Start preparing for your academic experience at Occidental!
Advising is your first step toward building an academic plan that fits your goals and interests. Over the summer, you’ll complete a few short tasks—like submitting your advising form and taking placement exams—to help your faculty adviser get to know you before your first semester begins. During orientation, you’ll meet with your adviser and register for classes.
Advising Form
Every student is assigned a faculty adviser who will guide you through Occidental’s curriculum and help you choose courses. Complete the Advising Information Form to share your academic interests, prior coursework, and goals. Your responses help us match you with the right adviser and prepare for your first meeting.
First-Year Seminar (FYS) Registration
| > For first-year students only |
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) is your first Occidental class and part of the College’s Core Program. Each FYS is 4 units and helps you transition into college-level discussion, writing, and critical thinking. FYS registration will be open in June. Until then, browse the course offerings and start noting which seminars interest you.
Placement Exams
Placement exams are offered in calculus, chemistry, music theory, and languages. Whether you need to take an exam depends on your intended major, AP/IB scores, or prior coursework. Review the placement exam webpage to determine which exams apply to you and how to access them online.
Your First Advising Appointment
To get the most out of your first meeting, review these short videos introducing key requirements:
Then explore , Occidental’s searchable course schedule, to get familiar with offerings and requirements.
