Maximize your advising session—come prepared, stay focused, and take charge of your academic path!
Being ready for your appointment helps you ask the right questions, avoid surprises, and move confidently toward your goals. Whether you’re new to college, preparing to transfer, or thinking about switching majors, this checklist will help you make the most of your time with your advisor.
✅ Before Your Advising Appointment
🔐 Access Your Online Tools
✔️ Log into myACCESS and your Student Planning Tool
❗Need help? Contact the Student Help Desk at (630) 942-2999 or studenthelp@dupage.edu.
📝 Make a List
✔️ Write down your goals for the appointment (academic, transfer, career-related)
✔️ Prepare questions or concerns—nothing is too small or too big to ask!
👋 If You’re a New Student…
📌 Bring the Basics
✔️ Your student ID number
✔️ Your intended degree, certificate, or program (if known)
🧾 Academic Records
✔️ Placement test results (math, English, etc.)
✔️ Request your official high school transcripts and any college credit (AP, dual credit) to be sent to the Office of Student Records BEFORE scheduling an appointment.
🎯 Your Academic Interests
✔️ Think about your career or academic goals, even if you’re undecided
✔️ Consider your preferred class schedule (days/times, work, family needs)
🗂️ If You’re Planning Your Next Semester…
🗺️ Know Where You Stand
✔️ Run your degree audit in myACCESS to see completed and remaining courses
✔️ Bring your current degree plan or program sheet, especially if you’ve attended another school
📚 Prepare a Draft Plan
✔️ Make a list of courses you’re interested in taking next term
✔️ Be ready to explain your thought process—your advisor might offer helpful suggestions!
🧳 If You’re Planning to Transfer…
🎓 Be Clear About Your Goals
✔️ Know your intended major and transfer institution(s)
✔️ Understand the general education requirements at your future school
🗓️ Come with Key Details
✔️ Bring any required placement test results
✔️ Prepare questions about transfer policies, credit evaluations, and deadlines
✔️ Know important transfer timelines (application, credit evaluation, etc.)
🔄 If You’re Undecided or Thinking About Changing Majors…
🧠 Reflect and Research
✔️ Review your degree audit to see how a change might affect your progress
✔️ Bring a list of interests, career goals, or majors you’re curious about
✔️ Have any research on potential majors, including:
- Course or degree requirements
- Career paths
- What excites (or concerns) you about each
📊 Tools to Support Your Exploration
✔️ Bring results from any career or interest assessments you’ve completed
✔️ Bring a pros and cons list if deciding between majors
✔️ Think about how extracurriculars, work, or volunteer experiences might connect to your academic path
💬 Be Open and Honest
✔️ Share your worries, challenges, or roadblocks—you’re not alone!
✔️ Be open to new ideas or suggestions your advisor might have
✔️ Ask about campus resources like tutoring, Student Life, counseling, or internships
🌟 Final Tips
📅 Schedule your advising session early—before registration opens!
🧭 Stay organized: bring a folder or notebook to keep track of your planning materials
🤝 Remember, your advisor is here to help you succeed!
Having these items ready will help your advising session be more efficient, focused, and empowering—so you leave with a clear path forward. Whether you’re a first-time student, a future transfer, or figuring things out as you go, we’re here to support your goals every step of the way.
📍 Start your planning today and take control of your future. You’ve got this!
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