<p>I am wondering about the experience of cc parents whose children get "bumped" from registering because the desired class is already full. Has this happened to your child? Has it made a difference in the overall program to them? I don't think this subject has ever come up here or I haven't noticed. My child attends a reputable LAC without a lot of specific distribution requirements, but it is not always easy to get into the desired classes. Only majors in the subject usually have a real preference. any thoughts on this topic?</p>
<p>I'm not a parent, but I am a graduate student/TA, and can give you a little insight on what has always been suggested to me and such...</p>
<p>When a class is full, a student normally is recommended to attend the first day of class and afterwards, goes up to the professor to see if he/she will sign them into the class. Usually you need to have a good reason (i.e. need it for graduation next semester, can't fit other sections into your schedule, etc.) and if you do and show interest in taking the class, they can sign a form to allow you to be added to the class. </p>
<p>An other option is that if the class is full and the professor will not let you in is to still attend during the first week or so during add/drop period and constantly check if there is anyone dropping the class so you can add it (there are usually a few that will drop during this period). This may be difficult if there are waitlists at the college, since those on the waitlist will get higher priority. So, check into policies before going through with this one.</p>
<p>One third suggestion I have is to again go to the first day of class and if the professor won't add you as a graded student, to ask if you can be added as a student auditing the class. This would be helpful in a course that you don't particularly need credit for, but want to learn something about the subject. This is more desirable to many professors because many times the students don't take the exams and therefore don't have to put in extra time grading more exams than spaces originally designated for the class. </p>
<p>These are the techniques I've been told are most common when students are attempting to get into closed classes. Specifics likely vary widely between schools and definately check into your childs college policies before giving specific suggestions.</p>
<p>Wacky,</p>
<p>Welcome to CC!</p>
<p>I have had two kids in the system so far, one who graduated from an LAC and one in a research university. Neither has been unable to take the classes they have most wanted because of classes being full ultimately, though they haven't always been able to take them exactly when they wanted to. S at research university has had trouble scheduling all of his chosen classes as a number of them have been scheduled for the same time periods.</p>
<p>My S experienced being shut out of some classes at his LAC. There was no hope of his being admitted, no matter how much he pleaded. In one class, the waiting list had 10 names on it; the prof felt he could not admit a student and deny 9 others, nor could he admit all 10. At another LAC I know, the waiting list at 28 names on it.</p>
<p>I realize that colleges, especially smaller ones, cannot always predict the appeal of a special class in a particular year. But even basic classes might inevitably be off limits to those who are not majors. This is really aggravating in a school that would theoretically encourage students to explore diverse disciplines. We have found that this "choose your own" curriculum might be in name only. Some of the classes seem to be a "once in a lifetime" occurrence. This is something students almost never think about when they enroll at a college. There can be a definite mismatch between the number of students who want to take a course and the school's ability to serve them.</p>
<p>My daughter went to a large university in the South and she was delayed from taking some necessary but always full classes until her senior year. It was a matter of timing and conflicting other classes. If she worked her schedule around these classes she could have gotten into them sooner.But it was not a problem, she could have also taken any of them summer and one summer in the four years was required anyway.</p>
<p>D is at a school which is quite small.
They like to have at least 10 students in a class- however some classes- for whatever reason- because of time slots or lack of much word of mouth- aren't able to be offered because they only have one or two students register.
My D hasn't had much problem re classes- while she may like to take classes they don't offer- as long as she is flexible with her day- she has been able to take the classes she needs and fit them in with her work schedule.
I agree with attending the class and getting on the wait list.
Some profs will over enroll and some have an idea of how many willdrop- at some schools they are even able to add another section.
When I was a college advisor though at a community college- I did see students having to take classes at the CC who were also attending the university of washington. I don't know if they didnt register on time or what- but the CC had room so they took them there.
D also found that when she wanted to take a class at the local U- although there were 25 sections the class filled up immediately for admitted students ( organic chem) it was another class that students often took at community college.
I think it helps to read through major requirements.
When you are in a science major- you must get your prereqs done first- students don't always realize that- and then have to attend school perhaps another full year.</p>
<p>Son got shut out of the freshman honors seminar that he wanted to take this first semester. But, he ended up LOVING the one he did get into! So you never know.</p>
<p>He was able to register for the one he originally wanted to take for this coming spring semester. Of course, this time around it's offered at 8:30 AM -- so maybe that explains its sudden loss of popularity.</p>
<p>He goes to Denison (LAC).</p>
<p>Colleges must be more candid about this problem. In some majors at some schools, it is well known that there's a good chance students will be shut out of classes that they need, forcing them to spend an extra term or two in college.</p>
<p>So be forewarned; take one or essential classes or relevant electives during the summer.</p>
<p>At my son's LAC it's the sophomores who most often get squeezed out of popular classes. There are many classes in which first years are given priority or that are especially designed for freshman. After you've declared your major in Junior year it's fairly easy to get into advance courses in your area of study. However, in the middle, sophomore year,you get neither first year nor declared major preference. </p>
<p>In the second half of his sophomore year, my son had a difficult time finding courses that were available and that fit into his schedule. The professors were very helpful, but it was like fitting the pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. In the end, his last minute add turned out to be one of his favorite classes ever!</p>
<p>I guess this is the double edge of the small class sword.</p>
<p>thanks to the parents who responded to this puzzling problem. I notice this is happening more because the LAC curriculum is given over to courses organized around a special research interest of an individual professor. No one is readily available who has the interest or knowledge to teach an additional section.</p>