Registration 101

Welcome Class of 2028!

Welcome to Registration 101, your starting point for registration for your first semester of classes as an Arts & Sciences student at Washington University! Here you will find two key items:

  • An overview of tasks to complete before July 9-11, when you will register for classes.
  • Placement Exam information.

In June, you will gain access to the “Arts & Sciences Advising Class of 2028” Canvas course, which will provide more detailed information. 

Registration Timeline

May

  • Activate your WUSTL Key, enroll in DUO two-factor authorization, and set up your WUSTL email. More information on setting up your WUSTL Key is available at the New Student site under “May 2024.”
  • On Thursday, May 16 at 4pm (CT), request enrollment for First-Year Programs that interest you. The College Office sends more information in early May to all students via email and to students in the contiguous United States via an information packet in the mail. 

June

  • By mid-June, you will receive an email from the College Office with the name of your four-year advisor. Once your advisor is assigned, you also will find their name in WebSTAC under “Academics” dragging down to “Advisors.” Your advisor also will email you by mid-June to introduce themselves and let you know how to make an appointment to meet virtually in June or early July. 
    • In your appointment, your advisor will get to know you, answer any questions, review your proposed schedule of courses for the fall, and ultimately approve you to register for classes. 
    • If you don’t hear from your advisor right away, don’t worry. Some advisors take vacation during part of the summer, and they will be available with plenty of time to meet before registration.
  • By mid-June, you also will receive access to the “Arts & Sciences Advising Class of 2028” Canvas course, which will prepare you to create a proposed schedule of courses for the fall and to meet with your advisor to review it. Students must complete all tasks in the Canvas course to be eligible to register for the fall semester.
    • Starting in early June, you can find this course by logging into your Canvas account, clicking “Login to MyCanvas,” and selecting “Accept” for the course at the top of the page. If you are new to Canvas, don’t worry! The first module in Canvas provides a guide on how to use Canvas.
    • The Canvas course contains modules that will walk you through how to pick the best course schedule for your first semester as well as how to register for courses. Over the first year, the Canvas course will continue to provide timely information as you progress on your academic journey.
    • While you wait for the "Arts & Sciences Advising” Canvas course to launch, you can take any applicable placement exams and browse fall-semester courses in Course Listings. Rest assured you will receive guidance on how to view and select courses in the Canvas course.
  • Meet with your four-year advisor online at the scheduled time. 
    • Remember: You must meet with your advisor before you will be allowed to register.

July

  • If you have not done so, complete all readings and tasks in the “Arts & Sciences Advising Class of 2028” Canvas course, complete any necessary Placement Exams, and meet with your advisor for approval to register.
  • On July 9, 10, or 11, register for your classes starting on the day and time assigned. Once registration days and times are assigned, you can find them at WebSTAC under “Courses and Registration” dragging down to “Registration.”

WUSTL Key

You MUST have activated your WUSTL Key to register. An email was sent to you with instructions on how to activate your WUSTL Key. If you have not received this email, please contact the University Registrar’s office by email, or call them at 314-935-5959.

Email University Registrar

Placement and Diagnostic Exams

Most of placement exams can and should be taken online during the summer.

Placement Testing Accommodations for Disabled Students

Students who need testing accommodations on placement exams due to a disability must submit their request to Disability Resources by completing a New Student Application, along with any necessary documentation. When accommodations are supported, Disability Resources will generate a verification letter students may provide the placement test coordinator.

Chemistry

All first-year students registering for Principles of General Chemistry I (Chemistry 105) or General Chemistry I (Chemistry 111A) in the fall are expected to complete two items:

Please note the Chemistry background survey is now closed. If you need recommendations on placement recommendations please reach out to the contacts below.

For more information about this diagnostic exam, visit the department’s FAQ about General Chemistry Diagnostic Exam. Your WUSTL Key is required for access. Questions about Chemistry should be directed to either Dr. Jia Luo or Dr. Megan Daschbach.

College Writing

All Arts & Sciences students take College Writing in their first year, and the College Writing Program will assign students to take the course in the fall or the spring. Students must register accordingly. 

All students must complete a Writing Placement Essay in May-June before receiving their placement for College Writing. You will receive an e-mail in May with an invitation to complete your Writing Placement Essay and Self-Assessment Survey via Canvas.

The College Writing Program will notify you and your academic advisor of your placement via email one to two weeks after you complete the exam. It is important you complete this before you speak with your academic advisor about fall courses. Find information about College Writing Placement Exam or visit the College Writing Program website to learn more. 

Computer Science

Learn more about Computer Science Placement and access the Computer Science Placement Exam. Please direct any questions to Cody Copeland.

Dance

All new students with interest in dance at WashU are strongly encouraged to attend the Dance Placement Class. Please keep in mind that this class is not an “audition” for admission to the program, but a chance for students new to dance at WashU to meet dance faculty, dance majors, and learn information about program curriculum, events and performance opportunities. The class format is informal, including a short ballet barre, followed by modern and jazz combinations to determine appropriate entry level to these course sequences. No signup or preparation required. Find more details about this year's Dance Placement event. 

Languages

If you started and wish to continue study of a language, you must take a Language Placement Exam. You will then be placed in the appropriate level class based on your placement score, previous study of the language, as well as recommendations from your four-year advisor. Policies for credit vary by department.

You do not need to take the Language Placement Exam if you do not wish to study a language, or if you will be starting a new language.

Students must register online to take a Language Placement Exam, which should be taken prior to speaking to your academic advisor about course registration.

Calculus

The Mathematics Department provides a placement exam for all students taking calculus. We ask that all students who are planning to take a calculus course during their time at WashU take this test online. If you plan to take calculus this fall, be sure to take the Placement Exam prior to talking to your advisor and registering for classes. Learn more about the Calculus Placement Exam. Questions about Mathematics should be directed either to Dr. Silas Johnson or to Dr. Blake Thornton.

Music

The Department of Music is happy to welcome all students, regardless of year or major, to continue to pursue their interest in music during their time at WashU.  Auditions for music ensembles–such as the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, and Wind Ensemble–take place during the first week of the semester. Students can learn more about Ensemble Audition Requirements and sign up for a placement audition.

The Department also offers private instruction in a wide variety of instruments including voice. Students interested in private lessons should register for the appropriate pre-registration course on WebSTAC, and sign up for a placement appointment to meet with a member of our faculty during the first week of the semester. For information on music lesson registration, visit the Music website. Questions about Music Auditions and Lesson Placements can be directed to Jamie Perkins.

 

 

 

 

Registration Resources & Policies

  • Course Listings

    A list of all courses offered at WashU each semester
  • WebSTAC

    Where you'll find your grades, registration time, advisor's name, and where you'll register for classes
  • Canvas

    Where you'll find the "A&S Advising Course" to help you register
  • First-Year Programs

    Browse special program and course offerings only open to first-year students
  • AP Credit Policies

    Check to see if your AP exam scores can earn you WashU credit.
  • IB Credit Policies

    Check to see if your IB exam scores can earn you WashU credit.
  • Disability Resources and Certification

    If you have a disability - or suspect you have one - you should reach out to the staff at Disability Resources to discuss certification
  • College Writing

    Learn more about the one required course for your first year and the different themes available
  • PreHealth at WashU

    Interested in preparing for a career in healthcare? Learn more about our course recommendations and advising program
  • General Chemistry

    More information on the General Chemistry sequence (111A/112A)
  • Principles of General Chemistry

    More information on the Principles of General Chemistry sequence (Chem 105/106)