During Pre-Orientation Academic Advising, you will have access to fall course registration, a personalized experience with your academic advisor and the opportunity to schedule your advising session during a time that works for you prior to attending on-campus New Student Orientation.

To schedule your advising appointment, you must first complete Cocky Transitions – Part 1. On the final page, you’ll find instructions and a link to book your virtual appointment.

Students who have paid their enrollment deposit and registered for New Student Orientation can access Cocky Transitions through their USC Admissions Portal based on their Orientation session:

• May 7: Orientation sessions 1–3 (June 1–2, June 3–4, June 8–9) and all South Carolina Honors College students.
• May 21: Orientation sessions 4–6 (June 10–11, June 15–16, June 17–18) and June 19 Fall Transfer Orientation 
• June 4: Remaining Orientation sessions 

When scheduling, select a virtual advising appointment at least 3 days before your registered New Student Orientation session.

If you are unable to find an available time slot, email advisctr@mailbox.sc.edu and our team will assist you.

Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Test at least one week before your advising appointment. Your score helps determine your math placement and eligibility for certain STEM courses. Advisors will also consider any AP, IB or dual enrollment credit when recommending classes.

Even if you expect to receive math credit, you’re strongly encouraged to complete the test to avoid delays in advising and registration.

All students must meet the Carolina Core Global Foreign Language requirement, and some majors may have additional language requirements.

The Foreign Language Placement Test helps determine the appropriate course level and may satisfy part or all of the requirement. It’s recommended that you complete the test before meeting with your advisor.

Note: You can only test once per language.

All Pre-Orientation Academic Advising appointments are held on Microsoft Teams. Instructions for accessing and using Microsoft Teams are found here.

Access your Pre-Advising Worksheet in your Enrollment Checklist in the USC Admissions Portal.  Complete the worksheet at least 24–48 hours before your scheduled advising appointment.

When completing your Pre-Advising Worksheet, you’ll be asked to report any expected AP, IB or dual enrollment credit, including exams you’re taking in 2026. Your advisor will use this information to recommend appropriate courses, so be sure to include all anticipated credit.

Instructions for submitting AP, IB, and dual enrollment credit can be found in your Enrollment Guide.