We all know how difficult it can be to admit we need help, especially the more we are considered adults. But the beautiful thing about academic advisors (sometimes called college counselors) is that their sole job is to provide assistance to you throughout your college career. They are there to make sure you succeed, so take what advice and tips from them that you can. Here is a list of 5 myths you might have heard about college academic advisors.
5 Myths About College Academic Advisors
Let’s dispel a few myths that could prevent you from getting the help you need during college.
1. My Advisor Doesn’t Have Time for Me
There will be times when your advisor is busier than usual, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have time for you – or that your issue is too small. Students can often sign up directly for appointments through the student portal or visit during office hours. If none of the available times work or the issue isn’t pressing, you can always email.
2. I Don’t Need to Meet With My Advisor
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You probably do need to meet with your advisor at least once a year to get approved. You likely won’t be able to sign up for courses without this appointment.
You’ll also need to talk to them about your graduation timeline, changing or declaring your major, degree requirements, and course substitution over your college career. If your GPA drops, your advisor may require you to schedule an appointment to discuss your coursework.
3. My Advisor Knows Everything About All of My Requirements
Your advisor doesn’t always immediately know all of your degree requirements, but they have access to the resources that tell them the necessary information. Counselors have additional resources on course substitution and dual majors that they can reference for interested students.
If the advisor doesn’t know the answer to your question, they’ll reach out to someone who does or give you their contact information.
4. My Advisor Will Tell Me What Classes I Should Take
Academic advisors guide students on course selection to meet degree requirements, which helps students graduate on time. Think of it as advice, rather than an order.
While some courses are always necessary – you need to take English 101 and 102, for instance – you often have wiggle room for GE and major requirements. Your advisor can pull up a list of classes that fill a requirement, but don’t expect them to make the choice for you.
Here’s an example: an English major has a choice between various creative writing courses that meet their degree requirements: Creative Writing, Poetry, or Screenwriting. The student can discuss these options with their advisor, but they won’t tell the student they have to take any specific course. Instead, the advisor is a sounding board and gives advice to help the student decide which one is best for their goals.
5. My Advisor Will Judge Me for Dropping a Class or Changing My Major
Not at all! Advisors understand life happens, and sometimes plans change. Counselors are there to help you meet your goals, not judge you should those goals change. Instead, they’ll provide helpful and realistic advice on the adjustment. For instance, if dropping a class puts you below full-time status or will delay your graduation, they’ll let you know about these concerns so you can make an informed decision.
Your academic advisors are there to help you! So don’t hesitate to schedule time with them whenever you have questions or need to run major/career ideas by them.
Before you declare your major, talk over your options with your advisor. Use College Raptor’s College Major search tool to compare degrees, careers, and more!
