6045.