Your academic advisor can be one of your most valuable resources as you navigate your degree program.

Our academic coaches here at EdAssist® by Bright Horizons® can help you select the right program and learn how to maximize your tuition assistance benefit.

Similarly, your school’s academic advisors know the ins and outs of your program requirements, understand which courses tend to be most challenging, and can help you create a realistic plan that fits your life as a working professional.

But here's the thing: you'll get the most out of your advising appointments if you come prepared with the right questions.

1. What order should I take my classes in?

Not all classes are created equal, and some courses have prerequisites that must be completed first. Your advisor can help you map out a sequence that makes sense.

This is often particularly important in fields like nursing or computer science, where certain foundational courses are required before you can move forward. You don’t want to waste time registering for a class only to find out you need to complete another course first. Understanding the right order can help you plan in advance.

Beyond prerequisites, your advisor may also have insight into which courses build on each other conceptually. Taking them in the right order can make the material easier to understand and help you succeed.

2. Which classes are offered during which semesters?

Ask your advisor which courses are offered when, and plan accordingly. This is especially important if you're working toward a specific graduation date or timeline.

Some classes may only be offered once a year, either during fall semester or spring semester, but not both. If you miss the window to take a required course, you might have to wait an entire year before it's offered again.

When you’re ready to graduate next spring, the last thing you’d want is to realize that one of your required courses for graduation won’t be offered again until the next fall. This could delay program completion.

3. Can I receive credit for past work experience or certifications?

Many schools offer credit for prior learning, which can help you complete your degree faster and save money on tuition costs.

Depending on your program and institution, you may be able to earn credit through:

• Professional certifications you've already earned
• Military training and experience
• Relevant work experience in your field
• Industry-specific training programs you've completed

Your advisor can let you know if your school offers credit for prior learning, what the process looks like, and which experiences might qualify. In some cases, you may need to create a portfolio or take an assessment to demonstrate your knowledge.

4. Which classes will best support my career goals?

If your program offers electives or allows you to choose between different course options, your advisor can help you select classes that align with your career goals.

Let's say you're pursuing a business degree and want to move into a management role. Your advisor might recommend taking courses in leadership, organizational behavior, or human resources management rather than more technical courses that wouldn't be as relevant to your goals.

Be upfront with your advisor about what you're hoping to achieve with your degree. Are you working toward a promotion? Making a career change? Building specific skills for your current role? The more context you provide, the better your advisor can guide you toward the right courses.

5. How long do I have to complete my degree?

Some programs have time limits on how long you can take to finish your degree, which can impact your ability to pace yourself as a working adult.

This varies by institution and program. Some schools may require you to complete your degree within a certain number of years, while others are more flexible. There may also be time limits on how long coursework remains valid—if you took a class 10 years ago, for example, you might need to retake it.

Understanding these timelines upfront can help you create a realistic plan. If you know you can only take one class per semester because of work and family commitments, you'll want to make sure that pacing is feasible within your program's requirements.

Your advisor can also let you know if there are any exceptions or extensions available if life circumstances change and you need to slow down temporarily.

6. Which classes tend to require the most time and effort?

Not all three-credit courses are created equal. Some classes simply require more time and effort than others.

Your advisor has likely worked with hundreds of students and knows which courses tend to be the most demanding. Maybe there's a statistics class that requires hours of homework each week, or a capstone project that's known for being time-intensive.

Asking about this helps you plan strategically. If you know a particular course is going to be challenging, you might want to take it during a semester when your work schedule is lighter or when you don't have other major commitments.

This is particularly important for adult learners, who often need to balance their coursework with busy seasons at work, family responsibilities, and other life events. Taking a demanding course during your company's busiest quarter, for example, might set you up for unnecessary stress.

7. Are there any other resources or supports I should know about?

Your advisor may be aware of additional resources that could help you succeed, including tutoring services, writing centers, career counseling, or even specific scholarships you might qualify for.

Don't be afraid to ask what else is available. Your advisor wants you to succeed, and they can often point you toward resources you didn't even know existed.

Some schools even have support specifically for adult learners or working professionals, like accelerated course formats, evening class options, or online resources. These can make a huge difference in your ability to balance school with everything else.

Making the most of your advising appointments

Here are a few final tips to help you get the most out of your meetings with your advisor:

• Come prepared. Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget to ask anything important. Bring a notebook or take notes on your phone during the meeting. Our academic coaches can help you determine what questions you should ask.
• Be honest about your situation. Let your advisor know about your work schedule, family commitments, and any other factors that might impact your ability to complete coursework. The more they understand your situation, the better they can help you plan.
• Schedule regular check-ins. Don't just meet with your advisor once at the beginning of your program. Check in each semester to make sure you're still on track and to adjust your plan if needed.
• Ask follow-up questions. If something doesn't make sense, ask for clarification. This is your education and your money—make sure you understand the plan.

If your employer offers EdAssist's academic coaching benefit, you can schedule a free one-on-one call with a coach who can help you navigate these conversations and ensure you're making the most of your advising appointments. They can help you prepare questions, choose the right program, and create a plan that works for your life.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about EdAssist's academic coaching.