Advising & Course Registration

An Occidental professor advises a student in the quad.

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.

> For first-year students: You’ll meet your adviser during orientation before registering for classes.

> For transfer students: Credit evaluations for major coursework take place once you arrive on campus. Your adviser will review your transfer credits before registration and help you plan your degree path.

ADVISING FORM

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.

FYS Course List

How to Register for FYS

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 Course Counts, Occidental’s searchable course schedule, to get familiar with offerings and requirements.

Registration Timeline

You’ll officially register for classes after meeting with your adviser during orientation in August.

> For first-year students: Registration follows your advising session during New Student Orientation.

> For transfer students: Registration takes place during Transfer Orientation, after your credit evaluation and adviser meeting.

Questions?

For additional questions about advising, registration, placement exams, or course planning, contact the Advising Center: advisingcenter@oxy.edu (323) 259-1341