Q: What is a HOLD FILE?
-- Waitlists are updated only once daily. Even if 400 people drop a class at 10AM, you will not see the update on Waitlists until 7:30 AM the next day.
Q: I’M ON ACADEMIC PROBATION – HOW DOES THAT AFFECT ME?
MORE WAITLIST INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE:
https://www.registrar.umd.edu/current/registration/waitlist.html
A: HOLDFILES are a “Waitlist for Waitlists.” Holdfiles "protect" classes for incoming students. To be sure new students have something left to choose from, the University does not "release" at the same time all the seats it has available in popular classes.
Usually, students placed high on Waitlists get the classes they want, provided the "ratio" of seats available to waitlist is good. In other words, a HIST 200 class with 150 students and #15 on the HOLDFILE is a better bet than an Art Studio class of 25 that has 37 on the HOLDFILE. Students will be moving their schedules around. As soon as they drop a class, the next person on the Waitlist gets in – so you might even get your desired schedule before classes begin.
NOTE: Virtually everyone who wants one, will get a MATH class. The Math department has a sophisticated enrollment management system – do not be discouraged by closed courses! Add yourself to the needed Waitlists.
Q: How do I add myself to a Waitlist?
If you try to register for a class, and the computer says “NO OPEN SECTIONS”, you need to find a specific closed section that fits with the rest of your schedule. When you do, type in that specific section number, then add it. There are video tutorials on Testudo.
Beware: You can waitlist up to 6 sections of one course. Only add yourself to sections you would take, if you got them. If you decide not to take the one offered when it comes, it’ll drop you from all 6 and you have to start all over again!
RELATED QUESTION: Can I be on the Waitlist AND in a (less-desirable) section of the same course??
- No, you can only be on one or the other; sorry :(
Q: HOW DO I TAKE MYSELF OFF A WAITLIST?
Go to Waitlist Check-in to DROP the sections/classes you no longer want. http://www.testudo.umd.edu/
There are probably several students who will be your friend for life because they can now move up the list. On their behalf: thank you :)
Q: Okay, I’M ON A WAITLIST, WAITING. Now what do I do?
-- There will be movement on the Waitlist - students will still be adjusting their schedules throughout winter break. There will be TONS of movement on the first day of classes. Sometimes, you'll go directly from the Waitlist into the class! If so, you will see “AW” on your “Unofficial Transcript.”
-- Check TESTUDO here: http://www.testudo.umd.edu/ and go to “Waitlist Check-in.” The course isn’t formally added to your schedule until the system “knows” you’re aware it’s been added.-- Waitlists are updated only once daily. Even if 400 people drop a class at 10AM, you will not see the update on Waitlists until 7:30 AM the next day.
REMINDER: When "confirming" classes off the Waitlist, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.
-- The computer will ask you if you want the course: "You got the course. Click here if you want it." Then: "To CONFIRM this course, click here."
-- After "confirming" your class off the Waitlist, print a copy of your "Student Schedule" to be sure you have done what you intended to do. If it doesn't match up – go back in to make adjustments.
Patience is usually rewarded. However, if you have not received a class by the end of the first week of classes, it's best to go with a back-up choice. Beginning a new class after missing 2-3 lectures is usually not advisable.
Q: I’M ON ACADEMIC PROBATION – HOW DOES THAT AFFECT ME?
-- If you are Waitlisting one or more classes, please e-mail me ASAP with your name, UID, and the course(s) you are waiting for. When students are on Probation, each ADD and DROP must be approved on a course-by-course basis. If you e-mail me in advance, I can put the approvals into the computer ahead of time.
Remember: The last day of Schedule Adjustment (aka Add/Drop) is February 5, 2021.
https://www.registrar.umd.edu/current/registration/waitlist.html