how to get the classes you want

The struggles of trying to get classes as a freshman. I promise it gets better!!! Here are some tips to get the classes you want.

Chrome Extension for Schedule Builder

This is an absolute life saver! This chrome extension tells you what classes fit in your schedule based on the classes you already saved. However, I would be careful on relying on the professor ratings because I've found some to be incorrect.

The Art of Schedule Builder

When choosing classes, use the chrome extension to create a nice schedule. As a freshman, I would make a couple schedules with different classes that fit together the day before my pass time. Then an hour before my pass time, I would eliminate the schedules with 0 spots and create an updated schedule with classes that had spots. Then I would check again around 30 minutes before & again 14 minutes before. I believe pass times are at intervals of 15 minutes (might be longer?) so 14 minutes before your pass time, the spots that are open are open and you're just fighting to register with other people who have your pass time.

During your pass time, click the "Register All Changes" button to register. Make sure to click the button around 0.1 seconds before your pass time because if you're too early, you won't be able to register and if you're too late then the spots will get filled up. Most likely, you won't be able to get 1-2 classes that you want. This is the time when you manually search up all the sections of the courses you need and add whatever fits. If you do this and there are still 0 spots, just find a GE course and add it to your schedule.

GEs

GEs are your backup plan. If you don't have 12 units, you can just fill up your schedule with GEs. That's why it's important to have a list of GEs you want to take so that you can quickly find and register for classes. All classes are competitive to get into as a freshmen so just have a bunch of backup classes.

After Pass 1

Let's say you weren't able to register for your major classes because all the spots filled up too quickly. Don't stress too much because you have a couple more opportunities to register. Between Pass 1 & Pass 2, there is open registration. This is the time when students drop classes and register for other classes they want. Because students start dropping classes, there may be some openings for you to take! From my experience, open registration between Pass 1 & Pass 2 is the BEST time to snatch up a class that you need. It gets more difficult as time progresses. You can find information on open registration dates/times on the Registration Calendar.

Pass 2

Pass 2 is your time to waitlist for courses! It works similarly to Pass 1 except you have a higher unit cap (19 units) so you can register for more classes. If you weren't able to get classes during open registration, now is the time! Waitlists for GEs shorten pretty quickly in my experience (I've gotten in as #20 on a waitlist), but for major classes, try to be in the top 4 of the waitlist in order to secure a spot.

Make sure that the classes you want to waitlist for fit into your schedule with the courses you are currently registered for. If the class you want to waitlist for doesn't fit into your schedule, you won't be able to waitlist.

Pass 2 Open Registration

Open registration during this time works just like Pass 1's open registration, except its more difficult to get classes. This is because now students who are on the waitlist will have priority for the open spots (whereas for Pass 1 open registration, it was first come first serve). During this time, I would recommend finding classes that have open seats and 0 people on the waitlist. I only use Pass 2 Open Registration when I have a class I want to take but I'm not willing to drop a class I currently have. But if there are people on the waitlist and you are willing to do the same, then go for it!

When the first week begins...

Let's say you still weren't able to get a spot. Don't worry too much! A lot of students will attend lecture and realize they can't handle the class and drop. So if you're not waitlisted already, just keep a look out for open seats. Some professors will open up new sections if they see a lot of students waitlisted so keep checking your emails!

A more persistent method is to go to the section's LAB that you are waitlisted for. If one of the registered students doesn't show up, you can take their spot! But if other students like you are also trying to take a registered students spot, the TA will most likely randomly choose a waitlisted student to replace the absent student.

I hope these tips helped you out! It's super stressful registering for classes as a freshman but the more prepared you are, the more likely you'll get your classes. Stay persistent and keep checking Schedule Builder during open registration for open spots! Good luck:)