1. How do I get started in Purdue 101 so that I can meet with an advisor?
Purdue 101 officially begins your orientation experience. This self-guided orientation module is located online in Brightspace and access to the Brightspace module begins on May 4, 2026. Students are automatically enrolled in Purdue 101 after they accept their offer of admission. Please plan to complete your Purdue 101 orientation module as soon as possible so that you can meet with an advisor and discuss course plans. More information about Purdue 101.
2. What are the requirements for completing first-year engineering (FYE) in West Lafayette?
To complete FYE, you must earn credit for nine courses with a GPA of at least 2.00, an EAI (Engineering Admissions Index) of at least 2.00 and a grade of at least C- in each of the courses. Complete details are available.
3. What are the requirements for finishing different engineering degrees?
There are 18 different degree programs in the College of Engineering at Purdue, 17 in West Lafayette and five in Indianapolis. Degree maps and plans of study for each degree are available.
4. When will I hear from my advisor?
Once you complete Purdue 101 and have submitted your Student Information Form, your advisor will reach out within a few business days to schedule an appointment. Please check Purdue Outlook email for that invitation, and look in spam/junk folder if you're not seeing any invitations to make an appointment. If you haven't seen an invitation after a week or more of completing the Student Information Form, please contact our office at fye-advising@purdue.edu so that we can assist.
5. When do I declare my engineering major in West Lafayette?
Students are not admitted into a specific engineering degree program or major in West Lafayette until they have completed all FYE requirements. (Students in Indianapolis are directly admitted to their major.) This usually requires at least two semesters of study. In the final semester in FYE, a student will make a formal request for a degree program through the "Transition to Major" process. Admission into engineering degree programs may be competitive, particularly for programs at or over enrollment capacity.
6. What is the ALEKS Placement Assessment, and do I need to take it?
The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from basic mathematics through precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. If you already have a SAT Math score of 670 or higher or an ACT Math score of 29 or higher, you do NOT have to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment to place into a mathematics course. If you do not have a SAT / ACT Math score that meets or exceeds those scores, you will need to plan to take the assessment and earn at least a score of 85 or higher in order to place into Calculus I. Your advisor will discuss this more with you when you meet, but you can find out more information and even begin taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment prior to meeting by going here.
7. What computer hardware and software should I bring to campus?
Purdue students have access to computers and a full range of software in ITaP labs around campus. Purdue IT has minimum requirements for students.
8. What learning communities are available to incoming students?
Student Success at Purdue manages several Learning Communities, which can help students develop relationships with other students, see connections in course material and learn more effectively. Many of the learning communities are specifically designed for engineering students.
9. What kinds of student clubs or organizations can I get involved in at Purdue?
There are more than 1,000 registered student organizations and clubs at Purdue. Whether you're interested in motorsports or rockets or arts or music, you likely will find options. Explore the opportunities.
10. How can I connect with other students that are in my cohort or ask questions to upperclassmen who are already at Purdue?
There is a Discord server that is specific to your cohort, whether in FYE or FYE Honors (link coming soon).
11. Can I use my AP scores for credit for FYE courses?
Yes, if you take the proper exam and the score is high enough. All AP scores of 3 or higher post as credit to your Purdue transcript, but in many cases, a score of 4 or 5 is required for credit to post as a particular required class (scores of 3 often post as "undistributed credit"). Students are responsible for making sure that their scores are sent directly from AP to Purdue. More information.
Purdue requires a grade of C- or higher for a transfer course to be awarded Purdue credit, but the exact grade will not be included in your Purdue GPA or your EAI. Note that courses taken on Purdue regional campuses are not considered transfer courses; grades from these courses do count on your Purdue GPA and EAI.
13. What should I be doing now to prepare myself for employment opportunities?
It is never too early for students to be thinking about internships and employment, and many students will take a professional internship position in the summer following their first year on campus. More information is available from the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) and the Office of Professional Practice (OPP).
Students can check MyPurdue for exact offerings each summer. Students should work with their current academic advisor to discuss and plan for summer courses.
15. How do I talk to an advisor if I have any other questions?
You may email fye-advising@purdue.edu with simple questions or visit the FYE advisor page for information about a meeting (either scheduled or drop-in) with an FYE advisor.