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Duke University
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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Need guidance to find the best advisor for choosing majors in college

I'm a bit stressed thinking about choosing a major for college. I feel like having a good advisor really helps. Anyone has recommendations or experiences about finding the best advisors that guide you through selecting a major in college?

5 months ago

Finding a good academic advisor to help you choose a major in college really comes down to considering your interests, aspirations, and the resources available at your chosen university.

Firstly, when you are assigned an advisor at your college as part of your academic journey (usually during orientation), see how well you connect with them. The best advisors are not only knowledgeable about the university and its departments, but easy to communicate with, and display a sincere interest in helping students. It's also important to note that advisors at your college are familiar with the specifics of your school's programs, curriculum, and resources, which can make their advice more personalized and accurate.

If you feel that the assigned advisor isn't a good fit for you, don't worry, you're not stuck with them. Most colleges offer you the opportunity to change advisors. The process varies from school to school, but usually involves speaking with the registrar or the head of your department.

In addition, many universities also offer specialized advisors for different colleges or majors. If you know which general field you're interested in, such as the sciences, humanities, or social sciences, try to meet with an advisor who focuses on these areas. They can give you specialized insight into the different departmental major and minor options, departmental resources, opportunities such as research internships or labs, study abroad programs, and job prospects.

Additionally, take advantage of additional resources like subject-specific faculty, career counseling centers, and peer advisors who can provide insights from a student's perspective. Going to info sessions and drop-in hours can be an effective way to explore different majors and get to know faculty within those departments.

Last but not least, take advantage of the collective wisdom of your peers. Current students, specifically upperclassmen, can be a great resource about what to expect from specific majors and provide first-hand insights about professors, courses, internships opportunities, and more.

Remember to remain open, explore your options, and let your passions and future goals guide your decision. It's a big decision, yes, but not an irreversible one. Many college students change their major at least once during their college career, so don't feel like you have to get it exactly right on the first try.

5 months ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.