<p>Haha, reading too many links and working with my iPad which is harder for me to take everything in. Somehow you sounded like CAS, probably picked up CAS but did not focus on it at all. </p>
<p>Well, you should be prepared with the MAP requirements you want to fulfill and any other classes you plan to take. You should get info about which classes are open for assignment shortly before the meeting with the advisor. I think I spoke to or got a text from S the night before the meeting with his assigned advisor during the CAS orientation, informing me he knew which classes and which instructors were available. In principle, you are supposed to be talking to your advisor first, but I think if you are better prepared and know the classes you should take and the sequence of classes for your MAP requirements, as well as possible major/ electives you want to take, the advisement time can be shortened so your advisor can key in your choices early. That is, if certain classes are really important for you to get into. You might even let your advisor know that you want to work around a class or classes and ask the advisor nicely to key them in first, then you can discuss other issues. Of course, the advisor’s role is to advise and he/she may have important suggestions for you to consider. So it is a matter of being flexible but “aggressive” about inputting classes early that are known to be tough to get into. Of course, this is not as important if you are able to be flexible and come up with alternative class choices if shut out of top class choices.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind some of these advisors are temporary ( not your permanent advisor) and they may not be as knowledgeable about course matters and polcies. My S encountered a problem with misinformation from the temporary advisor.</p>