Third-Year

Major decisions are made, the first two years are over, and there is a renewed sense of accomplishment for many students during their third year. This is often the time that students take time to explore and push their own boundaries, whether it’s trying out a new career through an internship, taking on more leadership positions both on and off-campus, or studying abroad. At this time in their academic career, students are often enrolling in more rigorous and specialized courses and perhaps exploring ideas for their Senior Capstone research project. Students also begin to think about their future by starting to research career opportunities or graduate school options, and begin to plan for the transitional stage of senior year. Opportunities await, and this is a great time for students to think about their life after college.

Throughout this year of exploration, it’s important that students continue to stay on track for graduation while still taking the initiative to reach forward into opportunities that can serve them in their life after Maryland. Students should seek out opportunities to engage as leaders, explore new opportunities, and prepare for their final year ahead.

The third year is an opportunity for parents to help propel students out of their comfort zones and encourage them to explore and reach higher. Parents can help provide guidance and share their own experiences in beginning the job search and/or graduate school application process, and help students begin this transitional phase of their lives.

Note: documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view, download Adobe Acrobat Reader.