At UNT and probably other universities, you can use their on-line tools to build up class schedules and see how the weekly plan would look, what classes are full, how deep the waitlist is for each class, which class sections are at what time of day. I can use this tool myself at vsb.unt .edu, just to see what classes are probably not going to be available by the time S registers, or to know that 2 favorite classes will conflict, etc.
Even with all of that fun and exciting technology and information, I don’t understand how a person could register for classes at this point with any sense of finality. For example, AP scores are not here yet. How would S assert that he expects a 4+ in some subject, such that he can skip/avoid some college class? In fact, placement tests, test-out tests, and band placement auditions largely occur the week between the last orientation and the start of classes, so an already-made class schedule could be made obsolete. How has this process worked out for those who have come before us - has AP/placement/etc. ever taken your initial schedule and thrown it out the window and left you having to get into ever-filling-up classes even later into the game? Or does it all just work out?
Good question! I don’t know the answer, for a specific school. But just wanted to comment tat sometimes students choose to take an intro class even when they place or test out of it 
Maybe that would help a tiny bit-?
Does the school give any guidance on when he should do this and how?
I remember my D registered late June at the on-campus orientation. She must have had her AP score for AP Lit by then bc she did skip taking the general Eng class…or maybe she was just being hopeful and she could take that class 2nd semester if necessary. I DO remember the big sign (in a library maybe) with computer stations to register that said : NO PARENTS ALLOWED. Lol.
She met with an academic adviser to do her schedule. I know the school allowed her to change her schedule…with a fee of course. I do remember having to pay that fee…but maybe not the first registration.
I would suggest that he figure out who his academic adviser is…and drop her/him an email with questions…or the music school in general. It is possible that he can register for all except the placement classes that will be added by the music school later. This was the case for my D in ensemble. It was a general class number for registration and the music school took care of the assignment later. I do recall the music school always doing a bit of “magic” in the background for certain classes - but that may not apply to your school.
Academic advisers are important…and often quite disliked and unhelpful…according to students. Be sure to manage expectations on how much hand-holding he’ll get (probs not much). But sometimes I believe the student is worried and the adviser knows they just need to wait…and if they end up in the dreaded 8:00 am class…oh well. Hopefully he is lucky and can get some questions answered. Otherwise he can turn to his roommate and buddies…for their experiences.
Edit: I also remember the adviser telling her to get her classes done by a certain time in the afternoon to allow for ensembles. So again it may be worth a check.
Double edit: Most music classes for freshman were not an issue to get into. They had appropriate class size…but gen eds could be harder…still it does tend to work out.
It just works out. Maybe not as fairly or efficiently as we, the paying stakeholders, would like, but I think this is one point (of many) where the kids seem to have the right attitude.
At Berklee, it seems to be barely-controlled chaos right up to the last day to drop/add classes. There are auditions, getting teachers, getting into ensembles, testing out of requisites. A lot of re-arranging. Some disappointments. Some triumphs. When the dust settles, they somehow have a full-time schedule and ensembles. I’ve learned to just let it happen and not ask too many questions.
Keep in mind that all the students are in the same boat; they really help each other out.
@GoForth I had my orientation on June 1st, but for another university. Anyways, I still had to sign up for courses. AndI made sure to mention to them what APs I’ve taken this year and what scores I expect. However, the advisers told me to sign up for the introductory courses until I receive my credits, and then I can drop and add classes based on my scores when I receive them in July. The only annoying thing about this is that I feel like classes will get filled up by then, but hey never lose hope
My D registered for freshman year at her UMichigan orientation in June. Her advisors had her register based on expected AP scores, and they recommended an ensemble, too. After AP scores were received, she may have modified things a bit. Then after ensemble auditions in Aug right before classes started, final schedule changes. Everything worked out.
FYI, I’ve never seen the scheduling tool. Student orientation and advising were without parents - they had optional, concurrent info sessions for parents but we did not see our kids for the duration of orientation.