<p>Specifically for freshman year - how hard is it to get the classes you want? I know registration starts at noon on July 11, but I’m going to be on an 14 hour flight until 5 PM. Does everyone rush and register at 12:01 PM or will stuff still be available later when I get back. For example, there’s a writing seminar I especially want and there’s only 1 of that topic being offered with 16 seats, how difficult would it be to get that?</p>
<p>Well you probably know that registration is split into 3 windows. It depends on what your assigned registration window is. Usually, if you don’t have the first registration window, you’d want to have a few backup courses that fit your schedule in your alternate bookbag so you can switch courses in/out on the fly. If you have a later registration window, be sure to check the number of seat left in the classes you want after each window opens. You can do so by click the “go to registration” link at the top of your bookbags in ACES.</p>
<p>Generally how fast a writing class (or any class) goes depends on who teaches it and the subject matter. The teachers who are known to be easygoing and good teachers will go first. Of course, it also somewhat depends on the interests of the registrants but to my experience, the quality of the instructors is very important and people have been known to completely reshuffle schedules (ie. take 8:30 classes) just to get a good teacher.</p>
<p>Do you have any suggestions for writing seminars (for good teachers or classes)?</p>
<p>I took Rebecca Vidra for Writing 20 Coral Reefs this semester. While it wasn’t the “joke class” that past students made it out to be, I found that her class definitely had less work. Overall, I liked it because it was very independent writing, no specific assigned topic, no teacher spoon feeding you suggestions, I found it refreshing. I don’t know if she’s teaching next fall but I know if she is, it won’t be another coral reef class. </p>
<p>I know it’s not much help, but you could always try ratemyprofessor.com, there are some good comments and information there.</p>