College of Arts and Sciences
Advising for Second-Year Students
Your second year is about direction. It’s the time to refine your academic focus, deepen your involvement, and build momentum within your major.
What Advising Looks Like This Year
During your second year, advising conversations focus on:
- Confirming or declaring your major
- Reviewing degree progress
- Planning upper-division coursework
- Exploring experiential opportunities
- Mapping a multi-semester graduation plan
This is the year to move from exploration to intentional planning.
Before Your Appointment
To prepare:
- Review your DARS (degree audit)
- Review course offerings in your intended major
- Draft a tentative two-semester plan
- Reflect on career interests and academic goals
- Identify questions about your major or specialization
If you are considering multiple majors, prepare specific questions about each.
During Your Appointment
In your advising meeting, you and your advisor will:
- Review your academic progress
- Discuss major requirements and upper-division coursework
- Identify specialization, honors, or research options
- Explore internship or study abroad opportunities
- Build or refine a multi-year graduation plan
This is a good time to ask about:
- Scholarships or fellowships
- Faculty research opportunities
- Leadership or involvement within your major
After Your Appointment
After meeting with your advisor:
- Finalize and register for approved coursework
- Follow up on referrals and opportunities
- Connect with career services or faculty mentors
- Revisit your long-term plan each semester
Momentum builds through follow-through.
Career & Involvement Planning
Second year is an ideal time to:
- Create or update your resume
- Register for Handshake
- Meet with a career counselor
- Explore internships or research opportunities
- Get involved in major-related organizations