How to Choose a College Advisor

The right college advisor can inspire you, mentor you and lead you to the fulfillment of your academic goals. The wrong advisor can discourage, frustrate and thwart your progression through college. You have the right to choose a good advisor, and the steps below will guide you through the most important considerations to weigh during your search.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Select an advisor with whom you have a good rapport, who expresses interest in your goals and has time to work with you. Ask about her office hours and if she is willing to make appointments to fit your schedule.
2. Choose a college advisor in your major, preferably a faculty member who knows the degree program requirements, prerequisites, college policies and content of different courses. A qualified advisor helps you establish goals and plan your academic coursework to achieve them. She can advice which courses will best fit your career aspirations and be useful when you enter the field.
3. Ask about the academic success strategies she has in her tool belt, such as test preparation guidance and study tips. Find out if she can refer you to college services that will help you through your coursework, like writing centers, tutors and career planning guides.
4. Discuss her experience in the field. Find out if she still has contacts that could help you get an internship and exposure. Furthermore, the recommendation from your advisor to future employees will be more meaningful if the advisor is known in the community.
5. Talk to other students in your major about their experiences with college advisors. They can provide concrete examples of how the better advisors helped them and steer you clear of those who gave bad advice or neglected their advisees.