How to Get Off the Waitlist (and Into the Class)

Getting into a full class is basically a game of timing + persistence. Here are strategies that actually yield results before the first day, during week one and for online classes. For SMC specifics, the most important pages are Wait Lists & Open Seat Notification Lists, Spring Dates & Deadlines, and the Academic Calendar.

If you qualify for priority enrollment through an SMC program, you may get an earlier registration appointment (which is the easiest way to avoid “FULL” in the first place). See: SMC programs that offer priority enrollment.

1) Get “in line” ASAP (and be strategic)

First move: get on the wait system as soon as you can. At SMC, the rules matter, so read Wait Lists & Open Seat Notification Lists once so you understand what you can (and can’t) do.

• Join Open Seat Notification Lists for multiple sections (you can join as many notification lists as you want).
• When Wait Lists open (~2 weeks before the term), join the wait list immediately for the one section you want most.
• Don’t stop here—being “on the list” is step one, not the whole plan.

2) Before classes start: introduce yourself to the professor

If you can, meet the professor in person before the first day so they can put a name to a face. You’re not begging—you’re showing you’re serious and prepared.

• Best option: office hours (calm setting, they’re expecting questions).
• Also works: right after class, or at their office if allowed.
• Keep it short: who you are, that you’re waitlisted, and that you’ll attend day one.

3) Watch your email like a hawk (openings move fast)

People drop classes constantly right before the term starts. If the system emails you an opening, it can disappear fast—so be ready to enroll immediately.

• Turn on notifications for your school email.
• Check spam/junk.
• If you get an “open seat” email, enroll immediately.

4) Day one is a huge opportunity (no-shows get dropped)

Reality: a bunch of students don’t show up on the first day and get dropped. If you’re near the top of the waitlist and you show up early, you’re in the best position to get added.

• Show up early and stay the whole class.
• Be polite and prepared (name, student ID if relevant, section number).
• If they give add codes: being present matters.

5) Online classes: do the first assignment immediately

For online classes, many schools drop students who don’t complete the first required activity (assignment/discussion) by the deadline. If you get access, do the first task ASAP.

6) The three “drop waves” you’re waiting for

Most of the movement happens in predictable waves:

• Before day one: students change schedules.
• Day one / first meeting: no-shows get dropped.
• First-week requirements / payment deadlines: missed deadlines = drops.

Example: Math 7 (Calculus 1) — Spring 2026 (SMC)

Here’s a real-dated example using SMC’s Spring 2026 calendar & deadlines. Your exact enrollment appointment time varies based on the number of units you've completed—set a reminder for your enrollment appointment (it’s easy to forget). Check Corsair Connect for your assigned date/time.

7) If class is already in session: email for an add code

If the class has started, a short, respectful email can help—especially if you’ve been attending and keeping up.

8) Don’t lose faith if you’re not #1

Even if you’re #10–#20, you can still get in—people reshuffle schedules, find other professors, or miss the first day. Your job is to maximize your odds: get on the lists early, show up, and act fast when openings appear.

9) Backup sections + backup classes (use “high pass rate” backups)

Protect yourself: pick backup sections you’d actually take, and add a backup class so you don’t drop below unit minimums while you’re trying to add. For safer backup picks, use the following to find other transfer friendly professors:

→ Math 7 [Differential Calculus, Calculus 1]

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