Introductory Seminars Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are faculty looking for in applicants?
  2. Can freshmen take “sophomore preference” courses?
  3. Can sophomores take “freshman preference” courses?
  4. Are transfer students eligible?
  5. Are upperclass students eligible
  6. How do I find out whether I’ve been admitted?
  7. I’ve been admitted to more than one course. Can I enroll in both?
  8. I am applying to several classes, but can’t decide how to rank them. Is it necessary to do so?
  9. If I enroll in an Autumn quarter Introductory Seminar, will it hurt my chances to take another seminar later?
  10. I didn’t get into any of the Introductory Seminars I applied for. Can I still enroll in one?
  11. I want to take a seminar to satisfy a GER or WR 2. Should I elect the CR / NC option if it’s available?
  12. Are there additional steps in applying for WR 2 courses?
  13. I won’t be returning to campus until after the deadline. How can I apply?
  14. What is the Sophomore Mentoring Program?
  15. Other questions?

What are faculty looking for in applicants?
Faculty seek an enthusiastic group of students who bring a variety of interests and perspectives to explore a topic together. They don’t expect students to come to an Introductory Seminar having previously studied the subject formally (the exception is prerequisites noted in individual course descriptions). The most successful applicants provide a few thoughtful, well-written paragraphs about the following:

  • What interests the student in the topic?
  • What particular questions, passions or perspectives will he or she bring to its study?
  • What prior experiences does he or she have in this area?

Can freshman take “sophomore preference” courses? 
Freshmen are admitted to sophomore-preference courses on a space-available basis, assuming that they meet all necessary prerequisites and obtain the consent of the instructor.

Can sophomores take “freshman preference” courses?
Sophomores are admitted to freshman-preference courses on a space-available basis, assuming that they meet all necessary prerequisites and obtain the consent of the instructor.

Are transfer students eligible?
First-year transfer students may apply to sophomore seminars with the same priority status as sophomores throughout their first three quarters at Stanford. You may also enroll in a freshman or sophomore seminar that has space available after the application deadline with the instructor’s consent. Check the list of classes with space available on the SIS website during the first week of classes.

Are upperclass students eligible?
Juniors and seniors may not apply in advance to Introductory Seminars. However, you may enroll in a seminar that has space available after the application deadline with the instructor’s consent. Check our list of classes with space available on the SIS website during the first week of classes.

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How do I find out whether I’ve been admitted?
Your application status will be posted on the SIS website as soon as it becomes available following the application deadline. See Application Status.

 

I’ve been admitted to more than one course. Can I enroll in both?
Students who are admitted to more than one course will automatically be accepted in their top choice and dropped from the class of lower preference. The exception to this is when space is available in both courses and enrolling in a second course doesn’t deprive anyone else of a spot.

I am applying to several classes, but can’t decide how to rank them. Is it necessary to do so?
Yes. If you do not rank your preferences, the decision about which one to take may be made for you. If students are admitted to more than one course, those who do not rank their classes will be randomly assigned to one of their choices.

If I enroll in an Autumn quarter Introductory Seminar, will it hurt my chances to take another seminar later?
Enrollment preference for Winter and Spring quarter courses is given to students who have not previously enrolled in an Introductory Seminar or in Sophomore College. In many instances, the large number of courses being offered will make it possible for students to enroll in another class.

I didn’t get into any of the Introductory Seminars I applied for. Can I still enroll in one?
Yes. A list of courses that still have available space will be posted on the SIS website during the first week of classes. You should attend the next meeting of any class with available space to indicate your interest in enrolling. You should also go back to your advisor to discuss other ways to pursue your interests.

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I want to take a seminar to satisfy a GER or the WR 2 requirement. Should I elect the CR / NC option if it’s available?
No. If you want an Introductory Seminar to count towards completion of a GER or WR 2 requirement, you must take it for a letter grade.

 

Are there additional steps in applying for WR 2 courses?
No. If you are admitted to a WR 2 seminar, your quarter assignment will be changed to that quarter if the initial assignment was different. That seminar will automatically be considered your first choice PWR section, if that is your assigned quarter. If it is your assigned quarter however, you should go ahead and rank the rest of your PWR 2 choices on the PWR website.

I won’t be returning to campus until after the deadline. How can I apply?
A sample application form is at the back of the annual catalogue. Send your application by the web, mail or fax: 

What is the Sophomore Mentoring Program?
Some faculty who have taught Freshman Seminars or Sophomore College volunteer to continue working formally advising their students during the students’ sophomore year. If your Freshman Seminar instructor volunteers to participate (and you have not declared a major), you will have an opportunity to sign up in May.

Other questions?
Contact Freshman and Sophomore Programs.

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