COLLEGE ADVISORS MAY BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK

College advisors are there to guide and encourage you throughout your college experience. They are not just there to tell you what to do, but also to listen to your concerns and advise you on any problems you may be experiencing academically. While some colleges or departments may require you to meet with your advisor on a regular basis, others may not. Even if you think you know exactly what you are doing, you need to meet with your advisor more often than not because when it comes to your class schedule and degree plan, college advisors may be more important than you think.

Meet with your advisor before each semester so that they can help you plan your class schedule. To complete your degree in a timely manner, you need to carefully arrange your schedule each semester and not just enroll in whatever classes are open. Planning your college schedule can be complicated. With just a couple of class times available, limits on how many students can enroll in each course, and some courses not even being offered every semester, it can be difficult to arrange a schedule that works for you. Is there a course that you really need to take this semester but every class is already full? Before you just assume that it would be impossible to fit you in, let your advisor know that you really need to take a specific class. There is always a chance that they might be able to help get you into it or help you figure out another way you could fulfill that requirement.

Meet with your advisor on a regular basis to ensure that you are on track with your degree plan. Advisors know the ins and outs of each degree program, and they can help you catch little mistakes you might be making before they turn into big ones. Remember, when it comes to your education, no question is unimportant. Want to take an ethics course but are not 100 percent sure if it will fulfill your humanities requirement? Make an appointment to see your advisor and discuss your options. Advisors are your second pair of eyes, but they probably aren't looking over your records unless you directly call their attention to it. It's important to be proactive, keep track of your own progress, and not just wait around for someone else to catch your mistakes.