Second-Semester First-Year Students

How to Prepare for Your Second-Semester Advisement Appointment

All advisement will be conducted remotely. Your advisement appointment will be followed up with an e-mail to you detailing what was discussed. During this mandatory advisement appointment, you will learn about degree requirements and discuss course options for the upcoming semester.

To make the most out of this interaction, it is important that you adequately prepare beforehand and follow the steps below.

How to Prepare for Your Advisement Appointment

  1. Know your major or area of interest.
  2. Review the general education requirements (i.e., Pathways).
  3. Explore major requirements described on the Brooklyn College website.
  4. Explore the degree maps of various majors to gain perspective on what a four-year plan looks like.
  5. If you have not submitted transfer credits or have pending transfer credits, AP/IB, or College Now credits, please e-mail official transcripts and or exam results to the Office of Transfer Evaluations. Be sure to discuss all transfer credit information in your advisement session.

During Your Remote Advisement Session

  • Be in a quiet place with access to a computer or tablet.
  • Communicate your major or area of interest. If undecided, let the adviser know.
  • Inform your adviser of any AP, IB, or college credits taken in high school, as these are often not included in your Transfer Credit Report.
  • Inform your adviser how you are adjusting to college and how you are doing in your courses.

After Your Advisement Session

  • Review the e-mail sent from your adviser that details what was discussed. If you have questions, reply to the e-mail.
  • Make sure your CUNYfirst account is active and working. CUNYfirst allows all students to register for courses, pay bills, manage personal information, file for graduation, and more.
  • Check your enrollment date in CUNYfirst. You will self-enroll in courses that were discussed and recommended in the e-mail from your adviser once your enrollment day arrives.
  • Note that we have reserved courses for first-year students. These courses have an F at the end of the section code. Remember to enroll in a minimum of 15 credits.
  • Once enrolled, make note of class meeting times and the names of your professors.
  • You will be able to make schedule changes on your own. Keep in mind the courses that you discussed with the academic adviser. When in doubt, review the e-mail that the adviser sent. You will be able to make changes to your schedule. Be sure to complete your first-year requirements via Blackboard.
  • Buy a planner or use an electronic calendar. Write down known responsibilities (class times, work schedule, recurring activities, meetings, etc.). Also, check the academic calendar for important dates and closures.

Are you interested in taking a winter or summer class?

For first-year students, taking a winter or summer class is a great way to earn additional credits and fulfill prerequisite requirements for your program of study. (This is especially true for STEM students.) When enrolling in courses for winter or summer, pay close attention to the section code and the dates that the course meets. First-year students should consult with Financial Aid prior to enrolling in winter or summer classes. If you are interested in enrolling in a summer or winter course, please discuss with your academic adviser.

What is the policy for enrollment and schedule changes?

Unlike your first semester, you will self-enroll in courses for the upcoming semester once your enrollment date has arrived. You can view your enrollment date on CUNYfirst. Remember, we have reserved courses for first-year students. These courses appear in CUNYfirst with an F on the end of the section code. Additionally, you will be able to make schedule changes on your own. Keep in mind the courses that you discussed with the academic adviser. When in doubt, review the e-mail that the adviser sent.

Are you receiving any financial aid?

Did you fill out a FAFSA? Do you expect to receive financial aid or the New York State Excelsior Scholarship? To maintain financial aid eligibility, students must enroll in 12 or more credits per semester. To maintain the Excelsior Scholarship, students must complete at least 30 credits per year.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns, e-mail us or call 718.951.5254.

Review Areas of Interest, Sample Schedules, and More!

We are committed to guiding you toward your educational and career goals. As a first-year student, you may feel sure about your future career, or you may be undecided or are debating between two or three majors. To help you explore your options while fulfilling graduation requirements, we have grouped similar programs together into “areas of interest,” providing an early path toward a variety of related careers.

The information below is intended to be used as an advisement tool to help you prepare for your upcoming academic advisement appointment. By reviewing the information carefully, you are taking the right step toward building an academic plan that’s right for you as well as the best possible schedule for upcoming semester.

Journey Toward Graduation

Take 15 credits per term to graduate in four years. For example, all majors follow this basic path: Pathways (42 credits) + Major (X credits) + Electives / Minor (Y credits) ≥ 120 credits. If we look at the Sociology B.A.: Pathways (42 credits) + Sociology Major (38 credits) + Electives / Minor (40 credits) = 120 credits.

Pre-Health Professions

Choose this area if you are thinking about becoming a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or nurse, among other healthcare professions. Like most colleges and universities, Brooklyn College does not offer a “pre-health” major for medicine or similar careers. Instead, students pursue the major of their choice and supplement that with a selection of courses designed to prepare them for postgraduate studies in a professional school. As such, you are encouraged to explore all your options before selecting a major, as any major can complement a pre-health professional track.

