Students typically have a lot of questions when it comes to college. And rightfully so! It’s a big investment of time and resources. That’s where your academic advisor at your college or university can help. But what are some of the questions to ask your academic advisor? Whether you’re hung up on what classes to take this semester or wondering how to transfer credits, your academic advisor will have the answers.
Today, we’re sharing our top questions to ask your academic advisor at your school so you can come to your appointment prepared and make the most of this super valuable resource. Let’s get started.
What is an Academic Advisor?
An academic advisor is a dedicated professional at your university who serves as your personal educational mentor and strategist. These knowledgeable experts help students chart their academic path, understand degree requirements, and make informed decisions about course selection to ensure timely graduation.
What Does an Academic Advisor Do?
Your college academic advisor performs several vital functions:
Creates personalized course plans aligned with your degree requirements
Helps you understand complex graduation prerequisites
Offers guidance on academic policies and procedures
Connects you with campus resources and support services
Assists with major selection and career planning
Provides solutions for academic challenges
Why Meeting With Your Academic Advisor Regularly Matters
Regular meetings with your university academic advisor can dramatically improve your college experience. Students who consistently consult their advisors typically:
Graduate on time with fewer unnecessary credits
Experience less stress about academic requirements
Make more informed decisions about majors and specializations
Access valuable opportunities like internships and study abroad programs
Prepare to Meet With Your Academic Advisor
Knowing what questions to ask your academic advisor ensures you maximize these important meetings. Prepare to discuss:
Your specific degree pathway and graduation timeline
Course selection strategies for upcoming semesters
Major and minor requirements
Academic resources available on campus
Internship and experiential learning opportunities
Career preparation recommendations
Remember, your academic advisor is there to support your college success. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment today and take advantage of this valuable resource!
Now that you know what your advisor can help with, it’s time to get strategic — here are the top questions you can bring to your next meeting.
Question 1: Which courses do I need to stay on track for graduation?
One of the most important questions to ask your college advisor is which courses you need to stay on track for graduation. This is especially true for incoming students — asking the right questions to your college advisor will give you a head start and save you from unnecessary stress later on.
An academic advisor can help you plan your schedule so that you’re not just meeting all your requirements but on the right timeline. Your major might have required courses, some of which have prerequisites or need to be completed in order. If you miss a required class or don’t plan appropriately, you might end up spending more time and money getting your degree than you intended.
Question 2: Can I take online courses to fulfill some of my requirements?
Online courses are a flexible and affordable way to get college credit. As of 2022, more than half of all college students took at least one course online — this is according to Forbes.
If you’re considering online courses, another question to ask your academic advisor is whether you’re allowed to take online courses to fulfill some of your degree requirements. Online classes can be a more affordable way to get started on prerequisites or explore new career paths before committing to a longer program.
Curious about online college courses? Platforms like StraighterLine offer high-quality, affordable courses that can help you get started or make progress on your degree. Take a look at our course catalog.
Question 3: How can I make sure my credits from online courses will transfer?
While online courses may be more cost-effective and flexible than traditional college courses, the most critical question to ask your college advisor if you decide to take online courses is: will my online credits transfer?
StraighterLine, for example, has a Credit Transfer Guarantee with 180+ partner schools. Plus, StraighterLine credits have been accepted by over 3,000 other colleges and universities across the country. You won’t know until you ask!
Before beginning any online coursework, be sure to ask a college advisor at your university about the school’s credit transfer policies. While lots of colleges and universities accept transfer credits, factors like accreditation, course equivalency, or time limit can determine whether the course credit will transfer.
Prepare a list of specific courses for your academic advisor to review. They’ll be able to tell you which courses will transfer. Have more questions about credit transfer? Here’s a guide with everything you need to know.
Question 4: Are there any prerequisites or placement tests I need to be aware of?
If we haven’t made the point enough already — meet with your academic advisor early and often! The questions you ask your advisor as a freshman in college will benefit you all the way to graduation day.
Your academic advisor can point out any prerequisites or placement tests you need to get through your degree program on time.
If you’re missing an important prerequisite, don’t panic! Your academic advisor can normally guide you toward a community college or online program where you can catch up affordably and at your own pace.
Question 5: What resources are available to help me succeed academically?
You might go to your appointment with a list of questions to ask your academic advisor focused on graduation and admission and forget to ask what you’ll actually need to be successful as a student! In fact, a lot of students miss out on the free or affordable resources offered by their college or university.
Tutoring, study groups, and online resources may all be available to you when you’re enrolled in a degree program. One of the major perks of taking a course with StraighterLine is all the student success resources included at no extra cost, like on-demand tutoring, help choosing courses, digital textbooks, tech support, and complimentary transcript delivery — to name a few. . This academic support really makes a difference! Especially for students in self-paced or online programs.
Accessing these resources can make the difference in finishing your degree and getting stuck along the way.
Question 6: How can I balance my coursework with work and other commitments?
This question is a big one — especially for students returning to school, working full-time, or balancing family responsibilities with their education.
Your academic advisor might be able to offer some tips on time management and course scheduling. For example, you might be able to schedule your classes only on certain days (or times of day) to leave more flexibility for your outside commitments. Other options could be to take fewer courses each semester to reduce your workload or take classes online for more flexibility. Taking some of your courses online with StraighterLine offers the freedom to complete classes around your schedule — with no timelines or deadlines.
Going back to school can be a big opportunity for returning students, but not one without a bit of stress. Take your time thinking of questions to ask your advisor to set yourself up for success.
Question 7: What’s the best way to plan for internships or career opportunities?
Getting your degree is often a stepping stone to a new career. Instead of just choosing coursework to fulfill your degree requirements, talking to your academic advisor allows you to be strategic. They often have valuable advice about how to plan for internships or career opportunities based on your goals.
When you meet with them, ask your academic advisor about any internship requirements, career services, and networking opportunities. Strategic course planning and staying engaged will give you the best chance to support your education with professional experience.
Ask your academic advisor about StraighterLine
Meeting with your academic advisor is one of the best ways to make the most of your education. Be sure to ask them how you can use affordable online college courses, such as those offered by StraighterLine, to save thousands on tuition and get to your degree faster.
Did you know that StraighterLine has courses in over 75 subjects? If you’re looking for flexible learning options with credits that will transfer, take a look at our courses.
