Sophomore Opportunities and Academic Resources (SOAR)
Sophomore year you explore majors, discover new interests, prepare for internships and undergrad research, build community, and even rethink plans you thought were set. SOAR connects you with opportunities across Oberlin to help you explore, grow, and make decisions that reflect who you're becoming. By participating in SOAR you will build your Sophomore Toolkit which will empower you to seize opportunities as they arise.
Sophomore Highlights
Sophomore Welcome Back Event
Reconnect with classmates, explore campus opportunities, and launch SOAR.
- August 28, 2026 | 3:15 PM | Allen Memorial Art Museum
Major Declaration Celebration
Celebrate declaring your major and connect with the people and resources that will support your academic journey.
- Date, Time, and Location TBD
Explore Your Sophomore Experience
Throughout the year, you'll discover opportunities that help you:
- Schedule a fellowship advising appointment.
- Meet with Career Exploration & Development to discuss graduate or professional school.
- Apply for Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Oberlin Summer Research Institute.
- Explore Winter Term professional preparation opportunities.
- Explore undergraduate research.
- Participate in Study Away.
- Connect with the Bonner Center for community engagement.
- Explore student employment and experiential learning.
- Register for Sophomore Existential Seminar (HUMS 200).
- Meet with a success coach.
- Explore Integrative Concentrations.
- Explore opportunities within community engagement, nonprofit organizations and areas of interest.
- Reflect on your first year advising portfolio and update your digication portfolio.
- Complete CliftonStrengths coaching.
- Meet with Student Leadership to learn about leadership development opportunities.
- Connect with the Center for Intercultural Engagement.
- Join a student organization.
- Attend a networking event through Career Exploration & Development.
- Participate in the Find My Friends program.
- Register for Oberlin Mentor Mentorship Program.
- Explore What Can I Do With This Major?
- Develop your Career Action Plan.
- Browse Handshake Career Communities.
- Explore internships and micro-internships.
- Declare your major and meet with your pre-major advisor.
- Attend the Major Declaration Celebration.
- Attend the Winter Term Fair.
- Build your Sophomore Toolkit in Digication as you engage with SOAR, include your:
- Academic & Co-Curricular Plan
- Comprehensive Résumé
- Reflection of Your Personal & Educational Journey
- LinkedIn Profile