<p>I agree that it is more likely to occur in an engineering school. WPI, for example, publishes sets of recommended first term classes based on your intended major (yes, there are options for “undecided” students) and you sign up for these over the summer before you actually have an advisor. You can call or email if you have questions. It surprised me at the time, but it does make sense.
It makes less sense for a liberal arts school though…</p>