Student Success > Success Strategies > Sophomore Year Success Plan

Sophomore Year Success Plan

​​​​​The Sophomore Success Plan can help you navigate the wealth of resources at DePaul in support of your continued success as a second-year student. You may have used many or all of these resources already, or perhaps just some or even none at all. Regardless, take a moment to review the list below and identify which resources to engage with now or in the near future.

For questions or individual consultation on these resources, contact sophomore@depaul.edu.

View Success Plan as Printable Checklist (PDF)

Academic Resources

You are here for your studies! Academic advisors can be your best and most personalized academic resource. Meet with your advisor quarterly to ensure you're on track for academic success:

  • If you've declared a major, you can find your academic advisor in Campus Connect > Academic Progress.
  • If you have not declared a major or would like to discuss changing your major, meet with an advisor from the Office of Academic Advising Support .

Some things you should be sure to do during your second year are the following:

  • Meet with your advisor(s) once per quarter
  • Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
  • Develop relationships with faculty in each of your courses by regularly attending office hours 
  • Become familiar graduation requirements for your major/minor in the Academic Catalog
Resource
How to use
Your ​advisor
Meet quarterly about course plans, timelines, and questions about your major or minor.
Student Success 
You're in the right place! Browse this site for tips and resources to help you succeed.
Writing Center
A great resource for writing projects of any kind. 

Career Preparation

The job market is competitive: Now is the time to start preparing for your career after DePaul. The Career Center is the one-stop shop for on campus job experiences, practice interviews, alumni networking and workshops. Recommended actions for your second year of college can be found below.

Resource
How to use
Career Center
Get feedback on your resume and cover letter. Attend a job fair. Talk with a career advisor. 
Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK)
Schedule an informational interview with alumni working in a field of interest.
Student Employment
Work as student employee to gain experience and new skills.
DePaul Handshake
Explore internship opportunities in your field and identify the knowledge, skills and experience employers are looking for.

Interviews
Practice makes perfect: Practice your interview skills with the Career Center.

Engagement

College is not only about your studies. It’s also about discovering new interests and meeting new people. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to get involved with campus organizations and connect with other DePaul students. If you’re unsure how to start, use the Involvement Calculator to get a personalized set of recommendations.

Resource How to use
DeHub DeHub is DePaul’s online student organization management and events list tool. Visit today to learn about our over 350 student organizations and upcoming events.
Intramural and Cl​ub Sports You didn’t make the team, but you still love basketball? Volleyball? Tennis? Or, you played hockey in high school, but DePaul doesn’t have a team. Visit this website to learn about your options to join an intramural or club team.
Division of Mission and Ministry
DMM has a number of opportunities for you to engage with the DePaul and Chicago communities in acts of service, as well as to get together with spiritually like-minded students, whether you are Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, or unaffiliated.

Financial Management

It’s no secret college is expensive. The following resources can assist you with the financial side of things.

Resource How to use
Apply for the F​AFSA
Complete the FAFSA on time every single academic year in order to maximize aid. Meet with a DePaul Central Advisor to understand your financial aid package.
DePaul Scholarship Connect
Continuing students can apply for institutional and donor-funded scholarships through DePaul Scholarship Connect. Complete each academic year by July 15.
Financial Fitness
Learn how to create a budget, establish good credit, and pay for school. Meet with a Financial Fitness advisor as needed.

Self-Actualization

College is about growth and self-discovery: identifying your values, building your talents, and developing plans for a future that is purposeful and rewarding. The resources below can ​assist you in this journey.

Resource How to use
DeHub Events
Participate in workshops from offices and organizations such as Health Promotion and Wellness and Academic Continuity and Engagement (ACE).
Explore Your Purpose
Find resources on how to use your resources, skills and talents to benefit yourself and others.

SMART Goals
Create 3 to 5 SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) goals for yourself and track your progress as you work toward them.

Mentorship Opportunities
Consider mentoring other students at DePaul through Chicago Quarter Mentors,  Orientation Leaders, STARS, or Success Coaching which allow for mentorship and guidance to other students.