How to Handle a Difficult College Advisor

College advisors can be a great resource for students since they provide you with an academic contact that can answer your questions about your chosen plan of study. However, some advisors can be rather difficult for a college student to work with. If you struggle with this, here's how to handle a difficult college advisor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. First it is important that you take the time to set up appointments with your college advisor rather than just drop by. Many of the faculty at your school are very busy. Although they seem uncooperative, they really just have too much to do. Your chances of getting the advising you want is more likely to happen if you plan ahead with them.
2. In addition to making an appointment, it is also important that you come to the advising session prepared. Know exactly what you want to talk about, as well as any questions you need answered. Many advisors simply have little practice in advising students, thus they are unsure what they should do. By asking questions and directing the conversation, you can make your advising session have a purpose.
3. The third step in handling a difficult college advisor is to be persistent. They may be testing you to see what resolve you have as well as challenge you in working with different types of people. Impress them and pass their test by continuing to press on with advising sessions and asking them questions.
4. While you are being persistent with your advisor it is always a good idea to seek out additional resources. Your college has a general advising center that can be of assistance as can other professors you have had. These people can serve as valuable resources even if they aren't listed as your actual college advisor.
5. Requesting a change in advisors is your last option for handling a difficult advisor in college. Sometimes a change in advisors is necessary as some professors are forced to advise and absolutely hate it. You can contact your program department or the dean's office in order to get your new advisor right away.

Tips & Warnings

• It's important to remember that difficult people are located in all types of workforces, thus it may be beneficial to stick it out and be ready for what awaits you after graduation.