TOP is an orientation program required for all freshman and transfer students planning to register for classes on the Main Campus. TOP helps you become more familiar with Western Kentucky University and provides an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor from your chosen major in a small group setting. You will also register for classes and receive a copy of your class schedule.

You will register for TOP directly from your application management portal.

Yes. To register for TOP, there is a $75 fee. The TOP fee is determined by many different factors, including but not limited to day-of meals, guest resources, administrative operational costs, hardware, software, student personnel and WKU spirit items distributed.

At least one week prior to your TOP, you will need to request that your high school send us your official transcript. While a final high school transcript (with graduation date) will be necessary eventually, if you will not have a graduation date in advance of TOP you can send an in-progress document for scheduling, and then just be sure to send us the final transcript after graduation.

If you completed colleges courses while in high school, official transcripts must be sent directly from the college awarding the credit to WKU by mail or through the National Student Clearinghouse. Once your official transcript is received, we will add your college work to your WKU record.  WKU does not award credit for college courses posted on your high school transcript.

For information on how to send your documents to our office, click here.

TOP dates are based on academic major. Since you will meet with an academic advisor and receive your first class schedule, it is important that you attend a TOP specifically for the Academic College that houses your preferred academic major.

From your application management portal, you can complete a Change of Major form. It is important make major changes prior to registering for TOP because TOP dates are based on academic majors. 

TOP is your first major step in becoming acquainted with the campus community and with your advisor.  Before and during TOP you will take placement exams, meet other students at TOP and within your major, attend an information fair, learn about class registration, register for classes with an academic advisor, receive your class schedule, and receive your WKU ID card. M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is a five day program, designed to assist first year residential students in their transition from home to college. Program participants move to campus a week before classes begin and benefit from the opportunity to get acclimated to campus before the upperclassmen arrive, and begin building a social support network. Educational sessions, special events, and evening social activities provide program participants with opportunities to learn tips of the trade from student leaders, meet new people, and identify resources to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.

No. TOP is a one-day orientation program.

At least one week prior to your TOP, you will need to request that your high school send us your official transcript. While a final high school transcript (with graduation date) will be necessary eventually, if you will not have a graduation date in advance of TOP you can send an in-progress document for scheduling, and then just be sure to send us the final transcript after graduation.

If you completed colleges courses while in high school, official transcripts must be sent directly from the college awarding the credit to WKU by mail or through the National Student Clearinghouse. Once your official transcript is received, we will add your college work to your WKU record.  WKU does not award credit for college courses posted on your high school transcript.

For information on how to send your documents to our office, click here.

Registering for a TOP is the official way to confirm your attendance at WKU.