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Dear Freshman Self,
You don’t know what you’re doing. You have no idea what you want to be when you grow up, you’re hyper-involved in extracurriculars (6 clubs, bless your heart!), you think sleep is only for the weak, and you have a bad haircut.
You need help.
Academic advising can be one of the best things your university provides for you. It won’t help your unfortunate sense of style, but maybe–if you utilize it correctly–advising will help keep you out of Liberal Arts Degree Limbo after graduation. Below are a few things nobody will tell you about academic advising that are really, really important:
1. Prepare for your advising sessions.
- Print out your transcript, major plan, and class choices for next semester. Figure out what you’ve completed and what you have left so you can compare notes with your adviser.
- Prepare for the, “so, what do you want to do after graduation?” question. If the answer is “I don’t know,” expect to talk about your interests. Your adviser may be able to help you from there.
- Be prepared for the, “do you have any questions?” question. (You know how your mind blanks whenever this is asked? Yeah. You will never outgrow it. EVER.)
2. If you want specific advice, you have to ask for it.
- Your adviser can give general advice, but it’s up to you to tell them exactly where you need guidance. Do you need help navigating the core curriculum? Is that summer internship a good idea? Should you pick up a math minor? Your adviser cares, but can’t read your mind!
3. Be brutally honest with your adviser.
- Don’t hesitate to tell your adviser things they may not like to hear. If you are thinking about leaving the university, changing majors, or dropping a class, tell them, and tell them why. They won’t take it personally, and the knowledge will enable them to help you.
- Don’t feel pressured to impress your adviser. If your life ambitions are to be a stay-at-home mom, or start a catering business, or run the family ranch, or if you honestly don’t know, tell them–don’t make up some story about law school! Your adviser is not here to judge you. They are here to help, but they can’t do that if you hand them a misrepresentation of yourself fabricated out of fear or uncertainty.
4. Seek out unofficial advisers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask professors for advice outside of class. Some of the best guidance I have received has come from unofficial advising relationships with teachers.
- Look for a student adviser. If you don’t know anyone, ask your professors if they know of a student or alumnus from your major with goals similar to yours. Students who are further down the path you are pursuing will give you excellent advice, often gained from their own “I-wish-I-had-done-xyz-when-I-was-in-your-place…” experiences.
5. Always thank your adviser.
- Remember that A) professors are some of the most underappreciated people you will ever meet and B) advisers are almost always volunteers. Let your adviser know you are thankful! Always send an email after advising sessions to express your gratitude.
So, dear Freshman Self, there you have it. Be prepared, be forward, be honest, be proactive, be grateful, and be ready to reap the rewards of a fulfilling academic advising experience.
And get a better haircut, please?
Sincerely (and with many thanks),
Your Future Self
