<p>Today, someone in one of my lectures said he was able to get an override to register for a class by e-mailing a professor and saying he really wanted to take that class. </p>
<p>Does anyone know if this is common or if that was a rare circumstance? </p>
<p>Would I need a grand reason or could I just send the prof an email saying "I really want to take this class. Is it possible for you to give me any override?" </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Every class is different. In some classes, the professors do not get involved with overrides and it is handled by the department. In other classes, they will take people off the waitlist in order of the waitlist. In others (and the ones you are referring to), the professors exercise discretion and grant overrides to students. In rare instances the professors will use the override to select students for the class.</p>
<p>If you are intrested in taking the class, I would recommend contacting the professor and mentioning that you are on the waitlist and are interested in taking the class. Ask if there is a procedure for clearing the waitlist and provide a brief reason why you are interested in taking the class. You can use reasons such as “it is a requirement for my major”, “it is a prerequisite for my major”, “it was recommended to me by a former student of yours”, “it will help further my interest in …”. The reason should be believable - it you sound like you are bs-ing him or her, then don’t offer the reason.</p>
<p>It’s common. One of my sections was at 30/25 cause of ppl on the waitlist begging or whatever. I actually saw someone the other day semi-stalk a prof and ask for an override near the union. You could mention you’re a senior and really want to take their class and want to get a head start on the reading (lol). Or rely on the waitlist, show up the 1st day and make your case then. However, it’s also true that in some classes the department strictly goes by the wait list.</p>