Good morning, Class of 2030!
I know registration can be super stressful—but don’t fret! It will all get figured out, even if it’s not your first (or second, or maybe even third…) choice class.
One thing that is almost guaranteed is that you will end up on a waitlist for a class. I certainly was not prepared for this eventuality when I came in Freshman Fall (and almost lost my mind when the schedule I had so carefully curated was nearly up in flames). However! This is normal!! The great news is that there are so many options that you will all surely find something to make the first semester meaningful!
That being said, if you are on a waitlist for a class or two, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of getting in:
If the waitlist is auto-fill (so it’s essentially a line of “who got there first”), make sure you attend the first few classes. Often, many people shop more credits than they ever plan to take, so seats inevitably open up in these courses.
Going to every class in the add/drop period makes sure you don’t fall behind if that seat does open!
If the waitlist is instructor-managed, it can often help to do a bit more than just showing up to the first few classes.
Email! If you really, really want a class and have been waiting your whole life to take it—let that professor know! Be courteous and eager, and send a great email about why you want to be in the class and would take it seriously.
Introduce yourself! This is often a struggle for me, but it can be very helpful to put a face to a name if the course means a lot to you.
At the end of the day, it is only your first semester, and you will have plenty of time to get into a class, should it be full this semester. But also know that a waitlist isn’t a no!!
Best,
Sophia
