<p>I think it is common to be on some wait lists. You should have some time (not sure but maybe weeks before dropping out of a class). Check the academic calendar for drop dates before a penalty kicks in. If you find out first week of class that you have gotten into the wait listed class, you can then drop out of the class you signed up for. I definitely remember S was in a couple of wait lists. He got into a waitlisted class in the spring semester and then dropped the one he originally registered for.</p>