Waitlist FAQ and Troubleshooting Tips

What is a waitlist?

Waitlist is a feature for course registration in CUNYfirst. If a class is filled, you can add yourself to the waitlist in CUNYfirst. Then, you don’t have to check all the time to see if a seat opens up; the system will enroll you automatically from the waitlist.

How do I know if a class has a waitlist?

First, make sure to do your class search with the Show Open Classes Only box unchecked. The classes with a waitlist have a yellow triangle icon toward the right-hand side. They can be selected and added to your shopping cart.

How do I get onto a waitlist?

It is a lot like normal registration. However, before you add the class to your shopping cart, make sure you’ve checked the Wait List if Class is Full checkbox. This box is very small, so watch carefully. Note that you can only waitlist for one section of a class.

I am in one class and don’t want to lose my seat, but I really would prefer another class. How can I use waitlist to help?

This is one of the advantages of the waitlist. First, do a swap in CUNYfirst. Select the class you are currently scheduled to take from the Swap This Class menu. Then enter the class you really want instead in the With This Class area. Don’t forget to check the small Wait List if Class is Full checkbox.

Next, CUNYfirst will wait for a seat to open up in your preferred class. When your turn comes up, the system will enroll you and simultaneously drop you from the other class. In the meantime (or if you never make it to the top of the waitlist), your seat in the original class is safe.

I am on the waitlist. Now what?

Check CUNYfirst often to see if you have been enrolled. Throughout the day, CUNYfirst will look for classes that have an open seat. It will run a process (called auto enrollment) that selects the next eligible student and enrolls him or her into the class. As students drop the class, the system will not let other students jump ahead of you and other waitlisted students.

I have been on a waitlist and the start of the term is approaching. Will I remain on the waitlist throughout the add/drop period?

You will remain on the waitlist throughout the add/drop period. All waitlists will be closed on the last day to add a course. Note that any registration that occurs once the semester begins will incur late fees. Refer to our academic calendar for the waitlist deadline.

Will I be notified when I am auto-enrolled from the waitlist?

Yes, you will receive an e-mail in the e-mail account listed in your WebCentral account.

What are the chances that I will be auto-enrolled from the waitlist?

Using the waitlist is an excellent strategy to improve your schedule. It might help you to get classes that you want or need. However, there is always the chance that your schedule will stay the same if students don’t drop your desired class(es). It is always good to have a Plan B.

How do I know what position I am on the waitlist and how many students are ahead of me?

The system will tell you your position when you join the waitlist. After that, you can check your position by viewing My Class Schedule in your student center. You will be able to see all courses you are waiting for along with your corresponding position on the waitlist.

I am on a waitlist for a class, but I don’t need it anymore. How do I leave the waitlist? I don’t want to be enrolled by accident.

This is easy. Just go into CUNYfirst and request a Drop. You will be able to drop yourself from the waitlist just like you would drop from a regular class.

Am I charged tuition for being on a waitlist?

No, you are not charged while waiting. Of course, you will be required to pay the tuition and fees for any classes that are auto-enrolled. Be sure to monitor your CUNYfirst account frequently so that you don’t miss any important payment due dates.

Troubleshooting Questions

The system won’t let me waitlist for a class. Why?

The following issues will prevent you from getting onto the waitlist:

  • You don’t have the necessary prerequisite or corequisite course(s) or meet the restriction (e.g., certain major/plan codes, junior/senior standing, etc.).
  • You have a negative service indicator (hold) at Brooklyn College, which affects your ability to enroll.
  • You need to wait until your enrollment appointment date and time.
  • You are limited to waitlisting for nine credits at a time.

I am on the waitlist, but I think the system is skipping me. Why am I not being auto-enrolled into the class?

You will not be auto-enrolled in the class if you have any of the following issues. You will be auto-enrolled only if these issues are resolved.

  • The class would have a time conflict with one of your other classes.
  • This class would put you over your allowable credits.
  • You are already enrolled in another section of the same course. You might want to use the Swap feature. This is a good strategy if you want to remain in one section but are hoping to be enrolled into another one.
  • Some of the available seats are reserved for a specific and dedicated group of students.
  • You have previously completed the course or received transfer credit for the equivalent course at Brooklyn College.
  • You have a negative service indicator (hold), which affects your ability to enroll.
  • You don’t have the necessary prerequisite or corequisite course(s) or meet the restriction (e.g., certain major/plan codes, junior/senior standing, etc.).

If I have questions regarding issues with the waitlist, who can I contact for assistance?

Please direct all waitlist inquiries via e-mail.

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