Academic Advising

At MIT every undergraduate has an advisor. As an upperclassman you will be assigned an advisor in your major, but during your first year your advisor may be a faculty or staff member from any department. In addition, most advisors team up with an associate advisor, an upperclassman who brings an undergraduate's perspective to the advising process.

During your first year you will be advised in one of two ways, either by a Traditional Advisor or within a Freshman Advising Seminar. You get to choose the advising option that most suits you.

In addition, all freshmen who elect to live in McCormick Hall, Chocolate City, Spanish House, or Next House must participate in the Residence Based Advising (RBA) program aimed at enriching your first year at MIT. Freshman advising through RBA provides both the seminar and traditional advisor options. Although RBA advisors do not live in the residence, many of them serve as Housefellows, playing a greater role by hosting and/or participating in residence programs.

See the Advising Options page for information on the advising choices available to you in your first year at MIT.