<p>I got manually waitlisted for Math 16A, a class I NEED to take. I'm 26th on the waitlist with a class size of 300. Who chooses who gets in the class and who doesn't? Who would I contact to plead my case?</p>
<p>I am pretty sure you will get in eventually without having to bug anyone.</p>
<p>the general rule of thumb is that the first 10% of the class size is a safe range for waitlist. With a size of 300, that means on average 30 would clear into the class. </p>
<p>With manual waitlist, it is the professor or the department that selects. They may do it by any means they choose. Further, they tend to do it only at certain times of the week. </p>
<p>As far as seeking special preference or assistance, it depends on the details of why you need to take the. Someone who is close to graduation with one class that is a requirement would be favored. Other students who have to take the class, but could just as easily take it next semester, would not have so strong a case for preference. Just because it is the schedule you want or because it is most convenient to take it now - not that compelling. Most of the time they just remove the top person from the waitlist, but it could be a policy to take certain classes of students first - those declared in particular majors or perhaps inbound transfers. no way to know what policy will be used for a manual waitlist. </p>
<p>You could contact the math department advisors to ask (<a href=“mailto:brown@math.berkeley.edu”>brown@math.berkeley.edu</a> or <a href=“mailto:jensixt@math.berkeley.edu”>jensixt@math.berkeley.edu</a>), or contact the professor (Harrington), but with this being a typical first semester freshmen course you could come across as a high maintenance pain unless there truly is some special circumstance behind the worry. Otherwise, chill as this usually works itself out.</p>