All incoming TIP Scholars must attend Freshman New Student Orientation the summer before the first Fall semester. During Freshman Orientation, you will attend a TIP Scholars program meeting, meet with your assigned TIP academic advisor for the first time, and register for your Fall classes alongside other TIP Scholars.
TIP Scholars Freshman Orientation Schedule
Day 1: College of Natural Sciences College Meeting
Day 1: TIP Scholars Program Meeting - introduction to TIP and your academic advisor
Day 1-Day 3: Scheduled Academic Advising Appointment - 3 Parts:
- Pre-Advising: introductory advising meeting with student advisor
- Academic Advising Appointment: 1-on-1 meeting with assigned advisor
- Chat Pit: meeting with student peer mentor to introduce registration instructions and other campus resources
Day 3: Register for Fall classes - with TIP staff assistance
You will need to bring your own laptop for registration. Loaner laptops may be avilable for use but are not guaranteed.
Pre-Orientation Action Items
Review Pre-Orientation Checklist
Carefully review the University Pre-Orientation Checklist. Ensure that all pre-orientation action items (including receiving required vaccines) are completed before you attend orientation. Failure to do so will result in significant registration delays.
Create a list of your AP, IB Credits
Your advisor will need to know what AP or IB credit you may have in order to effectively assist you with your Fall schedule. They will need to know what tests you have taken and the scores you achieved. If you are still waiting on a test score, that is okay – your advisor will ask you what you think you earned on the exam.
Create a list of your college credit from outside of UT
Please have ready a list or transcript of any college credit you have from outside of UT (most often this will be from a community college. This can include UT Extension classes too). Your advisor will want to know the institution you attended and the exact college course numbers you took. By having the college course numbers, your advisor will most accurately be able to help you plan your fall schedule.
Determine areas where you may need support
If there are certain areas of your degree requirements or the university that you find confusing or unclear, please ask your advisor during orientation! We do not expect our students to be experts in all things related to college or UT Austin, so please ask for help when you need it. It may be helpful to create a list of questions you may have so you do not forget when you enter the meeting. Advising meetings are only be about 30 minutes so we may not cover everything, however, your advisor will be available by email for any additional questions.
Complete UT Math Assessment (UTMA)
To be able to register at orientation, you will need to have a score on file for the UT Math Assessment (UTMA). If you are planning on taking Pre-Calculus or Calculus in the Fall, you would need a UTMA score of at least 55 or 70 respectively. Even if you have Pre-Calculus/Calculus credit or do not need them for your degree, all new CNS students must take the UTMA with few exceptions.
Please review the math assessment page.
Complete Chemistry Readiness Assessment
If you are planning to register for CH 301 in the Fall, you will need to complete the Chemistry Readiness Assessment. Depending on your score on this assessment, you may need to complete additional learning modules to remain in the CH 301 course.
If your major requires chemistry, you will need to complete this assessment to register at orientation.
Majors that require chemistry:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Human Development and Family Science
- Neuroscience
- Nutrition
- Physics
- Public Health
Please review the Chemistry Readiness Assessment here.