During Pre-Orientation Academic Advising, you will have access to 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.

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

Pre-Orientation Academic Advising may be available for Spring 2027 admits between December 7-22. If you are not able to schedule academic advising before Orientation, you will receive advising and course registration support during your Orientation session.

Yes! After scheduling you will receive a confirmation email sent to your USC email account (accessed through Microsoft Outlook using your USC username and password). All scheduling and appointment information will be sent to this email account, so get in the habit of regularly checking your USC inbox for important information!

Complete the ALEKS Math Placement Test at least 24 hours 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. You will be able to discuss this requirement when meeitng with your academic advisor. Plan to take the Foreign Language Placement Exam in person after you arrive on campus. Registration for January testing opens in early November, with additional spring testing dates opening for registration in late January. 

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. 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.