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. 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 online IS course catalog 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 online IS course catalog 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 at the online IS course catalog following the faculty review period. The program will attempt to enroll students accepted to an introsem so you may see the course on your study list. However, if this action places the study list into an over load status, the course will not be added; instead, students may add it on the first day of instruction for the quarter.

I’ve been admitted to more than one course. Can I enroll in both?
Students who are admitted to more than one course may be put on the waitlist in the class of lower preference, in order to offer admission for as many applicants as are waitlisted. 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?
As you submit your applications, the system will apply a rank. If you do not change these to your preferences, the decision about which one to take may be made for you. For example, please look at what may happen if you are admitted to more than one course, the FAQ above.

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 online IS course catalog 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.

Please check ExploreCourses for the university's authoritative reference on the GER or WR 2 options a course offers.

Are there additional steps in applying for WR 2 courses?
No.  If you are admitted to a WR 2 seminar,

  • your PWR2 quarter assignment will be changed to that quarter, if the initial assignment was different.
  • If the quarter is your assigned PWR2 quarter, the Introductory Seminar will become your first choice PWR section. You will be dropped from PWR 2 and enrolled in the WR 2 seminar.

Note: If you are applying to a WR 2 seminar for the same quarter in which you are assigned to take PWR 2, you are still required to also rank your PWR 2 choices for the quarter on the PWR website, in case you are not accepted to a WR 2 seminar.

I won’t have access to the web until after the deadline. How can I apply?
Contact us at introsems@stanford.edu as soon as possible. Let us know to which courses you wish to apply and we will send you the questions. You may then submit by the deadline, via--

590 Escondido Mall, 229B Sweet hall

Stanford, CA  94305-3069

  • Fax:  (650) 723-7099, Attention: Introductory Seminars

Other questions?
Contact Introductory Seminars.

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