Making the best of a manual waitlist

<p>I registered for English R1a and was #1 on the waitlist. I was so happy until i found out that it was a manual waitlist, where position isn't a factor. So any suggestions on what I can do to make sure I get the class?</p>

<p>I'm not sure what a manual wait list is, but I was #1 on the waitlist for one of these this semester, and I went and talked to the department people and was told if I show up first day, I'd probably get in, but if I didn't, I wouldn't. It worked.</p>

<p>the manual waitlist is different from the automatic waitlist. in the auto one, people on the waitlist get into the class according to their waitlist rank. but in manual, people get into according to what the teacher says and the teacher doesnt have to admit based on your waitlist rank. ex. if im #3 and this other person is #4 he can get in instead of me because is manual</p>

<p>basically - show up to class the first few sessions (the very first one being the most critical) and you'll get in.</p>

<p>Great question. One way is to e-mail your professor and tell them of your interest or need/requirement to be in the class. That is sometimes a great way to help bump you up the list. In the past I have heard that in some cases, for a small manual waitlist, a professor may even have the remaining students on the list submit a short paragraph about their interest in the course, and the professor chooses amongst those, but that is generally rare. Regardless, a few people will always ALWAYS drop the class in the first few days of instruction, so if you are present in class on the first day, that will greatly increase your chances of taking those open spots as well.</p>