First-Year Students

All the steps you need to take for academic advising and planning can be found on Compass, the primary guide for incoming students throughout the summer.

Summer Timeline

• Early June: First email from the College to incoming students
• Mid-June: Second email from the College to incoming students with advisor information
• Advance Registration: Mid-June to Early July

You should:

• Have a discussion with your pre-major advisor during the first few weeks of the semester and again during Advance Registration in October and November, to discuss course selection for the upcoming semester. Incoming first-year students will be on registration hold, which keeps them from being able to participate in Advance Registration, until they meet with their advisor.
• Let your pre-major advisor know of any problems you are having that are affecting their academic work.
• Investigate study abroad, research and other academic options.
• Apply to become a peer advisor and help a new student entering Penn.

You should:

• See your pre-major advisor before Advance Registration in March and April to discuss courses for the fall semester. Incoming students are on registration hold for their first semester until they have an advising discussion with their advisor.
• Investigate majors of interest. Start talking to faculty and students in your prospective majors. Attend one or more of the College’s Majors and More Dinners to learn about programs of interest. Attend classes in the major and get the student’s perspective through the Major Advising Program (MAP).
• Investigate study abroad, research and other academic options.