Strategies & Planning
Throughout your undergraduate years at William & Mary, you'll work with a faculty advisor to plan and accomplish your academic goals. In your first two years, before you declare a major, your pre-major advisor helps you consider the breadth of course offerings and ways to integrate your new knowledge into a coherent whole. We assign your pre-major advisor based on interests you provide in your Personal Information Questionnaire.
Once you declare a major, your major advisor will be a professor with in-depth knowledge in the academic discipline you've chosen.
During the summer College Studies course, you'll be working with a peer advisor, looking at the big picture and beginning to map out your academic plans. Peer advisors are upper-level students who know the ropes and can help you sort out the practical details of academic life.
If you're planning for a specific career, you might want to consult a pre-professional program advisor to plan your undergraduate coursework so you're fully prepared to take whatever next step you have in mind.
Our academic advising structure is administered by the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. If you have questions or concerns about advising, you can contact the office at any time.
Branch Out and Seek Other Advice
As you discover more about your interests and what W&M offers, don't be shy about branching out and seeking advice! You'll never have a better chance to try new things, learn from other people's experiences and expertise, and tap into a wealth of opportunities.
Faculty at William & Mary want you to do well in their classes, and they make it easy to talk outside the classroom. Find out when your professors have office hours, or make an appointment to meet and ask about the course material or your assignments.
Ask your classmates what they're doing and planning and who is giving them helpful advice. Find out what's available through different academic resources. The key is to remember: You don't have to figure out everything on your own. People all over campus are ready to talk about their activities and how you can get involved. Find the right balance for you. If you change your mind later, you can make adjustments and try something new.
