Academic Advising and Support
We've Got Your Back
Navigating the incredible range of programs and learning experiences at USC Dornsife can be equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming. But rest assured, you’re not in it alone.
Our advising programs do more than help you craft the academic pathway that’s right for you. Our dedicated advisors assist in the process of selecting and registering for classes, identifying experiential learning options that give you the competitive edge, and connect you to resources that support you in overcoming a variety of challenges that college students face.
It’s your education. We’re here to make sure you get the very most out of all that USC Dornsife has to offer.
Academic Advising
Need to switch your major or add a minor? Add or drop a course? Clarify a foreign language requirement? Academic advisors help with these issues and many more. Drop-in to work through practical details, or schedule a longer meeting with your advisor to chart your USC Dornsife path.
Top 5 Ways Your Academic Advisor Can Help
- Get registration ready. Advisors help you select and register for the right mix of courses that will be most applicable to your interests and career goals.
- Create a plan. Be sure that you are on track with the courses you need to graduate! This includes helping you find curricular and non-curricular experiences to participate in.
- Set your goals. Academic advisors are here to help you develop and define your academic, personal, and professional goals.
- Uncover opportunities. Namely internships, study abroad programs, job opportunities, resources, and more.
- Talk it out. Advisors provide comprehensive guidance and support from orientation to graduation.
Explore Majors and Minors
Some students arrive at USC Dornsife knowing exactly what they want to do. Others sample areas of interest before declaring a major. With more than 180 majors and minors to choose from — and the flexibility to create your own mix — you can shape your education to align with your personal interests.
First-Year Advising
From figuring out what you really want to study to living independently as an adult, the transition to college life isn’t always easy. That’s why USC Dornsife connects you with a dedicated first-year advising team that is ready to help you get over any bumps in the road and introduce you to the enormous variety options for students to explore.
I have had great experiences with my academic advisor. I appreciate how she tells me about possible options and allows me to choose the direction that best fits my goals. Besides academic advising — because I have a pre-professional emphasis — I interact with the Pre-Health program advisors, too. The workshops, events, and counseling make me feel super supported and make me feel like they genuinely want to see me succeed.
Pre-Professional Advising
Planning to pursue graduate school? Whether you’re thinking about studying law, health, or another graduate program, a team of advisors at USC Dornsife are here to help you prepare for taking the next big leap.
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Get expert assistance with everything from grad school application logistics to crafting and refining your personal statement. Your advisors will also help you identify programs, prepare for entrance exams, and look for funding.
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If you’re planning a career in medicine, dentistry, or another healthcare-related profession, you can work with a pre-health advisor to map out your academic plan.
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What kind of undergraduate experience are law schools looking for? You might be surprised! USC Dornsife pre-law advisors offer one-on-one guidance in all aspects of the law school application process, including school selection, writing an effective personal statement, and requesting letters of recommendation.
Support When You Need It
No matter how prepared and confident you are, college life has its ups and downs. But you won’t drown here. Academic help is easy to access and a wide range of resources are available to help you all along the way.
If you need help with a challenging class, you can join a study group led by your peers. Together, you explore important concepts, review class notes, and work through practice problems. Your group leader — who meets regularly with your professor — is a fellow undergrad who has completed the class.
Ace the USC Dornsife foreign language requirement with expert help from the Language Center, which offers tutoring, language exchange groups, and other options.
The ability to write well is essential. Take advantage of one-on-one feedback at the Writing Center. Work on essays, cover letters, scholarship applications — whatever you’re struggling with. The center also offers workshops and instructional videos to help you refine your writing and critical thinking skills.
Drop in to meet with this informal group of study partners taking courses in mathematics. A teaching assistant supports you as you make progress on your problem sets.
As an international student, you might need help with anything from maintaining your visa status to navigating life in Los Angeles. The Office of International Student Services offers drop-in advising hours and convenient virtual support.
USC offers robust support that ranges from counseling to cultural resources and accessibility services. Find academic help in the Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity, which offers drop-in academic coaching, specialized study skills seminars, and other crucial resources.
