First-Year Advising

First-Year Advising

Prior to the start of your first term, you'll be assigned a first-year advisor, a faculty member who advises a small group of first-year students. First-year students will also be assigned a staff mentor who will serve as a friendly face and one more person who's here to help if you need it.

You'll not only get to know your advisor, but also your cohort of fellow advisees. You'll meet with your first-year advisor one-on-one, as well as with your cohort. Advisors and advisees discuss anything from the Caltech curriculum to the transition from high school to college, pass-fail grading, and eventually deciding on an option (that's what we call majors here) to declare.

Students can find information about the Core curriculum and Option requirements in the Catalog. See also 2026-27 entering students Core requirements. First-year students who need additional help with advising are welcome to reach out to the first-year dean.

The Deans' Office supports first year students by providing information about options and facilitating discussions with representatives from options during orientation, and as first-year students approach their decision during third term.

Option Talks occur during new student orientation.

First-year undergraduate students may learn more about Option requirements and opportunities at the Option Fair scheduled for the Winter term.