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There are eight days in June to choose from. The days do fill up, but if you register online, you will know immediately which day you are scheduled for.
One day is designated for music majors and minors to attend so they can complete piano and theory testing, but other students may attend this day as well.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation packet within a few weeks. This includes details about your SOAR date, a campus map and other important information. Please read it carefully so you don't miss any information.
Check-in for SOAR is at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts between 8 and 9 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. It is not necessary to arrive before 8 a.m. The day usually ends around 3 p.m.
You can look forward to hearing from faculty, staff, and current students that will give you advice about transitioning to college life. We try to give you all the information incoming students need, while keeping it fun. Students and families will be together the first part of the day, then we break off into sessions specific to each of you. In the afternoon, students will have advising with their SOAR leader and faculty advisor. Look for more detailed information in your SOAR invitation.
You will receive your class schedule at SOAR during Advisement. During May, our team works hard to develop a schedule that’s tailor-made for each freshman. This is done using a variety of information:
- Your major
- Optimal course schedules – which are recommendations from faculty and department chairs or school directors
- Your ACT or SAT scores
- Your academic profile
- Any previous college credit
- Your interests
- Other pertinent information such as high school coursework, whether you are an athlete, whether you received a music scholarship, etc.
When you receive your class schedule, you can make adjustments with your SOAR Leader and faculty advisor.
Although SOAR is highly recommended and students gain a huge advantage by attending, we do recognize that sometimes schedules just don’t work out. If you absolutely cannot attend any of the dates listed, still sign up for SOAR and select the “unable to attend” option. This lets us know you are still planning to attend Northwest and we can schedule your fall classes. We will also reach out to you with make-up SOAR date options.
At SOAR, you will be placed into groups with other students based on similar majors and interests. SOAR leaders are current Northwest students who know the ins and outs of Northwest life. Your SOAR leader will guide you through the day’s activities and help you become acquainted with Northwest through a student’s perspective.
If possible, your family is encouraged to attend SOAR with you. Family members also have their own orientation at SOAR to help them become familiar with Northwest’s programs, services and resources.
If you have not already submitted them, please bring your completed health history forms. We will provide you with everything else you need for your SOAR day at check-in!
SOAR and several other programs are covered by your new student fee. There is no charge to you or your family to attend.
If you are driving from a long distance, there are several hotels in Maryville that can accommodate you and your family. We encourage you to make reservations early when you receive your SOAR date to ensure that you get a room.
On-campus housing may also be available for a fee. Please contact the Office of Residential Life to explore this option.
If you need to change your major, you can do so on the SOAR registration form or after by calling the Office of Orientation at 660.562.1695. You can also change your major at SOAR, although it’s helpful if you let us know ahead of your SOAR date.
If you haven’t decided on a major, that’s ok too! In fact, some students will tell you that coming to college without a declared major is a positive experience. To help get you on the right track, you are able to choose a meta major from one of four interest areas:
- Sciences
- Business
- Education
- University Studies
If one of the first three areas listed above don’t fit your interests, you should choose University Studies to allow yourself more time to explore and decide on a major. All students must earn 42 hours of general education credits, so you have some time to make a final decision. It may be helpful to view the list of majors that fall into each meta major listed above- you can find a list online and choose meta major map.
Review your Incoming Student Checklist in
CatPAWS to ensure you have everything completed prior to arriving on campus.
The Incoming Student Checklist provides information about financial assistance, orientation, residential life, wellness services and more.
