<p>Hey all, </p>
<p>I'm going to be attending UNC in the fall. I'm going to the latest orientation (July 30) due to my parent's work schedule, and I'm worried that I will have a disadvantage when it comes to registering for classes. I've been told by administrators that they reserve an equal amount of spots for each orientation, but I don't buy it. Input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>What sort of input are you looking for? I mean, they’ve told you they reserve slots. If you think they’re lying, there’s not much you can do about it, is there?</p>
<p>I realize that, but I’m looking for input from people who have been to later orientations, and whether or not they think they were at a disadvantage. I’m just curious.</p>
<p>I haven’t been to orientation yet (july 12-13), but I already know that I am at a disadvantage. They say they will release an X amount of slots for classes, but that’s only for typical freshmen classes. Courses like Math 233, which I really want to take, will not be releasing any spots reserved for freshmen. I was told by people who already went to orientation that classes like that are supposedly advanced and not typical for freshmen to take. But several freshmen have taken AP exams and college courses to actually reach such a level, which I question why they think that -___-. There are even some introductory courses (mostly science) that I’ve heard will not release any spots, such as PHYS 116 (another class I really need for my major).</p>
<p>The comment above is untrue. When I went to orientation two years ago, both Math 233 and Phys 116 were closed, but I still had them in my shopping cart. Slots opened up exactly at my registration time. Just because the course listing doesn’t say that slots are reserved doesn’t imply that they won’t release them.</p>
<p>The math courses in Phillips can hold up to 38 or 39 (I think?) people total, so unless the enrollment’s up to that number, then seats will open up.</p>
<p>Stop freaking out about it. There’s no conspiracy - they have slots for each orientation. And, if worst comes to worst, you can just add a class on the first day of class, since a ton of people always drop anyway. If you really want to get into a class, it’ll happen - just chillax.</p>
<p>That’s what I’ve been told. Several of my friends that already went to orientation talked with an adviser in signing up for MATH 233 if any will open up. The adviser said they won’t be opening any spots for MATH 233 just for the reason I stated earlier. I don’t know if things may have changed the past 2 years, but that’s what I’ve been told. I’m still hoping, even with everything I’ve heard, that they’ll still open some spots. Based on what I’ve heard though, apparently not all classes have reserved spots for freshmen.</p>
<p>Your friends, or their advisers, have no clue what they’re talking about. If you look on ConnectCarolina, each of the Math 233 sections has about 23 students enrolled. Those same rooms in Phillips (if you look at higher-level courses) hold about 38-40 students. So yes, they’re saving spots for folks at CTOPS. I can assure you that no undergraduate math class has just 23 students in it - the budget is far too small, especially since these are introductory calculus classes.</p>
<p>And sorry if I sound grumpy, it’s just that the same thing happened at my orientation. As you’ll soon learn, UNC’s advisers are useless.</p>
<p>Well I haven’t heard of any freshmen getting a MATH 233 seat. But I hope what you say is true. I guess I’ll test it. There an orientation session July 9-10. If any of the classes increase their enrollment total from 23, then what you say is indeed true. If it remains to be the same, then it’s obvious that we weren’t as fortunate you were two years ago.</p>
<p>Registering for classes is a challenge no matter what you are majoring in or what year you are. Yes, they hold classes for each section. Here is what you do to give it your best shot.</p>
<p>Put all classes you are INTERESTED in taking - and will qualify for your gen ed requirements in your PLANNER. Some will double qualify - if that matters to you - pay attention to this. If you know what you are majoring in - you can look for some of those introductory classes as well. Again - some will double qualify for your major and gen ed requirements.</p>
<p>Now - put your perfect schedule in your SHOPPING CART. Soon as your session opens - the registration part at the end - try get get it. With everything in your cart - you will be able to try to grab the open spots the fastest. If something is closed - look in your planner and keep trying.</p>
<p>In August - kids will continually drop and add. Check back whenever you can and you will be surprised what becomes available. This will go on for the first two weeks of school.</p>
<p>There is no reason to stress or panic. Just get used to it - it’s part of going to UNC. And probably every other major university in the country.</p>
<p>luke8ball - when you said you went to orientation 2 years ago at first I thought you were old… then I realized we’re the same age. WOW time flies haha.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I’m just going to echo what everyone else has said. Just relax. Take a deep breath. You will get that class, trust me, especially if it’s a math/physics course. Those get dropped like flies as soon as classes start. The first day there are never any seats, and a week later half the room is empty. You will be fine, trust me.</p>
<p>Really though, CTOPS is just the first of many disappointments with the registration system. You will feel cheated every single semester, no matter your year/registration time. Even if you end up with 6 credit hours and random courses (happened to me once), there is no reason to panic. It all works out. But they really do reserve those spots for CTOPians! It’s kind of annoying for the older crowd, actually, because when we had to register in the spring some classes closed up sooner than expected because they were ‘reserving spots for freshmen’.</p>
<p>Honestly, at orientation I would just take what I can get and get out of there to enjoy the rest of my day instead of stressing away in front of the computer for an hour (or two… or three…). Nearly everyone rearranges their schedule the week before/the first week/the second week of classes anyhow. No need to stress.</p>
<p>^also, just as a side comment to the message before mine, I’m not the biggest fan of putting classes I don’t know I will take for sure in my planner. That is only because, if you have a class in your planner, your tar heel tracker counts any pre-req they fulfill (well technically it says pending, but at first glance it looks like you don’t need any more classes for that requirement).</p>
<p>I usually just put ALL the classes I want in my shopping cart, keep a word document of what my ideal schedule would look like (with a plan A, B, C… yes, I did once end up using plan F) and just pick and choose come registration time. It’s usually a lot faster too, since the classes are already there.</p>
<p>But that’s just my preference, obviously there’s multiple ways to go about it, just figured I’d share my own.</p>