Maximizing Your College Experience: Essential Questions to Ask Your Academic Advisor

College is an exciting yet complex journey. Academic advisors are invaluable resources who can guide you through course selection, graduation requirements, career planning, and overall academic success. To make the most of your time with them, taking control of the process with thoughtful questions is key. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the questions you should ask your college advisor, from your first year to your final semester, to ensure you are on the right track and maximizing your college experience.

The Role of an Academic Advisor

Academic advisors are campus experts dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of college life. They offer guidance on various aspects, including:

Course Selection: Choosing the right courses to meet your degree requirements and align with your interests.
Major and Career Exploration: Identifying potential majors and career paths that match your strengths and goals.
Graduation Requirements: Understanding the specific courses and credits needed to graduate on time.
Academic Performance: Monitoring your progress and providing strategies for improvement.
Resource Navigation: Connecting you with campus resources such as tutoring, writing centers, and career services.

Preparing for Your First Meeting

College life comes with an increased level of independence, and it’s not always mandatory for students to meet with their advisor. However, it should be viewed as essential for all college students. First things first, college students should make an appointment early in the academic year (and especially as freshman)! Advisors’ schedules are bound to fill up fast.

Before your first meeting, it’s important to be prepared. Consider these initial questions:

"How are you doing today?" This is a simple yet effective way to start the conversation and show that you value their time.
"Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?" This helps the advisor understand your background and goals.
"Where did you grow up, and where is home for you (outside of Lehigh)?" This personal question can help build rapport.
"What made you choose Lehigh?" Understanding your motivations can help the advisor tailor their advice.
"What were your favorite subjects in high school?" This provides insight into your academic interests and strengths.

Essential Questions for All Students

These questions are relevant regardless of your year of study:

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1. Understanding Graduation Requirements

"What Are My Graduation Requirements?" Discuss the general education courses, major-specific courses, and credit requirements that are required so you can be prepared.
"If I want to graduate by a certain date, what's the best plan to get me there?"
"How do I find out how many elective credits I need?"
"Are there any courses I can take that will help me fulfill two areas at once (“double dip”)?"
"Are there any required prerequisite courses I should be planning to take for my minor or major?"

Understanding your degree requirements early can help you plan effectively and stay on track for graduation. 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. Exploring Academic Options

"Can I change my major?"
"Should I Pursue a Minor Area of Study?" Your advisor will be able to help you decide if a minor is important for your career, and if so, what minors are recommended.
"How would adding a minor or certificate fit into my degree plan?"
"What is the process to add a minor/certificate?"
"What double majors or minors are your classmates with similar goals pursuing?"
"How can I find general studies class options in the class search?"
"What is a general elective credit?"
"What is the difference between a lower and upper division course?"

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.

3. Maximizing Academic Performance

"How Can I Improve My Academic Performance?" 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.
"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.
"If I’m really struggling in a class, what resources are available to me?"
"Do any of your courses cause any struggles?"
"Have you faced any challenges, either within or outside of your coursework?"
"What academic success resources are available to me?"
"What is the academic calendar and how do I access it?"

Monitoring your academic performance is vital to your college success.

4. Planning for Your Career

"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.
"When and how should I start planning for an internship? How can I prepare for an internship?"
"Are there any student organizations that align with my major that I can get involved with?"
"What Extracurricular Activities Can I Pursue to Prepare for My Career?" College is about more than your coursework. Academic advisors can ensure students are tapping into all of the opportunities available to them, including internships, training programs, and clubs relating to your desired career.
"Are There Recommended Courses to Enhance My Resume for Employers?" Speaking with your advisor ensures that you can take advantage of any resume builders the school offers to help you on your career path.
"Is there an internship required for my degree? How do I find an internship?"
"Summer break shouldn’t be all about vacation; college students should ensure that they’re using their time strategically to prepare for graduate school or a professional career."

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.

5. Exploring Study Abroad Opportunities

"How do I apply to study abroad?"
"When and how should I start planning to study abroad, and do I have courses that can be fulfilled that way?"

6. Understanding Course Policies

"Can I drop a class?"
"What are my options if I have to drop a course?"
"What is the deadline to add or drop classes for the upcoming semester?"

7. Managing Your Well-being

"I am feeling overwhelmed by courses and it's affecting my mental health. What are my options and resources now and how can I build a more balanced schedule next semester?"
"Are you getting sleep and are you eating?"
"How are your classes going this semester?"
"Do you have any big exams or projects coming up?"
"Do you have any concerns about any of your classes?"
"How are you finding the workload overall, and are you able to balance your academics with extracurricular activities and other responsibilities?"

8. General Check-in Questions

"How are you doing today?"
"Are you involved in any clubs or organizations?"
"What is your favorite course so far this semester and why?"
"How Am I Progressing?" Meeting with an academic advisor is an opportunity to check in on your progress. Many students find it beneficial to start their appointments with questions relating to the degree they’re pursuing and the progress they are making.

Questions for Transfer Students

Transferring to a new school can be a significant transition. Ask these questions to ensure a smooth transfer:

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"How Are Transfer Credits Handled?" 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.
"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.
"What Can I Expect at My 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?

Each college has its own policy for transfer credits.

Questions for Senior Year

Your senior year is the final stretch. Ask these questions to ensure you graduate on time and prepare for your next steps:

"Does My Current Plan Have Me on Track to Graduate on My Desired Date?" 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.
"Are There Accelerated Programs Leading to a Master’s Degree That I Can Take?" Your academic advisor will know what options are available to you, the admission requirements, and how to set yourself up for success.

Additional Questions to Consider

"Should I take the ACT or SAT?"
"Do I need SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams? Which ones should I take?"
"How do admissions officers view extracurricular activities within an application?"
"What do admissions officers look for in an application essay?"
"Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?"
"What should I expect in a college interview?"
"Will applying Early Decision or Early Action give me a leg up?"
"What should I do when I visit campuses?"
"How does the financial aid application process differ from the admission process?"
"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?"
"Where should I turn if I feel that I’m struggling?"
"Is my financial aid on track?"
"What is my responsibility in the advising process?"
"In addition to my scheduled appointments, are there additional advising opportunities?"
"I am not doing well in a course - what are my options?"
"Is my goal of graduating by my chosen date realistic, based on my current pace?"
"My first year of college was too easy (or too challenging)."
"How do you think I’m doing?"

Building a Strong Relationship with Your Advisor

Be Proactive: Don’t wait for problems to arise. Schedule regular check-ins to stay on track.
Be Honest: Share your challenges and concerns openly so your advisor can provide the best support.
Come Prepared: Bring your transcript, a list of questions, and a list of interests to each meeting.
Take Notes: Record key information and follow up with any additional questions.
Communicate Regularly: The more frequently students check in with their academic advisors, the better off they will be! Once or twice a semester is a good start, with more communication as needed.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your academic advisor to introduce yourself. Keep in mind that you will be working closely with this person, so it’s best to put effort into building this relationship.

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