Course Planning
Source: https://approaching.stanford.edu/first-years/advising-enrollment/course-planning Parent: https://approaching.stanford.edu/transfers/advising-enrollment/course-planning
*This page will be updated for 2026 Approaching Stanford by May 1.
Academic Planning
Once Stanford's official course catalog opens for the academic year in mid-August, begin looking for courses that will allow you to explore academic interests and potential majors. Explore what interests you, even if you are unfamiliar with the discipline. Many of Stanford’s fields will be entirely new to you. Use resources such as your Undergraduate Advising Director, the Academic Advising website, and program and departmental websites to identify the types of classes and the specific courses in which you may be interested. Identify more courses than you intend to take, rather than trying to finalize your schedule before you arrive on campus.
While enrollment will open for continuing students in early September, new first-year students will have a New Student Advisement Enrollment Hold that will be released during New Student Orientation. At that time, you will be able to begin enrolling in your Autumn Quarter courses if you have completed your Approaching Stanford Requirements.
Academic Planning Worksheet
Complete this worksheet in preparation for your first advising meeting.
Advising for Incoming Students
The Summer Academic Advising Video Series: "Exploring Your Stanford Courses" will begin in the summer and will give you an important overview to academics and choosing your first set of courses at Stanford. Be sure to watch the series and use the resources listed on this page in preparation for your first advising meeting. You are welcome to watch the 2025 series at this time.
Advising Introductory Video Series (2025)
Approaching Stanford Handbook
Read the Academic Life chapter for a broad overview of academics at Stanford.
General Education Requirements
Review University policies and requirements in the Stanford Bulletin.
Nagivate Classes (2025-26)
Navigate Classes is Stanford's new and improved class search experience. In 2025-26, it will replace Explore Courses as the official digital course catalog.
COLLEGE Courses
Civic, Liberal, and Global Education (COLLEGE) is a first-year General Education Requirement.
Introductory Seminars
IntroSems are small, hands-on courses taught by esteemed faculty.
Getting Started In...
Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Sustainability
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