Just heard from Frosh DS that the L3 French classes that he tested into are full! He was told that upperclassmen have
priority in the lottery. He contacted the Dept. Chair and was advised to show up at the first class tomorrow and if indeed he does want to be a part of this class he will need to petition. He as questions as to what this means. Does he continue to attend class and do the work until he hears? How long does this process take. Does anyone have experience with something like this?
Thanks!
Not to worry. Your son should attend the L3 French class that fits into his schedule until the end of shopping period (2 weeks) to find out if he made the lottery. If the French L3 sections are all full this semester, I’m sure Yale will offer them in the Spring term for student’s that were shut out. So, your son would get to choose another elective this semester, but not have that option next semester.
If he chooses a section that meets first thing in the morning, he’ll probably get in.
Heck, it will probably be almost like private tutoring. 
Ditto about the early morning class. My D is taking Korean this fall. The 10:30 class had 30 students. She is dropping back to the 9:25 which only has about 8.
My son could not get into the L3 class either and either the professor or or the department chair said the wait list was full. I sent him gibby’s reply nonetheless. There’s always next semester!
OT, but I love how 9:25 is considered first thing in the morning. 
Thanks for comments everyone. He attended L3 this morning (yes, the 9:25 classes are even full), turned in his petition and was notified this afternoon that “highly unlikely” would be able to enroll as Yale’s budget cuts would not allow the French Dept. to add additional classes even though they anticipated a large number of students. It was clear the French Dept. is not happy with the Provost to say the least! He was told he would have priority next semester. So now shopping for another class.