Quick Questions about Telebears Phase II/Waitlisting Classes

<p>Sorry if any of these have been asked before, but I'm trying to add a class during my telebears phase II (which starts in 4 hours). </p>

<p>Im trying to add Chinese 159 (<a href="http://infobears.berkeley.edu:3400/osc?_InField1=RESTRIC&_InField2=20768&_InField3=09D2%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://infobears.berkeley.edu:3400/osc?_InField1=RESTRIC&_InField2=20768&_InField3=09D2&lt;/a&gt;) which is a class about cities and stuff in China. Only one person is enrolled and 5 people are waitlisted. </p>

<p>1) What are the chances of the class being canceled? </p>

<p>I'm not a Chinese major or anything like that but I am definitely interested in taking this class. I know it says that I need an instructor's approval code - </p>

<p>2) What are the chances of a Poli Sci major getting that code?</p>

<p>3) Should I just add another class instead? I mean we are required to take a few upper division courses in another major... how do we do that if we can't add the class? </p>

<p>4) When I am waitlisted, despite there being available seats, does that mean I am pretty much screwed if no one drops the course?</p>

<p>Oh I'm a Junior transfer. Thanks!</p>

<p>1) What are the chances of the class being canceled? </p>

<p>Not that high a risk. Language classes often involve the instructor meeting and assessing each student before placing them in the class, thus this is already at 6 likely and phase II has just begun.</p>

<p>I’m not a Chinese major or anything like that but I am definitely interested in taking this class. I know it says that I need an instructor’s approval code - </p>

<p>2) What are the chances of a Poli Sci major getting that code?</p>

<p>It also has a pre-req of Chinese 100B or 100BX. Do you meet that requirement? It matters more about your skills to participate and your demonstrated passion, less about your major.</p>

<p>3) Should I just add another class instead? I mean we are required to take a few upper division courses in another major… how do we do that if we can’t add the class? </p>

<p>Find other upper division courses that do have openings. </p>

<p>4) When I am waitlisted, despite there being available seats, does that mean I am pretty much screwed if no one drops the course?</p>

<p>Basically, this is for Chinese majors or for those that convince the instructor to let them in. The only way to clear the waitlist is to get a code from the instructor (or declare yourself a Chinese major). Yes, you could be screwed if you need the units to meet your minimum load.</p>

<p>Thanks. Yeah I just saw in greater detail what the class is about and I think ill pass…lol</p>

<p>One last question -
Im trying to add this class but the course restrictions page (<a href=“http://infobears.berkeley.edu:3400/osc/?_InField1=RESTRIC&_InField2=81894&_InField3=09D2[/url]”>http://infobears.berkeley.edu:3400/osc/?_InField1=RESTRIC&_InField2=81894&_InField3=09D2&lt;/a&gt;) says Open Seating is Full. Does that mean I need to waitlist and then get the instructor’s approval? </p>

<p>The way things are looking, Ill probably be #5 on the waitlist. So what are the chances of me getting that extra seat?</p>

<p>The categories for Soc 160 suggest they are trying very hard to guarantee those with Sociology or similar majors a preference in the class, after which they will clear the waitlist. Thus, if the semester starts with open slots, they would take some from the waitlist. The usual rule of thumb, 10%, implies you have a good shot on the waitlist at position 5, but it is more complicated than that. Lets imagine that all the Sociology major slots are taken and someone from that major is waitlisted. They are likely to be treated as #1 even though they entered the waitlist later than you. When the waitlist is cleared manually, it usually means that various preference factors are employed in choosing who to allow in.</p>

<p>Now, the instructor entry code is an option to jump out of the waitlist, but only if you can make a good case for the instructor that convinces them to put you in now, or at least to consider you to be at the top of the waitlist whenever they clear it. </p>

<p>Odds look good with your position, but never a guarantee. At a minimum, you have to go to the class on the first day, be highly visible and speak to the instructor afterwards. Show your commitment, perhaps visit during office hours, promoting yourself for any openings that arise.</p>