How does the waitlist system work?

<p>Okay...I really don't get it. I want to get into a Phil class, but ISIS is making me sign up for the waitlist. Now, I just checked the availability of this course and the number of spaces has increased since I last checked it. </p>

<p>I sent an email asking about this and I was told the instructor of a course would need to take me off the waitlist and that this would take a day or two to receive an invite. It has been 4 days already...</p>

<p>I was under the impression that a waitlist was necessary when there weren't enough spaces available for a class, but there seem to be a lot of spaces left, so what is going on?</p>

<p>Seriously...who cares about UCB...come post in this thread!:p</p>

<p>Some classes are restricted only to the waitlist. There can be an array of reasons to that restriction from waiting until fall semester to too many students wanting/needing the class. Since you are talking about Intro to Philiosophy, it has about 40 empty slots left. An intro course like this would be teeming with first years so they have to limit the number of students in some way while being fair, hence the waitlist. You would not see this is some higher level courses since the number of seats are limited there already. Just hold on and you will get your class...hopefully.</p>

<p>Ahhh, thanks for the response!</p>

<p>Also, some professors have different methods for allowing people into their classes. Some will go in the order of the waitlist, while others will pick people from the waitlist, for instance they may offer spots to all fourth years on the list first and then move down.</p>

<p>So from what I gather...I am at the professor's mercy. Thanks for the responses UVAMalex and wahoo2007.</p>