• What should I bring to my advising appointment?
• Your laptop, your school login (if applicable), your questions
• Any additional documents your BT adviser may have let you know would be helpful (ex: ID for TSI, Taxes if completing FAFSA, etc)
• How long are appointments?
• Appointments are typically 45-60 mins, but can be shorter or longer depending on what you need support with. Shorter check-ins or follow-up meetings can be 15- 30 minutes, and longer processes like completing appeals or other institutional processes can take over an hour. Let your adviser know what time frame works for you.
• Can my parents attend meetings?
• If you would like your parent to attend, you can invite them. Let your adviser know what information you are comfortable sharing with your parent before the meeting. You are the decision maker for your goals, but we are happy to involve your parent or anyone else who is a part of your support system.
• What if I miss an appointment?
• Let your adviser know you aren’t able to make it and reschedule an appointment.
• How do I reschedule?
• Text your adviser to set up another meeting time. Some advisers have a Calendly or Bookings link where you can reschedule. 
• What if I attend school outside of Texas?
• Advisers are available to meet with you virtually. You can also reach out to see if they are available when you are back in town to meet at the Breakthrough office in person. Breakthrough advisers will visit schools that have more than 15 Breakthrough students attending.

• I am not currently enrolled in school, can I still meet with a Breakthrough Adviser?
• Yes, you can still meet with a Breakthrough adviser if you are actively working on enrolling in a program and plan to start within the next six months (or one year if enrolling in a Bachelor’s Program). We ask students to commit to meeting with their Breakthrough adviser at least once every six weeks.
• I am not currently enrolled in school, but I would like to re-enroll in classes.  What are my next steps?
• Reach out to your assigned Breakthrough adviser by calling, texting, or emailing them and schedule a meeting.
• If you do not have an assigned Breakthrough advisor, please complete our re-engagement form here. A committee will review your re-engagement request within 2 weeks and schedule a re-engagement call with you to discuss your goals.

• What should I do before my first day of class?
• Review your schedule and walk through your daily routine to get to and from class.
• Review your syllabi and add important/test/due dates in your calendar
• Prepare your backpack with your fully charged laptop, pen/pencils and paper
• Get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast
• How do I read my class schedule?
• Class schedules are displayed in days, times and building location..  For example, you may have a class on Monday and Wednesday from 10-10:50am.  (M,W – 10:00am – 10:50am, Main Building Rm: 305)
• What are office hours, and should I go?
• Professors hold office hours for students to come visit and ask questions about course content.
• Yes, you should absolutely attend! This is how you will get to know your professors better and they get to know you better.  You will be able to ask questions about content you don’t understand and get personalized help from the person who will be creating the test.
• What is a syllabus?
• A Syllabus is your guide for the semester.  It will include classroom rules, policies and procedures.  It will also include the required texts you may need for the course.  In addition, the syllabus will give directions for assignments, topics of discussion and due dates.
• How do I email a professor professionally?
• Emails to professors should be personal and professional.  It should start with a greeting: (Good morning Professor Brown).  Followed by your purpose for the email ( I am writing to inquire about your office hours for this Friday)  Next, state your question – (Is it possible to meet at 10:30am instead of 11:00am.  I have several questions I wanted to review with you before class on Monday)  Close with a final statement. (Thank you for your flexibility and I look forward to hearing from you soon.) Close with an official salutation ( Sincerely, Warm regards, Best wishes, Thank you, etc.)
• What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?
• It is normal to feel overwhelmed! Take a deep breath and reach out to your Breakthrough Adviser who can help you organize and provide resources for your well-being.
• Is it normal to change my major?
• Absolutely!  The average college student changes their major 3 ot 5 times, If you are interested in changing your major, make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss the process.  Also, feel free to contact your Career Services office to explore opportunities within your new major.  You may also utilize these resources to help you explore.
• How do I make friends on campus?
• There are many ways to make friends on campus. Some of the common methods include:
•  Participate in campus activities and events
• Visit/join student organizations
•  Introduce yourself to classmates and form study groups
• If you are living in a residence hall, introduce yourself to people on your floor

If you are still struggling to make friends, talk to your Breakthrough Adviser to devise a co-curricular plan.

• How do I choose a career?
• You may choose a career in many ways.  Visiting with a Career Counselor is helpful.  Also participation in experiential learning activities like job shadowing, conducting information interviews, attaining internships and participating in undergraduate research opportunities are a good start.  You may also take career assessments like FOCUS 2 to help you make a decision.  You may also discuss options with your Breakthrough Adviser.
• When should I start looking for internships?
• As soon as you decide you want one.  Internships are highly encouraged and can start your first year.  You also reach out to the Breakthrough Internship Network  (BIN)for assistance.  In addition, please visit your career services office on campus.
• Can someone help me write my resume?
• Yes.  Please contact your Breakthrough Adviser, the BIN Team and/or your on-campus career service office.
• How do I prepare for an interview?
• Interview preparation takes work.  1. Research the company you are interviewing with. 2. Rehearse answers to questions that may be asked. 3. Do a MocK interview with your Career Services office, your Breakthrough Adviser, friend or family member.  You may also utilize AI resources like SmallTalk2me.
• What is LinkedIn, and should I have a profile?
• LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social network, designed specifically for the business community to connect, career-build, and network. 
• Yes, you should have a profile.  This is a beneficial resource to connect with employers, search for opportunities and showcase your professional knowledge and accomplishments.

• When should I complete the FAFSA or TASFA?
• The FAFSA and TASFA usually open in October. The priority deadline for the state of Texas is usually January 15th. Completing your FAFSA or TASFA by Jan 15th usually help guarantee texas grants, if you are eligible. H
• What happens if I miss the FAFSA deadline?
• You may still apply for financial aid via the FAFSA website.  Please be aware that later submissions may result in a lower award amount.
• How do I keep my financial aid?
• In order to continue receiving financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA every year.  In addition, you must meet satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.
• What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a school’s standards for satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate offered by that institution.  For many schools this includes maintaining at 2.0 GPA and completing 67% of your course work each semester.  Please reach out to your Breakthrough Adviser and the financial aid office at your school for clarification and details.  
• Can my advisor help me understand my financial aid award letter?
• Absolutely!  Please reach out to your Breakthrough Adviser to make an appointment today.
• What should I do if I have an unexpected financial emergency?
• Contact your Breakthrough Adviser for campus and community resources.  Your Breakthrough advisor can also help you research other opportunities for funding.