College Academic Advising Appointments: How to Prepare

When to book

Most colleges let students book advising appointments through a student portal or scheduling system, and many also offer walk-in or drop-in hours. Demand peaks just before course registration, so book a few weeks ahead if you can. Some programs require an advising meeting before you can register — check your school’s rules.

Choose the right adviser

Depending on your college, you may have:

• a general academic adviser (often for first-year or undeclared students);
• a faculty or departmental adviser in your major;
• specialist advisers for transfer, pre-health, pre-law, international students or career planning.

If you are not sure who to see, ask the advising office.

What to bring

• Your degree audit or program requirements, printed or open on a laptop.
• A draft list of courses for next term, with backups.
• Your questions, written down.
• Any forms that need an adviser’s signature (for example adding a major or a late registration).
• Transcripts from other schools if you transferred credits.

Questions to ask

1. Am I on track to graduate when I plan to? What requirements are left?
2. Which courses should I take next term, and in what order (prerequisites)?
3. How do my choices affect my major, minor or any plans to transfer?
4. What should I do if a course I need is full?
5. Are there deadlines coming up — drop/withdraw dates, applications to a program, graduation applications?
6. Who should I talk to about tutoring, disability services, money or wellbeing?

Money questions

Advisers can usually point you to the financial aid office for questions about paying for school. If you are applying for federal aid, see financial aid office appointments.

After the appointment

Write down the plan, register as soon as your window opens, and email your adviser to confirm anything important you agreed — such as a course substitution — so there is a record.