Sample Schedule (4 classes, 15–16.5 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Calculus I: MATH 1201 (4 credits)
  • General Chemistry II: CHEM 2100 (5 credits)
  • General Biology I: BIOL 1001 (4.5 credits) or Lifespan Development: PSYC 2200 (3 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Natural and Behavioral Sciences

Choose this area if you are thinking about becoming an anthropologist, computer programmer, mathematician, or psychologist, or are interested in a career in laboratory and field sciences spanning the range of biology, chemistry, and environmental science—for example, botanist, chemist, marine biologist, microbiologist, zoologist, etc. The connected nature of science means that courses often have multiple prerequisites. To adequately prepare for advanced courses, it is important to get off to a good start. Your priority in your first year should be to begin introductory courses in the sciences.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15–16 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Pre-calculus: MATH 1011 (3 credits)
  • US Experience and Its Diversity: Ex: The American Urban Experience: ANTH 3135 (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Modern Programming Techniques: CISC 3115 (4 credits) OR Abnormal Psychology: PSYC 2810 (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Business, Finance, Accounting

Choose this area if you’re thinking about a career in accounting, economics, financial management, business law and real estate, consumer and organizational behavior, e-business, international business, human resource management, management, marketing, etc. Brooklyn College has several business degrees that prepare students for a wide range of professional careers. Students can learn how to successfully start and develop a for-profit company or a not-for-profit organization as well as position themselves to pursue further study at the graduate level, with a strong foundation in business.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15–16 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Principles of Marketing: BUSN 3100 (3 credits)
  • Life and Physical Sciences: Ex: The Dynamic Earth: EESC 1010 (3 credits)
  • World Cultures and Global Issues: Ex: The Shaping of the Modern World: HIST 1101 (3 credits)
  • An introductory course: Ex: Macroeconomics or Microeconomics ECON 2100 or ECON 2200 (3 or 4 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Choose this area if you’re interested in studying human life through its literature, conflicts, and philosophy. An education in humanities and social sciences (HSS) is important preparation for a changing world and a shifting economy. Majors in this area include Africana studies, American studies, classics, communication, English, history, modern languages, political science, sociology, and women’s and gender studies, among many others. HSS empowers interdisciplinary team-based problem solving, rooted in rigorous disciplinary training. Students build skills in critical thinking, creative expression, data analysis, and the capacity to articulate evidence-based decisions.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Life and Physical Sciences: Ex: The Dynamic Earth: EESC 1010 (3 credits)
  • U.S. Experience in Its Diversity: Ex: Introduction to Women’s Studies: WGST 1001 (3 credits)
  • SOCY 2000-level course (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Visual, Media, and Performing Arts

Choose this area if you’re thinking about becoming an actor, art historian, cinematographer, composer, curator, designer, director, editor, educator, filmmaker, musician, playwright, photographer, songwriter, TV/radio writer, etc. Brooklyn College boasts a rich history of extraordinary faculty (past and current) and alumni. Classes are taught by some of the finest artists and performers in the country. Each department is equipped with top-notch equipment—which students have access to—as well as studio and performance spaces.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Life and Physical Sciences: Ex: The Study of Life: BIOL 1010 (3 credits)
  • U.S. Experience in Its Diversity: Ex: Introduction to Women’s Studies: WGST 1001 (3 credits)
  • World Cultures and Global Issues: Ex: The Shaping of the Modern World: HIST 1101 (3 credits)
  • ARTD 2210 or FILM 1301 or TREM 2265 (3 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Education

Choose this area if you’re thinking about becoming a pre-K teacher, elementary school teacher, high school teacher, etc. Students learn how children and youth develop in the worlds of family, community, and schools, while embracing the excitement of teaching and learning. Our education faculty are experienced, talented, and deeply caring professionals who can help guide you into the ranks of classroom professionals.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Life and Physical Sciences: Ex: The Study of Life: BIOL 1010 (3 credits)
  • Creative Expression: Ex: Art: Its History and Meaning: ARTD 1010 (3 credits)
  • Creative Expression: Ex: Music: Its Language, History, and Culture: MUSC 1300 (3 credits)
  • Concentration Course: Ex: PSYC 1000 (3 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Undecided

If you’re undecided or unsure what major or career you’d like to pursue at this time, that’s OK! Your adviser can help guide you and start you on a path that will keep your options open while simultaneously preparing you for advanced courses when you are ready to choose. Starting out undecided can introduce you to classes, professors, and fields that might spark an interest you didn’t know you had. After all, college presents you with opportunities most high schools just can’t: internships, research opportunities, etc.

Sample Schedule (5 classes, 15–18 credits)*

  • English Composition II: ENGL 1012 (3 credits)
  • Life and Physical Sciences: Ex: The Study of Life: BIOL 1010 (3 credits)
  • General Education course / Course based on your interest (3 or 4 credits)
  • General Education course / Course based on your interest (3 or 4 credits)
  • General Education course / Course based on your interest (3 or 4 credits)

*Individual schedules may vary depending on what courses you are currently enrolled in, course availability, and schedule constraints.

Brooklyn. All in.