Topper Orientation Program (TOP) at Western Kentucky University

TOP is an orientation program required for all freshmen 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.

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 college 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.

Learn more about how to send your documents to our office.

All admitted students who have an unweighted high school GPA below 3.50 are required to send their official test scores (ACT or SAT) to WKU as soon as possible to ensure correct course placement before their Topper Orientation Program (TOP).  Even though test scores are not used for admission, WKU requires test scores to place you into reading, writing, and math courses. If you do not have test scores or if you do not send them to WKU, you will need to take between 1-3 placement tests before your Topper Orientation Program (TOP).

For more information, check out this resource on placement tests. 

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.

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 college 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.

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