Steps to Success in the Psychology Department

We want you to be a successful Psychology student. Our goal is for you to find a supportive community at UC San Diego and in our department.  We suggest these steps to success:

Now

• Register to attend our Virtual Triton Day sessions or watch them online after May 9
• Attend a Virtual Triton Day Q&A session to get your questions answered by a Psychology Advisor
• Accept your admission to UC San Diego
• Familiarize yourself with the UC San Diego Psychology Department website
• Consider whether taking Summer Session classes is the right choice for you

This Summer (June/July/August)

• Check your @ucsd e-mail for a message from Psychology Advising (in late June); this welcome message will also be available on our website
• Send you transcripts from previous institutions to UC San Diego Admissions (no later than July 1)
• Set up your New Student Site, review enrollment recommendations, and ask clarifying questions
• Look for our personalized recommendations for Fall enrollment in New Triton Advising (during July & August, following processing of your transcripts)
• Register for the Math Placement Exam, if you are a B.S. student who has not yet taken Calculus
• Register for your College Orientation
• Register for Psychology Orientation
• Enroll in Fall classes
• Attend Psychology Transfer Orientation to get an introduction to the department and receive help with long-term academic planning

Fall Quarter 2020

• Read the Fall Newsletter & Resource Guide
• Attend Fall classes and Office Hours for your faculty and TAs
• Get involved on campus (Psi Chi/Psychology Club meetings are a great place to start!)
• Meet with your advising team (department and college)
• Apply for the Psychology Honors Program (if you're interested in diving deep into research)
• Think about your next steps

Winter & Spring 2020

• Finish up outstanding Lower Division coursework for your major and complete Core classes
• Begin taking Upper Division Psychology Electives and consider research opportunities, if you are a B.S. student
• Consider Study Abroad, Internships, Research, and other opportunities for the 2021-22 school year
• Keep your eye out for workshops you might find value in attending
• Explore minoring in an area of interest to you
• Attend Senior Send-Off 2021 (our annual end-of-year celebration)

More Success Tips for Next Year and Beyond

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from advisors, faculty, TAs, and campus services
• Find extracurricular activites that bring you joy and a sense of community
• Plan ahead, but be flexible
• Arrive prepared and ready to learn
• Locate opportunities and take risks