Office of 1st/2nd Year Studies - Colorado College

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The Point System for Bidding on Courses at Pre-registration

 

  • Students pre-register for the following year's courses during the Spring semester. Each student receives 10 points per block and a total of 80 points to bid on their courses during pre-registration. Every student has the same number of points to work with. This allows every student to have the same chance to bid on a course. If the number of points bid on a course does not lead to the enrollment of the student in the class, the student will be placed on the waiting list for the class. Things to remember about the point system and pre-registration:

  • There are over 10,000 course changes at Colorado College every academic year. This means that there is a lot of change in class enrollments. Students will sign up for multiple waiting lists over eight blocks. As students add and drop courses, students on waiting lists are called by the Registrar and asked to come in and add a course, usually within 48 hours.
  • Courses offered in the second semester are usually easier to get into than courses offered during the first semester.

  • Students should have the appropriate prerequisite for the desired course. More importantly, courses with prerequisites have fewer students competing for available places.

  • The best advise about the assigning of points to a particular course selection is available from a student's peers. You are encouraged to talk to other students and the resident advisor in the dorm. Students should also consult with the instructor.

  • Beginning science courses are high demand courses; they require a lot of points.

  • All-College requirements such as West in Time and Diverse Cultures courses are usually in high demand.

  • Some professors are in high demand; again, lots of points will be needed.

  • Multiple block courses will allow students to put points on fewer courses over the eight blocks; this allows the student to gain an advantage in course distribution over eight blocks. Example: a student uses 80 points on 6 courses instead of 80 points for 8 block courses.

  • Advanced courses in a major usually require fewer points. The courses are aimed at majors (a finite number), usually require prerequisites, and have less students competing for a spot.

  • Note how many times the course is taught during the academic year. A student's opportunity to get in a class is enhanced if the course is offered many times during the year.

  • Students need to set priorities. If you really want a course in high demand, you must decide whether or not you should use most of the points for the course and take your chances on the other blocks. Prioritize the courses which you have selected, identifying the courses you "absolutely" have to take versus those which are less important for your course schedule. The allocation of points for the proposed schedule would then follow this priority list.

  • The Registrar's office is willing to answer questions about courses and a student's schedule if any arise.