Student registration for some of ESP's short-term programs (Splash, Spark and HSSP) uses a two-phase system. First, students select their class preferences and are assigned to classes through a lottery process. In the second phase, after the lottery results have come out, students can view classes that still have open slots and modify their schedule accordingly.
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FAQ
Q: How do I register?
A: Initially, you can sign up for classes using the lottery system. For every time slot that you plan to attend classes, you should designate the class that YOU (the student, not the parent) find the most interesting as a priority class. These priority classes should be your ideal schedule. Then, check off any classes that you find interesting and would like to attend; you may select as many interested classes as you would like, and we recommend selecting at least 5 per timeblock, as many classes fill up. The lottery will place you into as many of the classes you mark as priority/interested as possible. After the lottery results come out, you may view classes that still have open spots and add, remove, or change classes in your schedule accordingly.
Q: How does the lottery work?
A: The lottery attempts to get everyone into as many priority classes as possible. We estimate that most people will get into about a third of their priority classes. From there, the lottery fills in everyone’s schedules with other classes that they have checked off.
Q: Why is there a lottery system?
A: Splash has grown significantly in the past few years, and a lottery is the only fair way to ensure that everyone gets into as many of their preferred classes as possible. Doing a lottery for Spark as well makes our programs more consistent and reduces confusion.
Q: How many classes per time block should I check off?
A: This system does not guarantee that you will get a class in each time block. The more classes that you check off, the better chance you have of getting into a class in that time block.
Q: Do I have to pick a priority class in every time block? What if my priority classes conflict?
A: No, you don't have to pick a priority class for every time block. You can't pick priority classes that conflict..
Q: Can I change my classes after the lottery closes?
A: Absolutely! The second phase of registration, class changes, allows you to add and drop classes.
Q: What if I don’t get into any classes during a time block?
A: During the second phase of registration, class changes, you will be able to switch into any classes with open slots. Also, you can always go to a Walk-In Activity without registering for it; check the program's information page to find out where and when Walk-In Activities are.
Q: What if I don’t get into a class with my friends?
A: During the second phase of registration, class changes, you can switch into any class that has openings. At this point you could switch into a friend’s class if there is room.
Q: What if I REALLY want to take a particular class?
A: Designating a class as a priority class will put you into a lottery with everyone else who makes that class a priority class. We're sorry if you don’t get into a class that you really wanted; some popular classes don’t have room for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of other awesome classes. Also, by not getting into one priority class, you have a better chance of getting into the other priority classes that you have selected.
Q: Can I register for a class for a different grade level?
A: You can apply for a grade range exception here. You can only apply for up to 3 classes per program. You are not guaranteed to get into the classes you apply to.
Q: Should I register for classes during the lunch blocks?
A: The lottery system will ensure that you receive an hour off for lunch, so feel free to mark priority or alternate classes during both lunch blocks --- your schedule will include an empty slot for lunch regardless. However, if you want a class during both lunch blocks, you can add one during the class changes period.
The disclaimer: We DO NOT GUARANTEE that you get into any classes. We DO NOT GUARANTEE that you will get into any of your priority classes (it's possible that you won't, especially if you pick smaller and more popular classes for your priority classes), but we are using an algorithm that attempts to maximize happiness for students across the board.
The takeaway: Be open to taking classes you normally wouldn't have wanted to take! There are lots of cool classes - don't have your heart set on any one, as you can always find something interesting.
Last modified by shulinye on Nov. 06, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.