Preregistration/Seminars/etc

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
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<p>The word "preregistration" keeps coming up every time somebody mentions so and so professor's class. What exactly is it? How do you do it? And is acceptance into certain classes simply based on a first come first serve basis, or are there other factors that play into it?</p>

<p>Also, there seem to be a lot of classes (I'm assuming seminars) with the words "permission of instructor required." How do you get that permission? Do you simply talk to them, is there a form? I mean, being a freshman it's probably going to be nearly impossible to get into one of those classes, but it can't be unheard of, hopefully..</p>

<p>Oh and do you have to have permission from the instructor to shop the class as well?</p>

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<p>yea i have the same question. esp since I am considering signing up for the freshman-limited econ 110a but it says “preregistration is required” so I followed the instructions on the econ department website but they keep sending me to a dead link.</p>

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<p>you’ll preregister for your classes during the first few days your at Yale. but to be sure check each department on its preregistration policies. i think econ 110 might be a little earlier but i can’t remember. that’s a good class btw!</p>

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<p>I had the very same questions last year. :slight_smile: Sometimes, I miss being a freshman. Do make the best of the year 'cause honestly, it is a blast!</p>

<p>Preregistration - most classes at Yale are open to anyone who wants to take them. Obviously these are all lectures. Seminars, on the other hand, by their very nature, cannot be open to everyone. So they select the students by doing “pre-registration” which is basically registering for the class before you officially register for classes at the end of Shopping Period.</p>

<p>Different departments handle it differently. For math, for example, you have to take the placement exam and then go stand in line at the preregistration meeting on the first day of classes to put your name on the list. This is first-come, first serve. For most other departments, they do it electronically, where you just select your preferences from a list. This is the case for English and freshmen seminars. They are based on a random lottery and there isn’t much you can really do to tilt things in your favor. </p>

<p>Departmental seminars (like history seminars, junior seminars, etc.) are usually only open to students in those majors and in certain years. The chances of freshmen getting in are almost impossible - but can be worth a shot.</p>

<p>“Permission of instructor required” just means that the class is a seminar and that you need to preregister in some way. For some, like English, freshman seminars, and Math, I already explained the process. For the dep’t seminars, I’m not too sure what the process is since they’re mostly major-specific. But there’s some sort of “signing up” process you do at the end of the year or over the summer (hence, why freshman are usually not allowed to take these). You don’t need “literal” permission. A lot of times, if you show up to the first day of class, the professor will pass around a sheet for you to sign and that’s how you get permission. All depends on the class.</p>

<p>You don’t need “permission” to shop. Even if you don’t get placed into a freshman seminar, English seminar, etc. you can show up to the class and then tell the professor that you’re interested in taking the class and you’d like to be placed on the waiting list. If anyone drops the class or if the prof opens the class up to more people, then you’ll be contacted.</p>

<p>For freshmen, most relevant preregistrations take place during Camp Yale and you’ll receive e-mails about that in about 2 weeks (OMG IT’S SOOO SOON!). Btw, this includes Econ.</p>

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<p>indigo_xavier: I’m definitely talking econ 110 as well (if I get in, otherwise econ 115), maybe I’ll see you there? Haha.</p>

<p>sgtpepper: what exactly is the difference between the freshman econ class and the lecture one, I’m assuming the non lecture class is more discussion orientated…?</p>

<p>drbigboyjoe: I’ve heard that advice so many times, I’ll definitely be making the most of my year. I kind of already got all the info from my advisor, since people took forever to reply to this thread, but thanks anyways!</p>

<p>I do have another question though, the RUSS class for bilingual students doesn’t require permission or preregistration, so how in the world will they gauge who qualifies? Or does every language course require you take a placement test by default. I’m guessing they’ll answer all of this at Yale Camp, right? haha :)</p>

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<p>I’m assuming you do have to do some sort of testing to make sure you’re in the right level. They should say if there is some kind of testing/prereq. If there is some sort of Russian testing during Camp Yale (check Calendar of Opening Days) then be sure to go to check.</p>

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<p>From Calendar of Opening Days:</p>

<p>“On Sunday, August 29, at 2 p.m., Hall of Graduate Studies, a departmental
placement examination will be given in Czech (room 217B),
Polish (room 218), and Russian (room 221). Entering freshmen who
have some knowledge of Czech, Polish, or Russian should take this
placement examination. On Friday, September 3, at 2 p.m., a proficiency
examination for students with an advanced command of Czech,
Polish, or Russian will take place in room 221, Hall of Graduate Studies.
Contact the language coordinator, Irina Dolgova, for information about
placement and preregistration and for information about other Slavic
languages. She may be reached via e-mail at <a href=“mailto:irina.dolgova@yale.edu”>irina.dolgova@yale.edu</a> or
by telephone at (203) 432-1307. An orientation meeting will be held at
the Academic Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31.”</p>

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<p>You’re the best! Thanks!</p>

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<p>It’s not really more discussion-based, but you do have a chance to ask questions in class. Because the class is smaller, the professor (hopefully, Tolga, he was awesome) will address your needs, do many examples to make you understand and just be overall more approachable. If you can get into the seminar, I strongly suggest taking it.</p>

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<p>Is it a lottery based preregistration for the seminar, or what?</p>

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<p>Ok, so

  1. Except for chemistry and anything specifically on the website [Class</a> of 2014 | Yale College](<a href=“http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/class-2014]Class”>http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/class-2014), all preregistration is during the orientation weekend.</p>

<p>2) English, economics, and seminar deadlines are all made clear by the freshman counselors (every freshman has a group of freshmen and a counselor they meet with)</p>

<p>3) Spanish, math, and chemistry have placement tests you can take orientation weekend if you are interested in those classes.</p>

<p>4) Most preregistering is lottery-like. On the evening it opens, you rank your top three choices. They use a computer system to make the most people happy. If you get unlucky, there are still ways to try and get into a class.</p>

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<p>^^ Alright, thanks!</p>