<p>So I'm quite disappointed to see that most of the classes I wanted are now closed. I have my CTOPS during July, and I regret choosing such a late orientation. Is there any way, even though the class doesn't say reserved X amount for first years, that they will still open some spots for us freshies in CTOPS? I really want to take a calc 3 class, but it looks like all of them are either closed or on a waitlist basis. Has anyone who has had CTOPS in the past experienced seeing a course as closed or on the waitlist before going to CTOPS and then finding out they opened some spots during registration time (not the courses that are CTOPS flagged). I understand that there is the add/drop period, but I'm still worried that I still may not get the course I want. How effective is the method of attending the first day of class and asking the professor to enroll you? Have you really experienced a professor denying your request?</p>
<p>There are a number of seats in many of the popular freshman classes which are opened up for each CTOPS session. The date you have chosen has no bearing on whether or not you would have gotten a seat. My daughter’s orientation was the third week of July and at the moment that was her time to register, many classes opened up for her. There were still many that had wait lists, but once everyone is registered and they open it to all, you will be able to drop and add and tweak your schedule to your heart’s content.</p>
<p>I got none of the classes I needed and I went to the first session, so worry but don’t worry haha.</p>
<p>DON’T WORRY! Too much, at least. This causes incoming students an incredible amount of stress each year and yet it all seems to work out as long as you’re willing to put in some effort. At some point in August (not sure when) it will be worth your time to check Connect Carolina often to see if someone has dropped the class you want. I believe by then the waiting lists are dropped and it’s anyone’s seat as long as you’re on Connect Carolina at the right moment. There is A LOT of movement on Connect Carolina in the weeks preceding the start of classes and even for the first few days of a term. For those who haven’t yet gone to CTOPS, take the time to familiarize yourself with Connect Carolina and load your shopping cart in advance with the classes you want and a few extra so when your registration window begins you are ready to go at that instant. I’m a parent and I may be off on some of this. I’m sure current students will chime in with their own advice and corrections to mine. DOn’t lose sleep. And, yes, you can politely e-mail professors explaining your interest and sit in on the first day of class. It’s worked for my son a few times.</p>
<p>They reserve an equal amount of seats for each orientation group so no one has unfair advantage. I got into Calc 3 a few years ago at CTOPS even though it looked closed. With that said, it’s still tough to get a good schedule - you’ll probably change it later in the summer anyway. No worries!</p>