Each incoming student is assigned a pre-major academic advisor who is trained to assist in the selection of courses and the identification of long-range educational goals. Tufts offers six innovative advising programs for first-year students. Each of the programs enables students to get to know their assigned faculty advisor. In the ongoing relationship between student and pre-major advisor, the academic advisor will offer suggestions but leaves the final decisions to the student.

At the end of the first-year for the School of Engineering, and the second-year for the School of Arts & Sciences, each student is required to declare a major and select a major advisor. This major advisor will guide in the selection of courses and help answer questions about major requirements.