What to Expect From a Virtual Advising Appointment at College Orientation

A virtual advising appointment during orientation is a one-on-one video call with an academic advisor who helps you understand degree requirements, choose your first courses, and learn how your college's systems work.

These appointments replace the in-person meetings that used to happen during orientation week. Instead of walking into an advising office on campus, you'll join a video call at a scheduled time. The advisor will have your file open — your test scores, high school transcript, major choice (if you've declared one) — and will walk you through what comes next.

Most colleges schedule these appointments during orientation week, either before classes start or in the first few days of the semester. Some schools build them into orientation itself; others send you a link to book your own slot. The call usually lasts 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how many questions you have and whether you're undecided about your major.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your orientation materials, test scores, and a list of potential majors or interests so the advisor can match you with appropriate courses.
• The advisor will explain your college's general education requirements, how to read the course catalog, and which first-year courses are most common for your major.
• You will likely register for your first semester during or immediately after this call, so have your course options ready to discuss.
• If you're undecided about a major, the advisor can suggest introductory courses across different fields and explain how to explore before declaring.
• Technical problems are normal — have your phone number ready in case the video call drops and the advisor needs to reach you.

What to Prepare Before Your Appointment

Gather your orientation packet or welcome email from your college. This usually contains the course catalog (or a link to it), a list of general education requirements, and information about your major's prerequisites. If you haven't received these yet, ask your orientation coordinator or check your college's student portal.

Write down three to five courses you're curious about, or three to five academic interests if you haven't picked courses yet. You don't need to have it all figured out — advisors expect uncertainty — but having a starting point makes the conversation move faster. If you took AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses in high school, have those records handy; they often count toward college credit and affect which courses you can take first.

Test your video setup 10 minutes before the call. Make sure your camera and microphone work, you have a stable internet connection, and you're in a quiet space. Have a notebook or document open to take notes on course numbers, deadlines, and next steps.

How the Appointment Usually Flows

The advisor will start by confirming your major (or discussing why you're undecided) and reviewing your transcript to see what you've already completed. They'll explain your college's general education requirements — the courses everyone has to take regardless of major — and how many credits you need to graduate.

Next, they'll walk you through the course registration system, showing you how to search for courses, read course descriptions, and check prerequisites. They'll point out which courses fill up quickly and which are easier to get into later. If you're in a major with a specific course sequence, they'll show you the typical path for first-year students.

Then you'll build your schedule together. The advisor will help you pick four to six courses for your first semester, balancing general education requirements with major prerequisites and introductory courses. They'll explain why certain combinations work better than others — for example, not stacking all your hardest courses in one semester, or making sure you have at least one course you're genuinely interested in.

At the end, the advisor will explain what happens next: when registration closes, how to add or drop courses if you change your mind, where to find tutoring or writing help, and how to reach them if questions come up during the semester.

What Happens If You're Undecided About Your Major

Many students arrive at college without a declared major, and advisors are used to this. Instead of pushing you toward one field, they'll suggest a mix of introductory courses across different departments. You might take an intro biology course, an intro psychology course, a writing course, and a math or foreign language course — all while fulfilling general education requirements.

The advisor will explain when you have to declare a major (usually by the end of sophomore year) and how to explore different fields without falling behind. They'll also tell you about major-exploration resources: clubs, departmental open houses, informational interviews with professors, or career counseling services.

Technical Setup and What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Most colleges use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or a similar platform. You'll receive a link in your appointment confirmation email. Click it a few minutes early to make sure the platform loads and your camera and microphone are working.

If your internet cuts out or the video call drops, stay calm. The advisor will likely try to call you back using the phone number on file. If they don't reach you within a few minutes, check your email for a message or call your college's advising office directly to reschedule. Technical glitches happen often enough that advisors have backup plans.

If you realize you can't make your scheduled time, cancel through the link in your confirmation email or contact your advising office as soon as you know. Most colleges allow you to reschedule without penalty, but canceling early gives them time to offer your slot to another student.

After the Appointment: Registration and Next Steps

Some colleges let you register for courses during the appointment itself; others give you a registration window that opens a few days later. The advisor will tell you which applies to you and when your window opens. Write down the exact date and time, because registration can fill up quickly for popular courses.

If you registered during the call, you're done — your courses are locked in (unless you change them later). If you have a registration window coming up, log into your student portal at the time it opens and add the courses you discussed. If a course is full, the advisor will have suggested alternatives or told you when to check back.

Keep the notes you took during the appointment. You'll refer back to them when you're reading syllabi, figuring out your class schedule, or deciding whether to add or drop a course in the first week of classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my advising appointment if the time doesn't work?

Yes. Most colleges allow you to cancel and reschedule through the same link where you booked the appointment, or by contacting your advising office directly. Reschedule as soon as you know you can't make it, so the slot opens up for another student. If orientation is ending soon, prioritize getting an appointment before classes start.

What if I don't know what major I want to declare?

Tell your advisor during the call. They'll help you choose introductory courses across different fields so you can explore without falling behind. You won't have to declare a major until later — usually by the end of sophomore year — so your first semester is a good time to try different subjects.

Do I have to register for courses during the appointment, or can I do it later?

It depends on your college. Some advisors register you on the spot; others give you a registration window that opens a few days after orientation. Ask your advisor when your window opens and write down the exact date and time. If courses fill up before your window, the advisor will have suggested backup options.

What if I took AP or dual-enrollment courses in high school?

Bring those records to the appointment. Your advisor will check whether your college grants credit for them and how they affect your course placement. Some AP scores let you skip introductory courses; others count toward general education requirements. This can change your first-semester schedule significantly.

Can I change my schedule after the appointment if I realize I made a mistake?

Yes, most colleges have an add-drop period at the start of the semester where you can swap courses without penalty. If you realize during the first week that a course isn't right for you, you can drop it and add a different one. Your advisor can tell you the exact dates when add-drop closes.