Coming to the University of Illinois, I was accepted into the College of ACES as Undeclared; however, I had an idea that I wanted to point in the animal science direction. The only thing that was unclear for me was what my concentration would be in. Would it be pre-vet, companion animals and equine science, or food animal production and management?

In the blink of an eye being in the College of ACES as undeclared help me see that. The advising department really helped me to see where I saw myself in the future. Finally, after taking many diverse classes I landed in the department I call my home; an Animal Sciences major with a concentration in companion animals and equine science.

ACES Undeclared lets you explore the different majors in the College of ACES, so that you can find the place that you fit best. The advisors are always there to help and give you different ways to explore the different majors. They want to get to know you so that they can help you figure out what it is you want to do, and where you can see yourself in the future.

Another great way to discover and explore in the College of ACES is to attend the fall festival that the college puts on in the fall semester. It gives you a chance to get a feel for the different clubs/groups. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore different clubs with different majors that helps identify what you like and what you do not like.

Because of COVID-19, instead of having an in-person Fall Festival for the fall 2020 semester, students had the opportunity to participate in the ACES RSO Virtual Explorer at the beginning of September.