How do the waitlists work?

<p>So, there’s a class I want to add. And it says there are 2 open seats. But there is also a wait list of about 3 people (so far). When I try to add the class, something comes up about the wait list. First of all, how is there a wait list if there are 2 open seats? Are they reserved or something? Also, how do I get on the wait list? When I try to add the class, a little “warning message” shows up below my registered classes, mentioning the wait list, but it disappears after I go to another webpage, so I don’t think I’ve actually been added to the list. </p>

<p>I have a feeling this is a pretty stupid question, but I’m hoping someone knows more about this than I do.</p>