<p>What are the chances of getting into a class for which you are waitlisted? Do freshmen have harder time than sophomores getting into the classes they want? Do you get a preference in signing up for a class the second time around?</p>
<p>First, understand that registration priority is based on standing. Thus, seniors register before juniors, who go before sophomores, who go before freshmen. Accordingly, some choice classes will fill up before sophomores or freshmen can get in. And that means the only choice is to get on the waitlist. It is ordered, so the closer you are to #1, the better your odds of getting added either from somebody else dropping or you convincing the instructor to increase class size. Professors can, but rarely do, make exceptions and add people who wouldn't otherwise get in. But generally, unless you are well positioned on the waitlist for a larger class, it is more pipe dream than anything else.</p>
<p>My D has gotten into alot of WashU classes off of waitlists. Here's my take on it. If your waitlist number is less than 30 for large lecture classes, you are likely to get in. If the lecture is really big you could have an even higher waitlist number and still get in. (Lots of kids sign up for 7 classes and then decide which 4 or 5 to take.) For small classes you need a fairly low waitlist number to get in unless the professor decides to increase the size of the class. My daughter has been able to get into three small classes after Profs decided to enlarge the class.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thank you! This is encouraging to hear - I hope it works out for my daughter.</p>
<p>If you have a legitimate NEED to get into a class, contact your advisor and/or registrar for your school. Priorities are given to kids who need a class to fulfill their major, or other valid reasons. If the student really, really, really wants the class - show up on the first day, meet the professor, explain you really want in.</p>