The CS department is piloting a preregistration system, the Match. The goal of the Match is to help all students who want to take a CS class do so, while reducing waitlist churn and uncertainty. The Match enables students to indicate their preferences for courses prior to advising and registration, and students are then matched to a maximum of one CS course based on their preferences. The Match gives students priority based on seniority (with tie-breaking) and matches each student to the course that they ranked highest that has spots available.
The preregistration match system applies only to courses numbered CS202 and above; CS111 and CS201 follow the typical registration system, and both courses usually have sophomore priority non-sophomore priority sections. All students who are eligible to register for a course numbered CS202 or above will receive an email during the term with a link to a form that they must fill out to participate in the match.
The Basics:
What’s the timeline for the Match?
Students receive an email about the Match several weeks before advising days begins. This email contains a link to a form that students must complete in order to participate. This form is typically due by the Monday before advising days begins; changes to the college timeline for publishing the schedule of classes each term may influence the Match timeline. Students will be informed about their match by the beginning of advising days so that they can discuss the information with their advisor.
Who can participate in the Match?
All students who have taken the prerequisite(s) for a course numbered CS202 or above can participate. We welcome and encourage everyone who wishes to take a course numbered CS202 or above in the following term to fill out the Match form; the Match does not differentiate between those who are CS majors and those who are not.
What if a student needs an exception to the match process, such as needing to take multiple CS courses to stay on track for graduation?
We recognize that there may be exceptional cases where a student would like us to consider matching them to multiple courses or making an exception to their priority. Typically, this is only done for cases where not doing so might jeopardize the student’s ability to graduate in 12 terms. Any student who believes they need an exception should email their request for the exception, including precisely what their request is and an explanation for that request, to cs-preregistration-petitions.group@carleton.edu.
What if I have a question that isn’t answered in the FAQ?
We want all students to be able to take the courses they want, and we’re happy to help you if you have any questions about the Match or registering for CS classes! Please email us at cs-preregistration-petitions.group@carleton.edu. A faculty member will get back to you.