Students who need 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements must consult an academic advisor in their intended department of study to obtain advice and approval of their course selection. Quebec students with a Diploma of Collegial Studies in Science have normally taken the equivalent of, and are therefore exempt from, the 100-level basic science courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Such students may also be exempt from some 200-level courses. Students with satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests may also be exempt from some or all of the Science Freshman/Foundation year courses. Regardless of how many advanced standing credits received, students are responsible for ensuring their Freshman/Foundation Year science program requirements are met. To facilitate program planning, students must contact their Faculty (SOUSA) advisor for course approval before finalizing their first year courses. For a detailed description of advising and registration procedures, refer to University Regulations & Resources > Undergraduate > Undergraduate Advising and Registration; the McGill website for newly admitted undergraduate students; the SOUSA New Student website; and your department's website.

Students who need 97–120 credits to complete their degree requirements will normally be registered in a Freshman/Foundation Year program until they complete their first year. Students must consult a Faculty advisor in the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) to obtain advice and approval of their course selection. For a detailed description of advising and registration procedures as a Freshman/Foundation Year student, refer to the website for newly admitted undergraduate students, and the SOUSA's New Student website.

Advising for all returning students takes place in March for the upcoming academic year. For more information, refer to the SOUSA website.