TOEFL® Podcast #11

Meeting with a Program Advisor

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 1:01
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialog: 14:22
Comprehension: 16:16


Student: Hi, I’m Mark Mendoza. I have an appointment with an advisor at 10.

Advisor: That will be with me. I’m Ambika Singh. Have a seat.

Student: Thanks. I wanted to talk with an advisor about my major.

Advisor: Okay. I don’t have your file or your degree plan in front of me. What year are you and what’s your major?

Student: I’m a freshman and I don’t have a major yet. I’m officially undeclared. That’s what I wanted to get your help on. I’m trying to decide on a major.

Advisor: Okay, what are you considering?

Student: I’ve been thinking about majoring in business or economics. I want to be able to get a job after I graduate, but I’m also really interested in studying psychology.

Advisor: Well, a lot of students major in one discipline and minor in another. They don’t necessarily need to be closely related. For instance, you could major in business and minor in psychology. Another option is for you to double major in both business or economics, and psychology.

Student: I’m worried about satisfying the degree requirements for both programs, though. I want to graduate in four years and with a good GPA. How many units can I take each semester?

Advisor: For undergraduates, the maximum load is 18, but I usually advise students against taking more than 16, especially in courses with heavy reading loads.

Student: Looking at the degree requirements, then, it would probably take me five years to graduate with a double major. I don’t think I want to do that.

Advisor: Well, then choosing one major and one minor may be your best bet.

Student: Yes, I can see that now. Thanks for your help.

Advisor: You’re welcome. You can make another appointment if you have any other questions.

Student: Thanks a lot. I will.