When you’re attending college, your academic advisor is a key asset to navigate your institution and make a plan for your future. They act as guides to help you choose a major, stay on track to graduate, and maximize your experience.
Whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer student, or a senior looking toward graduation, there are many questions to ask an academic advisor to set yourself up for success – both in your academics and your future career.
Before we dive into the key questions, it’s important to understand the role of an academic advisor and how they can support your college journey. Check out our guide, What Is an Academic Advisor and How Can They Help Me?, to get a clear overview.
Questions to Ask at Your First Meeting with an Academic Advisor
1. What Are My Graduation Requirements?
Understanding your degree requirements early can help you plan effectively and stay on track for graduation. Discuss the general education courses, major-specific courses, and credit requirements that are required so you can be prepared.
Tip: If you’re a freshman and feeling overwhelmed with your degree requirements, check out our guide, 11 Tips for College Freshman, to set yourself up for success.
Want a head start on your degree? Explore Sophia’s self-paced online gen ed courses!
2. Should I Pursue a Minor Area of Study?
Most colleges don’t require a minor to earn a bachelor’s degree, but the right combination of a minor and major in certain industries can help you stand out as a job candidate. Your advisor will be able to help you decide if a minor is important for your career, and if so, what minors are recommended.
Questions to Ask If You’re a First-Year Student
3. Is an Internship Required for This Major?
In some industries, employers expect candidates to have some work experience coming into the role – and that may require an internship. Typically, you’ll see this with education and human development fields, technology, sciences, medical and veterinary fields, and architecture and applied engineering.
Your academic advisor is a valuable resource for your career planning. Because most advisors have knowledge of the area of study and the job market, they can help you determine if an internship is an important part of your career path.
4. Are There Specific Courses I Should Be Prepared For?
Some courses have a reputation for being challenging. They’re called “stumble courses.” Even the most gifted of students tend to struggle with some courses, and often the same ones. If it happens at the wrong time in your academic career – like in your senior year – it could delay your graduation.
Ask your advisor about any stumble courses you should anticipate and make a plan for when to schedule them. Then, if you do run into problems, you have time to retake the course without throwing off your anticipated graduation date.
5. Are There Student Support Services to Take Advantage Of?
Every college has resources for student success, whether they’re writing resources, tutoring, learning archives, or short courses that focus on academic success. Your advisor can help you learn about all the resources available to you and can share real-world recommendations from other students.
Some universities offer short courses to help first-year college students, which is a valuable networking opportunity. Students in these courses can build connections that could serve them later in their academic career, whether that’s applying for internships or getting into a graduate program. Be sure to discuss your options with your advisor.
Tip: Managing your time effectively can make a huge difference in your academic success. Check out our Top 10 Time Management Tips for College Students to learn practical strategies to stay organized and meet deadlines..
6. Do You Suggest Taking Online Courses? Why or Why Not?
While some colleges and universities have their own online courses, others may accept credits from online learning institutions like Sophia Learning. You can tackle your general education courses at your own pace, and possibly save some money in the process.
Ask your advisor if online courses are recommended and discuss your options to take general education courses at Sophia Learning that are designed to transfer.
If you’re curious about Sophia courses, explore the course offerings!
7. How Can I Improve My Academic Performance?
Monitoring your academic performance is vital to your college success. Check in with your advisor to see how you’re doing with your courses, and if you’re struggling, to learn tailored strategies that can help you succeed.
Your academic advisor is there to help you. They’re aware of college resources that can help, such as tutoring centers or study groups, and may have study tips to help with challenging courses.
"Looking for more ways to stay on top of your coursework? Check out our article on How to Be Successful in College: 10 Tips for actionable strategies."
Questions to Ask If You’re a Transfer Student
8. How Are Transfer Credits Handled?
Each college has its own policy for transfer credits. Your college advisor can help you understand what credits transfer to your new school, what requirements they satisfy, and what you need to do to complete the process. You should also receive a personalized plan from your advisor.
9. Will I Graduate on Time?
If you have a plan to graduate at a specific time after transferring, your advisor can tell you how many transfer credits you have and what you need to complete to graduate and earn your degree. You can go over your course requirements and timeline together, adjusting as needed to finish on time.
Want to fast-track your degree program? Explore Sophia’s self-paced online gen ed courses to save time on your degree!
10. What Can I Expect at My New School?
Your college advisor is your touchpoint for your new school. During your first conversation, ask about what you can expect from the school and its culture. For example, is the environment really competitive or more laid-back? Because an advisor speaks with so many different students, they have a good idea of what the college experience is like at their school and how you can make the most of it.
Questions to Ask Your College Advisor If You’re a College Senior
11. Does My Current Plan Have Me on Track to Graduate on My Desired Date?
Your senior year is the final stretch, but the work isn’t over yet. It’s important to meet with your academic advisor early in your senior year to ensure that you’ve completed the requirements for your degree and that you’re on track to graduate on time.
If you’ve had courses you need to retake or incompletes that you haven’t resolved, they can impact your timeline and credit total for graduation. Ask your advisor if your projected course load for your senior year will be sufficient to graduate. If it isn’t, see what you can do to stay on track for your anticipated date.
Tip: College can be challenging, but staying motivated is key to your success. Read our guide, How to Stay Motivated in College, to learn actionable strategies to stay on track.
12. Are There Accelerated Programs Leading to a Master’s Degree That I Can Take?
If you’re planning on pursuing a master’s degree, getting into an accelerated program allows you to start your coursework in your senior year while you’re completing your bachelor’s. Your academic advisor will know what options are available to you, the admission requirements, and how to set yourself up for success.
13. Are There Recommended Courses to Enhance My Resume for Employers?
Part of the college experience is preparing for your career. Some colleges and universities have opportunities for undergraduate students to apply for grants, conduct research, get published, and present findings at industry conferences. Having these experiences on your resume can make you a desirable candidate. Speaking with your advisor ensures that you can take advantage of any resume builders the school offers to help you on your career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Talk About with My Academic Advisor?
Your academic advisor is your guide for the college academic experience. Be proactive and ask questions to ensure you fully understand your academic path and what’s expected of you. It’s best to take notes during your meeting to ensure you retain key information. If you have any additional questions or concerns after your meeting, feel free to reach out to your advisor for clarification.
What Should I Bring to a Meeting with an Academic Advisor?
It’s important to be prepared for your first meeting with your advisor. Bring your transcript, a list of questions you have, and a list of interests to ensure you stay focused and have a productive meeting.
What Are Good Follow-Up Questions After Meeting with an Advisor?
Depending on the discussion you have with your advisor, you may want to ask:
What are the prerequisites for specific courses?
Can you tell me more about the workload for a specific course?
How can I best plan my course load to ensure I graduate on time?
Can you recommend research opportunities in my field?
How can I best prepare myself for a career in the field?
What are my options if I have to drop a course?
Where should I turn if I feel that I’m struggling?
What is the deadline to add or drop classes for the upcoming semester?
How Often Should I Meet with My Academic Advisor?
Plan regular check-ins each semester to stay on track with your goals and resolve potential issues early. Your advisor is your best asset for success in college, so it’s best to be proactive.
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Your Advisor Is Your Key to Success
Your academic advisor is one of your greatest advantages in your college career – use them. They know what resources the school offers and how to support students at every stage of their academic experience, but you can’t get help if you don’t ask!
These questions are a guide to help you in your academic journey, and our Sophia Learning coaches are here to help our students as well. Reach out today or start a free trial!
