Waitlist FAQ and Troubleshooting Tips

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.