<p>I’m hoping some parents of Smithies can weigh in here. </p>
<p>My daughter, a first-year, has had trouble both semesters getting into the classes she needs. She is a biochemistry major. She has to take a lot of her science courses during her first two years in order to study abroad her junior year. Also, she has to register for upper level Spanish classes, one of the few first-years who must do so. </p>
<p>By the time she is able to register, after the upperclassmen, some of the classes she needs are full. She has been put on waiting-lists and is attending classes in hopes of eventually enrolling. Rumor has it the upperclassmen over-register then drop a class or two. If true, it seems like a frustrating and inefficient way to conduct registration.</p>
<p>Also, the professors don’t seem to order enough textbooks! The bookstore has run out of books for two classes this semester, and one last semester. </p>
<p>Are my daughter’s experiences typical or has she simply had a run of bad luck?</p>