Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Advising 

Undergraduate Colleges: Freshmen/First-Year Students

• What are the Undergraduate Colleges?
  Each first year student is placed into one of three undergraduate colleges, which are academic communities within the larger university.  Your Undergraduate College will connect you with other students with similar academic interests.  You will be assigned an Undergraduate College Advisor(s) and will interact with senior faculty at Undergraduate College events and activities.
• How do I initiate placement in an Undergraduate College?
  You must fill out the Online Preference Form located in SOLAR (www.stonybrook.edu/solarsystem) under the New Student Information folder.  You should indicate your preference based on interest in the theme, not on major. 
• Is there a relationship between my Undergraduate College placement and my Housing placement?
   Yes.  If you will be residing on-campus you will live in the same residential quad as students with similar interests in the theme of the College. 
• Is there a relationship between my Undergraduate College placement and my academic major?
  No.  While your Undergraduate College experience may compliment your academic interests, College placement is determined by interest in the theme of the College, regardless of intended major. 
• What is the Writing Placement Assessment?
  Every student must demonstrate a certain level of writing proficiency to graduate from Stony Brook.  When you arrive for Orientation you will be directed to take a Writing Placement Essay.  An evaluation of this writing sample will determine the appropriate writing class for you to enroll in.  The assessment is for placement purposes only and does not satisfy degree requirements.   
• I was told I have to register for an WAE class. What does this mean?
  WAE stands for Writing Academic English.  The WAE program offers intermediate and advanced courses aimed at raising students’ language abilities to the level desired of college students in the United States.  You will be advised to register for an WAE class if the evaluation of your Writing Placement Essay determines an WAE class is appropriate. 
• Where can I get help with English writing and/or speaking skills?
  You will most likely enroll in a writing class (WAE or WRT) during your first semester at Stony Brook, which will benefit you tremendously.  Stony Brook also has a Writing Center, a Language Learning and Resource Center, and tutoring services.  If you need assistance with your English language skills and are not sure where to get help, you should contact your College Advisor.  College Advisors can help you navigate the variety of resources that Stony Brook has to offer. 
• What is the Writing Center ?
   The Writing Center provides free, individual help with writing to all members of the University community.  Tutors are prepared to mentor a wide variety of issues, including understanding certain aspects of grammar, learning techniques for revising and proofreading, addressing the needs of English-as-a-second-language students, and more.  www.stonybrook.edu/writingcenter 
• What is the the Language Learning and Resource Center?
  The Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC) is where technology is available for the teaching and learning of language, literature, and culture. Stony Brook students have access to a large variety of language aids including software, textbooks, audio and video tapes, DVDs, and more. www.stonybrook.edu/llrc  
• How are college equivalent classes and transfer credits applied to my Stony Brook record?
  This depends specifically on what you have already taken and scores you have received.  The Transfer Office will evaluate your transcripts and determine transferability to Stony Brook.  Many transferred classes will count toward an entry skill or Diversified Education Curriculum (DEC) requirements.  These requirements will be reviewed in more detail during your Orientation program, so be sure to send your final transcripts prior to your Orientation date.  

Transfer Advising and Registration

Welcome to academic advising at Stony Brook University! The information below will help you succeed at Stony Brook, so please carefully read each section. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Registration Day

• When do I register for my classes?

  Your assigned advising office will contact you via email about the advising and registration process. 

• How do I know if I need a WES International Academic Credit Evaluation?

  If your transcript does not indicate credit hours, semesters, or grades, you may need a WES evaluation.  If you are not certain, contact your admissions counselor at Stony Brook University.  For further information about WES, visit www.wes.org

Graduate Student Advising and Orientation

New international graduate students should go to the Graduate School website for information regarding orientation schedules and advising.

Exchange Students

All students participating in an exchange program should visit www.stonybrook.edu/iap and their home institution's International Office for information regarding the application and admission process.  Students must be nominated by their home institutions. 

International Programs works together with the partner institution and students to arrange all admission and enrollment details.