Advising

How to Get the Most Out of Your Advising Appointment

Before the Appointment

Ask yourself: What are the goals of this appointment? What would I like to get out of the session? Advisers can help with program requirements, evaluating transcripts and understanding your qualifications if you are a prospective student. If you are a current student, your adviser can help you with program requirements and many university resources. When you meet with your adviser, you will be better able to get the information you need if you are prepared with identifiable goals and a list of questions you would like answered.

If you are considering seeking a degree, it is helpful to have transcripts so that less guesswork about qualifications is needed. Please include high school transcripts, as they may demonstrate necessary admission requirements. Regardless of the age of your transcripts or your academic performance, advisers need to see an honest representation of all schools you've attended.

During the Appointment

The advising appointment involves an exchange of information. You are encouraged to state your goals and questions, allowing adequate time for your adviser to respond to each. In addition to answering your questions, your adviser may have questions or important information to share with you. Either way, feel free to take notes, ask for clarification and reflect back what it is you understand.

Majors do not equal careers; thus, academic advising is not intended to be career counseling. However, advisers can help you explore your initial questions surrounding career issues and educational goals and will likely refer you to career counselors or career decision-making classes if you need assistance in sorting through those issues in more depth. Admitted students may take advantage of numerous services that will support this exploration. The advisers believe in the value of spending quality time on one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Family members and friends are welcome in your appointment, as long as you are comfortable with their presence. You are the adviser's priority, so the session will be directed toward your concerns and needs.

After the Appointment

If you leave and need clarification later, don't hesitate to contact Advising again. Advisers understand that it might be difficult to absorb all of the information in one sitting. Just call 206-543-6160 or 1-800-543-2320 or e-mail advisers@extn.washington.edu.

Plan your follow-up tasks, e.g. ordering transcripts, writing your personal statement, making connections with referrals and completing the application.