I can’t begin to describe how insufferable it is to check your place on a waitlist. Because of this, I have a few pieces of advice for you.
First, as you might have guessed, the lower the number, the higher your chances are of getting in. “Well, duh, Tiegan,” you say. “That’s, like, what a waitlist is. Tell me something I don’t know.” I’m sorry that I pointed out the obvious, but this is linked with a general tip: if you’re in the top five, you’ll probably get in. (It’s a general theory, so don’t hold me on that.)
Secondly, go wild with the waitlists! Your waitlisted classes might overlap, but at least it gives you time and opportunity to choose which class you prefer. Plus, you might get to experiment with classes you never expected to take. But hang on, slow down; don’t go too wild. Put some of those waitlists back. True, putting your name on the list is equal to getting your foot in the door, but remember some people do need the class more than you. Be considerate.
My third tip: stay on the waitlist. One of the first classes I wanted to take was already up to seven people on the list. My prospects were bleak, so I did the completely illogical thing and dropped the class before I even went to it. After realizing how that decision would affect the rest of my schedule, I signed up again. Luckily, some people dropped before class began and I got to sit comfortably in fifth place on the list.
My final tip is to attend the class while you can. To know that someone else has a better chance getting into a class you want but isn’t taking advantage of that opportunity is infuriating. Class isn’t about competition and it’s certainly not about negatively affecting your education, or someone else’s. If you’re not attending the class, why wait for it?
So, once you head to your waitlisted class at the beginning of the semester, don’t sweat your placement. It might not work out in your favour all the time, but next time, keep your priorities in order.