<p>I was wondering whether it's best to wait until AP scores come in July before registering for classes to know what credits I can come in with or is it possible to change my classes with the scores if I register in June/early July before the school year starts?</p>
<p>My son registered for his classes based on the scores he thought he would get on the AP tests and what he would place out of. His advisor said to do it that way and that he could change it if he had to later on.</p>
<p>Seems to have given him more motivation to study for the AP tests!</p>
<p>Changing classes at Pitt doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem. In fact, they allow any student to switch into and out of classes during the first two weeks of the semester without any marks on their record/transcript.</p>
<p>Ok I see. Well I’ll probably then register for classes at the end of June/July with my expected AP credits and then change if necessary later on. Thanks.</p>
<p>Are freshmen guaranteed space in the classes they intend to take even if they register during the last PittStart session (the one that takes place in connection with orientation week)? This late PittStart session is offered specifically for people like us who live thousands of miles from Pittsburgh and who may not be able to travel there twice during the summer, but we’re concerned that some classes may fill up before then. Is there a way to register online?</p>
<p>I don’t recommend the last PittStart session. Registering for courses is first-come, first-served.</p>
<p>Yeah, that’s what we feared. So there isn’t a way to register online? It seems odd, in this day and age, to require students to travel thousands of miles to register in person and then get back on a plane and return home…</p>
<p>^^^
I think PittStart is supposed to be more than just registering for classes.</p>
<p>Maybe, but it seems somewhat of a burden on families that don’t live within driving distance and as far as I can tell it’s only the registration part that would compel us to plan an additional trip. All the other activities could take place in connection with orientation. Anyway, we’ll do it if we have to; I was just trying to understand the next steps. Thanks, everyone.</p>
<p>^^^
It probably is more of a burden for those OOS families that Pitt hasn’t awarded full tuition scholarships. Of course if you don’t want to invest some of your 4 year tuition savings into a one time trip to Pittsburgh for PittStart you can just wait until August when you son has to come anyway. You have choices.</p>
<p>@aglages
I really think that your comments are out of line, especially the part where you pass judgement about what I am willing to invest in my son’s education… All I did was to inquire if there is a way to enroll online and to express my view that having to plan major trips across the country multiple times in the space of a few months is somewhat of a burden. You seem to assume that I’m complaining about the expense associated with the trip, but you should keep in mind that some of us have to also take time off from work and/or from caring for a family member. But, frankly, my reasons are none of your business and I find your tone offensive.</p>
<p>TomisMom: And I find your posts whiny.
- You don’t have to plan multiple trips - your son can do PittStart in August
- You don’t have to take off work - your presence is not required - although I did enjoy the attempt at sympathy with your reference to the “caring for a family member”
- As has been explained to you already, PittStart encompasses more than just enrolling for classes
- Try to be thankful for what your SON have been given.</p>
<p>Tomismom, </p>
<p>You situation is very understandable and I understand your frustration. I’d recommend that you email the pittstart program and ask them if your son could register after speaking to an advisor through the phone. However, remember that your son will have to complete all the requirements before being able to register for classes, which includes an online tutorial/“list of 10” classes. One of the primary components of pittstart, among all the social aspects, is to introduce the student to the advisor; otherwise, if students simply registered online without guidance, many of them could find themselves in jeopardy of not graduating in 4 years. </p>
<p>Also, aglages, I agree with Tomismom about your rather harsh tone. As a student, I assume, you must understand that parents experience just as much a part of the transition from high school to college as the student does. Tomismom deserves to accompany her children to the university and is simply trying to maximize convenience and peace of mind. In fact, Pittstart offers many programs/seminars for parents that are not available to the students.</p>
<p>agagles is a parent, I believe, and he can be a bit snide with his remarks. don’t take it too personally. </p>
<p>As for the registering later-- it’s not the end of the world if you have to do PittStart in August.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice and for restoring a civil tone, waterpolo and schrizto. I didn’t know about the tutorial, but we’ll get in touch with the program to learn more about it. Based on what we read on the website it looks like S will be exempt from the placement tests, but that’s also something that we need to make sure of.</p>
<p>We were informed that several spots are held in classes for each Pitt Start session, so one could have just as much of a chance to get a class in the August Pitt Start as the May Pitt Start. </p>
<p>To clarify, let’s say a class has 100 spots available for incoming freshmen. If there are five Pitt Starts, 20 spots are held for each Pitt Start. If you are at a June session, and those 20 spots are taken by the time you meet with your Advisor, you will probably be unable to get into the class. Even though space may be technically available in the class, it is restricted for other students coming to future Pitt Starts. </p>
<p>So, it may have more to do with when your specific Advisor session is held rather than which month you attend.</p>
<p>We also asked about signing up for classes rather than flying in for a Pitt Start, and were told that option is not available. I got the impression that attending the August session would be fine. Of course, much will depend upon which classes a student wants, how many spots the class holds, and how many offerings are available. Some of the classes my daughter was interested in are unavailable because upperclassmen have filled them already, or because they are restricted for certain majors/schools.</p>
<p>I think students who register at that last PittStart date get to move into the dorms a day early. That might be worth checking. And depending on what a student might want to take, classes being full may not be much of an issue.</p>
<p>Hmm, I actually find that process kind of strange, Riley13. That would basically mean that someone could get shut out of a class “by chance” because the number of students interested in a certain class could vary with each PittStart. Seems even less fair and more complicated than first-come, first-served. Where did you hear this from?</p>
<p>That is the way it was described by a rep from Pitt Start. She emphasized that they try to ensure that students who attend later sessions are still able to sign up for classes they need. Not sure if the reserved spots are by individual teacher, times, or simply type of class.</p>
<p>From what I understood that was only for certain required classes, not all the classes. No sure where I heard that though.</p>