Welcome to the Academic & Pre-Professional Advising Center

Who Wants To Be A Success? -- Tips on Being a Successful Student at USB.

Do you ever wonder why some students make good grades at Stony Brook while others don’t? Well, here are some things that successful students at Stony Brook have done on their way to being a successful college graduate. These practices are helpful for all students when practiced in a consistent manner throughout their college years. Remember, if you have questions, please feel free to visit an Academic Advisor in the Academic Advising Center (Library E2360) or call 632-7082 to make an appointment.

Visit an Academic Advisor at least once per semester to ensure you are on track with graduation requirements. For those who have majors, visit your major department at least once per semester.
Inquire about DEC’s, Free Help Sessions for high-risk courses

Attend USB 101 classes – they are very informative and you can learn a lot about resources at Stony Brook University. Become familiar with the Undergraduate Bulletin, especially academic policies (pg. 58-77), so you know what the university expects of you. Take a look at “Minimal Undergraduate Student Responsibilities” (pg. 66).

Look over the information on the different majors (pg. 90-288). Review some course descriptions to find interesting courses for DEC credits (pg. 290-383). Declare a major (see pg. 70 in Undergraduate Bulletin). Become familiar with the Fall 2001 Schedule of Classes

Read pp. 42-47 for course listings by DEC category.

When registering, be aware of pre-requisite courses

Pre Health majors – Make sure you take your pre-health requirements in the recommended sequence (Visit A Pre-Health Advisor in the Academic Advising Center)

Beware of Key Deadlines (Add/Drop, P/NC, Withdrawal, Incomplete, Graduation Application)
Do not take two classes that have the same final exam date and time.

Read syllabus handouts, so it’s clear what is expected in the class. Read assigned readings
before attending classes.

Find out about free-help programs for high-risk courses in the Academic Advising Center.

Practice good time management skills: For every hour you spend in class, ensure that you
devote at least two hours of study for that class.

If you are having trouble with your coursework, be sure to visit your professor to talk about the problem. For the Fall 2001 semester if you are having problems with your courses, try to see an advisor before November 2, 2001 to learn of your options: Remember, the sooner, the better. The P/NC option is not petitionable, so keep in mind the deadline is November 2, 2001. If you have questions about the P/NC option, see an Academic Advisor. Remember, Academic Advisors are here to help you. If we are not sure of the answer to your question, we will refer you to someone who will know the answer.