Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of academic advising?
Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their Carleton academic careers and lifelong career choices. Academic advisers coordinate course selection, discuss educational and career goals, and encourage students to consider questions of personal growth. Advisers also aid in planning academic programs and in referring students to other campus services. Students are responsible for pursuing this process as they deem appropriate for their needs; effective advising is only possible when communication yields an exchange of ideas.
First and second year advisers are assigned generally; that is, a student thinking of majoring in studio art might have a mathematician as an adviser, or an aspiring chemist may be advised by an English professor. This is not a problem. In addition to your academic adviser, department chairs are available to meet with students during New Student Week and throughout the year. RAs, New Student Week Leaders (NSWLs), and Student Department Assistants (SDAs) are also available during New Student Week and beyond. You will also have a chance to attend an Academic Fair during your first week on campus to meet with faculty and student representatives from various departments.
Other FAQs
- When do Carleton students declare a major? If I already know what I want to major in, can I declare a major early?Carleton students declare majors spring term of their sophomore year. Students cannot declare earlier. Why...
- Are courses at St. Olaf available to me?Yes. By special arrangement and if space is available, students may take courses at St....
- Do I have to take the placement tests?While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students...
- O.K. So I'll take three courses my first term. How do I know which ones to take?Most students will pre-register for one of the special courses for first-year students. In order...
- What do I need to know about the 3-3 calendar?You may have already noticed unusual features of Carleton's calendar. In some ways, it resembles...
- Will I have an adviser to help me register?You will be assigned an academic adviser after summer registration, but before you arrive on...
- What has to be done to fulfill the writing requirement?Based on how you scored on the self-placement writing placement exam you will be directed...
- What are the departmental policies on AP scores and placement?See the Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar’s web site....
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials at The Carleton...
- How do I know what courses are available?Consult the paper schedule on course information sent to you in summer mailing # 3...
- What do "Distros" and "RAD" mean?"Distros" are distribution requirements, which require you to take a variety of courses in four...
- What do HU, AL, SS, MS, and ND stand for?About one-third of the courses you take at Carleton will fulfill distribution requirements in our...
- What is a concentration?Students may elect to complete one of Carleton’s 16 concentrations in addition to a major....
- What is "scrunch"?"Scrunch" refers to Carleton's Satisfactory/ Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC) grading option. For this option, S=A to...
- What should I do to prepare for placement tests?The purpose of the placement tests is to make sure you get into the right...
- What is the purpose of academic advising?Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their...
- What do I need to know about Priority Registration?Carleton students register in priority order. That means that for most courses, seniors register first...