Countdown to Columbia (SEAS)
Berick Center Student for Student Advising

Start thinking about your Fall 2018 by reading through the Academic Planning Guide online or by using the printed copy we mailed to you in June. It describes the Columbia Engineering curriculum, as well your required classes and potential electives. In mid July, you should expect an email from the Berick Center for Student Advising (CSA) introducing you to your CSA adviser, who will help you plan and prepare for your first semester, field any questions you may have about life at Columbia and talk to you more generally about your academic and personal goals for your time here. Your CSA adviser will invite you to schedule an appointment during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) in August, but is also available to meet before then by phone, Skype or in person to discuss any questions you may have before then.

Beyond meeting with your CSA adviser, thinking about potential schedules for the fall, you should rest and enjoy your summer! You’ve worked hard to get here, and we are excited to welcome you.

What are academics going to be like in my first year at Columbia?

Students in a classroom at Columbia University
The first years of the Columbia Engineering degree are dedicated to laying the foundation for your proposed major with various technical requirements, and they also give you an opportunity to start work on your required nontechnical classes. You will work closely with your CSA adviser to determine your exemptions and placement, and will then register for classes that will help you work towards your major and complete your Core humanities requirements. In your major department, you will have access to faculty advisers who will be available to guide you through your degree requirements. Your CSA adviser will also help you make sure you’re making steady progress towards your degree and is there for any questions you may have as you find your footing at Columbia as a newly arrived student, both academically and socially.

How accessible are professors?

Student with a professor at Columbia University
Your small Core classes provide an intimate setting in which you and your professor can get to know one another. Additionally, all professors hold office hours outside of class and are available to discuss assignments, a topic of curiosity from class, a potential major in their field or anything else related to your academic interests. Your CSA adviser can also talk to you about approaching professors if it’s not something you’re entirely comfortable doing.

When will I find out who my adviser is?

Berick Center Student for Student Advising staff photo
You will receive an email in mid July that introduces you to your CSA adviser, who will be on hand during your entire time at Columbia to answer any questions — academic, co-curricular, personal — you may have about life here. Your assigned adviser will reach out soon thereafter to invite you to schedule an appointment during NSOP, at which you can get to know each other and start planning for the fall term.

Where will I get my books?

Columbia University Bookstore
Many professors direct students to the Columbia University Bookstore, which is located in Lerner Hall, to buy their textbooks. Others may use different local bookstores. Your professors will provide information about required texts (along with particular editions and any other details) on a course syllabus, which you will receive on the first day of class.

How will I register for classes?

Adviser at Berick Center Student for Student Advising assisting a student
Your CSA adviser will help you think through and plan potential schedules for Fall 2018, and can also explain the registration processes when you meet during NSOP. You can best prepare for this meeting by reviewing the Academic Planning Guide and Columbia Engineering Bulletin. You will sign up for classes at during your assigned registration windows, which will be listed under Reg Appts in your SSOL account.

Will I get credit for my APs/IBs/A Levels?

AP test study books
Columbia grants up to 16 credits from Advanced Placement (AP), GCE Advanced Level (A Levels), International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and some other national systems. In some cases, a test score can exempt you from a class. Review the Columbia Engineering Bulletin for the description of policies, credits and/or exemptions. Once you arrive on campus, check with your CSA adviser to confirm that your official score reports are on file so that any credits or exemptions may be added to your record during the summer after your first year.

What can I do with my free time between classes?

Students at the Stephen Donaldson Lounge at Columbia
You have lots of options! There are many dining halls and cafes, as well as lounges on campus that are great for breaks in your schedule. You can also make use of the time to study at Columbia’s extensive network of libraries. If your break is on the longer side, you may be able to fit in commitments to work study or other co-curricular activities.

Photo credits (top to bottom): (1) Berick Center for Student Advising, (2 and 3) Char Smullyan, (4) Berick Center for Student Advising, (5) Killian Young, (6) Berick Center for Student Advising, (7) Killian Young, (8) Gabe Gomez