Entering First-Year Students
Review Areas of Interest, Sample Schedules, and More!
To prepare for your first advisement session, and to ensure you get the best possible class schedule for fall 2022, you need to read this...
Welcome to Brooklyn College!
The First College Year (FCY) facilitates the transition to college by integrating students into the college community as engaged learners and participants in campus life.
This page is designed to assist incoming students with getting acclimated to Brooklyn College. What's listed here are only some of the wonderful resources available to you as a student. You are encouraged to explore the Brooklyn College website further.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Advisement Session
Due to the current situation, all advisement for incoming students will be conducted remotely. Advisement sessions will take place over the phone and will be followed up with an e-mail that will detail what was discussed. To make the most out of this interaction, it is important that you adequately prepare beforehand and follow the below steps during your session.
- Know your major or area of interest. Your first-term schedule will be based off of this.
- Review the general education requirements (Pathways).
- Explore major requirements described on the Brooklyn College website
- Explore the Degree Maps of various majors to gain perspective on what a four-year plan looks like.
- Gather all transfer credit information, including the name of the course (College Now, AP, IIB, Early College).
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not done so. Make sure to list the Brooklyn College FAFSA School Code 002687 on your application for your FAFSA record to be sent to Brooklyn College.
- If you (and your parents, if dependent) have lived in New York State for a year or more, then consider applying for the NY State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Make sure to list the Brooklyn College TAP School Code 1410 for your TAP application record to be sent to Brooklyn College.
- Be prepared to inform the adviser of days and times you cannot attend school.
During Your Remote Advisement Session
- Be in a quiet place with access to a computer or tablet.
- Communicate major or area of interest. If undecided, let the adviser know.
- Inform your adviser of any AP, IB, or college credits taken in high school, as these are often not included in your Transfer Credit Report.
- Inform the adviser of days and times you cannot attend school.
After Your Advisement Session
- Within three business days, you will be able to view your class schedule by logging into your CUNYfirst account (under the Student Center). Make note of where each class meets and the name(s) of your professor(s).
- Activate your Brooklyn College WebCentral Account. BC WebCentral is an informational portal that gives you access to useful tools.
- Make sure your CUNYfirst account is active and working. How to Claim Your CUNYfirst Account (pdf). CUNYfirst allows all students to register for courses, pay bills, manage personal information, file for graduation, and more. Create an account today!
- Be sure your Brooklyn College e-mail account is active and working. It is the primary mode of communication for the university and your professors. To set up your account, go to the Brooklyn College WebCentral Portal and click "Create an Account."
- Set up your Blackboard account to see if any of your courses will be using Blackboard as part of the classwork.
- Keep up with your financial aid status.
- How to schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor (pdf)
- Check your pending financial aid on CUNYfirst (pdf)
- More information is available from the Office of Financial Aid, 308 West Quad Center. Contact the office at 718.951.5051 or via e-mail.
- Buy a planner or use an electronic calendar. Write down known responsibilities (class times, work schedule, recurring activities and meetings). Also, check the Brooklyn College Academic Calendar for important dates and closures.
