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Hints and Tips for a Successful Advising Experience
Follow the catalog for the year you entered JMU, do not follow any other year. Your catalog will have the requirements YOU are expected to complete for graduation. Although, because courses and programs are continually under review and revision and are subject to change, you are encouraged to consult with your adviser regularly to make sure you are aware of any changes and that you are meeting requirements.
Before contacting your adviser, read the catalog or check the Registrar’s web page or find information under academics for your department. Most of the questions students have are answered there.
Before meeting with your adviser, be prepared with your checklist or specific questions for which you could not find answers.
You can check your unofficial transcript on e-campus to make sure you are listed in the correct major, concentration and pre-professional program or minor.
Make an overall 4 year academic plan for completing all your requirements. Try not to overload a lot of science and math in one semester.
Keep track of your academic progress and make sure you are meeting the requirements.
Volunteer in a variety of agencies or work settings to see if you really are suited for a career in the health professions. Talk to a variety of health care professionals to get a sense of the work requirements in your areas of interest.
If you are struggling to maintain a competitive GPA for professional programs, start looking for alternative options that suit your abilities and interests.
Be researching a variety of graduate programs, requirements, application procedures, entrance exams, hands-on hours and so forth early in your academic career so you can make adequate plans to meet the requirements.
