<p>How hard is it to get the electives you want? Is it like first come, first serve, seniority, or just luck? </p>
<p>On an unrelated note, is there a certain max. number of credits per semester you can take before they start charging you extra tuition?</p>
<p>Course pre-enrollment is by seniority (by credits). Each class gets a few days during which they are free to add or drop whatever is available, then the next class down, etc. Everything is online, so your ability to get in to classes depends on what is popular with the classes above you and your class, the size of the classes you sign up for, and the sections/labs you happen to choose when you sign up. Your speed at navigating the website also determines how good/bad your schedule is.</p>
<p>Credit limits depend on your college. In engineering, the minimum is 12, 15-17 is recommended, and you can add up to 23 (unadvised) without a petition. Beyond that, you need approval.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies on both my threads. Is it a good idea to sign up for more classes than you need, get a feel for them, and then drop the least pleasant unnecessary course?</p>
<p>Also, freshmen year I heard you get an adviser to help you pick courses. Do you just go to your adviser and they make recommendations and then you pick the classes online on a later date?</p>
<p>As long as you don’t go over the credit limit for your college, you could, but that prevents other students who need or want to take that class from joining. People certainly still do that. At least in engineering, most of the courses are required anyway.</p>
<p>In engineering, a guide is online on what to take first semester, and you can talk to engineering advising or your assigned adviser on-campus once you arrive. Flowcharts for majors are also easily available online.</p>
<p>Course pre-enroll for incoming freshmen is during the summer, before your arrival to campus. You choose your schedule based on personal preference and class availability. Chequerd and Schedulizer are both good for coming up with schedules.</p>