<p>So my freshman had computer problems and now is registered for only 1 class - was closed out of everything. Horrible way to start the year and college experience. Course registration is like the Hunger Games. What an AWFUL system full of stress and uncertainty. Now he is faced with begging professors for spots. </p>
<p>I know students have created apps to help - I can't find any. Wasn't one called BetterBanner? Please respond with suggestions so he can salvage his first semester schedule. I am so very disappointed for him. </p>
<p>This is definitely an issue to take to the advisors in his major/college. It is their job to make sure he has a full balanced schedule of classes that will make progress towards his degree.</p>
<p>Is this a common problem at W&M? Yikes. It is scary that freshmen would be shut out and not more supported in the orientation/first semester scheduling! This would dramatically change my good opinion, I have been pro W&M for my kid primarily because I imagine it as a calmer and more nurturing environment than the big universities. </p>
<p>Let me be clear - registration is ongoing so even though classes start tomorrow he is still in the process of getting classes. He now has 3 good ones. His computer keeps freezing so it’s hard for people to help. VSGPeanut this has been the only wrinkle for an otherwise wonderful experience so far. I think scheduling is hard at most colleges.</p>
<p>Yes, he has an ethernet cable but the box in his room is broken. He ended up with a fine schedule. I’m sure I was more upset/concerned than he was! </p>
<p>It sounds like all has worked out. I have a Jr. and Freshman and neither has every had any true issues getting the courses they wanted. But in case someone new is reading this here are two resources.</p>
<ol>
<li> Open Course lists on WM site for all to see:</li>
</ol>
<p>My freshman and her roommate and friends seemed to breeze through registration. And like the OP I think I was more nervous for her then she was. Many west coast state schools have terrible registration problems (many friends have kids who find they cannot possible graduate I less than 5 years) and we were hoping to avoid that. So far so good. </p>
<p>Just an update: the website is betterbannerwm.com. Although it is not endorsed by the school and completely student developed it is an useful way to organize everything. It is also connected to Ratemyprofessor so that all the data of professor ratings is side by side the classes. The number of occupied students may not be accurate, but it provides an easy way to organize and view the possible classes you can take, and you can sort by subject and GER.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I’m glad things worked out. As I understand it, the farther you get in seniority the higher priority you will have in registration and freshman year is the only year that will have the staggered registration format</p>