Take the First Step to an Undergraduate BBA Degree

Congratulations on your decision to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison!

As a new UW–Madison student, you will soon be visiting campus to attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). When you do, we invite you to choose the Wisconsin School of Business for your advising breakout sessions.

Business SOAR is the right choice for you if you expect to apply to the Wisconsin BBA Program following your first year as a UW–Madison student. Whether you joined UW–Madison after high school or as a transfer student, the information you gain at SOAR will help you feel prepared for the next steps in your journey.

If you have already been admitted to the Wisconsin BBA Program directly from high school or as a transfer student, SOAR will help you get off to a smooth start.

Your path to becoming a Business Badger starts here.

Why Attend Business SOAR?

  • Learn the requirements for admission to the Wisconsin BBA Program
  • Know what classes you need to take in your first year
  • Meet with advisors in the BBA program
  • Learn about recommended computers, laptops and software for the BBA program
  • Meet other incoming students with interests similar to your own
  • Connect with current Business Badgers
  • Experience our engaged, collaborative community firsthand

What to Expect at SOAR

Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) is a multi-faceted orientation program that helps you begin your transition to UW–Madison, whether you are coming in as a first-year student after high school or as a transfer student. Your advisors will guide you through your SOAR experience, which includes academic, social, and co-curricular components.

Prepare for Academic Success

Be “in the know” about applying to and succeeding in the undergraduate BBA program. Join a small group of students with an interest in business in your SOAR advising group.

  • Meet your academic and peer advisors
  • Understand the requirements to apply
  • Explore courses that meet BBA program requirements
  • Learn how to use enrollment tools
  • Enroll in your fall semester courses

Get a Taste of Student Life

At SOAR, you can sample what it’s like to be a student at UW–Madison. Small-group activities give you an opportunity to participate in our close-knit Business Badger community.

  • Discover a wealth of academic and social opportunities
  • Learn what it means to be a Business Badger
  • Familiarize yourself with campus resources
  • Meet other incoming students
  • Ask questions of current UW–Madison students

Get ready to SOAR!

Remember, you must register for your placement test before you register for SOAR.

You can choose the “School of Business” advising group when you register for SOAR. Here's how.

Visit the SOAR registration page 

Have questions? Visit SOAR online for details and contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What does an academic advisor do?

    An academic advisor will encourage and support your educational, personal, and career development. They will communicate policies and requirements, provide campus referrals, and help you explore options for majors and course selection.

  • Who is my academic advisor?

    You will be assigned an academic advisor (or advisors) at the end of your SOAR session. You will leave SOAR knowing who your assigned advisors are and how to contact them.

  • When will I register for classes?

    Both first-year and transfer students enroll for fall semester classes during SOAR.

  • Who will help me select my courses?

    An academic and peer advisor will work with you to identify appropriate courses based on your interests and goals. The advisor will also help ensure that you are choosing the appropriate number of credits. Students are encouraged to be responsible for the choices they make at SOAR, with advisors supporting them and providing the information they need to make informed decisions.

  • Can I use advanced standing credits (AP, IB, etc.) or previous college coursework to fulfill UW–Madison credit requirements?

    Advisors at SOAR will help you understand how your advanced standing credit and previous college coursework will satisfy requirements at UW—Madison. Please submit all test scores and transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Recruiting before SOAR so that the credits can be posted to your record. If you do not have your test scores prior to attending SOAR, your advisor will work with you to determine multiple options based on anticipated test scores.

    More information on AP, IB, and CLEP equivalencies can be found here.

    Please bring to SOAR a list of all the advanced credit exams you have taken, as well as the full course numbers and titles of any college courses you completed while in high school.

  • What if I can’t get into a class I want?

    In some cases, a variety of courses may satisfy the BBA degree requirements. You may wish to have back-up courses when planning for enrollment, and can sometimes enroll in a wait list for courses that are full. An academic advisor will assist you as needed.

  • Are there ways to connect with other incoming students?

    Yes! There will be many ways to connect with other incoming students at SOAR. You will have time in advising with other students interested in business, and you will participate in scheduled activities with all students attending SOAR that day. You will also connect one on one with a current student who will serve as your SOAR peer advisor.

  • How do I register to join an advising group for the Wisconsin School of Business?

    When you register online for SOAR, you will be asked to choose the advising group you want to work with during SOAR. If you are interested in the Wisconsin BBA Program and/or one of the undergraduate business majors, please specify the Wisconsin School of Business.

  • What happens if I register for one school or college and then decide on a different major?

    Students can make changes to their SOAR reservation by logging into the SOAR reservation system. Changes to SOAR reservations must be made at least one week prior to the start of the session. Students are encouraged to make changes as early as possible. For more details, visit SOAR.

  • What is the SOAR experience like for transfer students?

    Transfer students spend one day at SOAR, while incoming first-year students spend two days. For more information, refer to SOAR information for transfer students.

  • How do my parents, guardians, or other guests participate in SOAR?

    The Center for First-Year Experience provides a separate, concurrent SOAR program for parents, guardians, and guests who will attending with their students.

We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming SOAR session!

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