Introductory Seminars Application FAQs

introsems@stanford.edu

1. How can I tell if a course is accepting applications?
2. When I look at a course’s description, I don’t see a button marked ‘Apply.’
3. I changed my mind about which course is my first choice. What do I do?
4. How do I ‘submit’ my application?
5. The posting date has arrived and my application says ‘unreviewed.’ What should I do?
6. Where did my old applications go?
7. Why is my COHORT wrong?
8. If you don't find the answer, please email introsems@stanford.edu

How can I tell if a course is accepting applications?

At MANAGE YOUR SIS INTRODUCTORY SEMINARS website, students have a catalog view. The courses marked with a blue asterisk are receiving applications. When you click on a course title, you will see detailed course information and a button marked ‘Apply.’

The application period begins August 2, 2011 for all quarters, up to the quarterly deadlines (see below). Students will not be able to submit applications during the faculty review periods (quaterly deadline to posting date). Return to http://vcais.stanford.edu to view your application status.

• Autumn Quarter: Sep 6, 2011 - 5:00pm; application status posted: Sep 16
• Winter Quarter: Nov. 29, 2011 - 5:00pm; application status posted: Dec 12
• Spring Quarter: Mar 5, 2012 - 5:00pm; application status posted: March 16

When I look at a course’s description, I don’t see a button marked ‘Apply.’

• Check the quarter for the course, the deadline may have passed.
• If you know this is not the case, you may already have submitted three (maximum) applications for the quarter.
• Once you have three applications per quarter or nine for the year, you cannot submit any more. You must delete one application in order to submit another.

I changed my mind about which course is my first choice. What do I do?

• By default, the first application you submit is ranked as your first choice; the second as your second choice; and the third as your third choice.
• You may re-rank applications as you please once you have submitted more than one and before the quarterly deadline.

How do I ‘submit’ my application?

• The Save button also acts as a ‘submit’ button. Once the deadline has passed, your saved applications become viewable to faculty. Even if you haven't had a chance to fine tune it, you will not miss out on having your application considered for the course.
• You can re-rank and revise applications up to the quarterly deadline.
• After the quarterly deadline, you can view your applications, but you can no longer edit them.

The posting date has arrived and my application says ‘unreviewed.’ What should I do?  

After the faculty review period, if your status is 'unreviewed' or is not posted on the web by the first day of class, please attend the first class meetings so you will remain on the interested applicants list.  

Where did my old applications go?

• After the deadline has passed, you can view but no longer edit them.
• About six weeks after the quarterly deadline, you will no longer be able to access your old applications.
• So if you are delighted with an application essay and wish to save it for posterity, you must save a copy before they are deleted.

Why is my COHORT wrong?

In AXESS, Freshmen class number is 10, Sophomore 20, Juniors 30 and Seniors 40. The system looks at accumulated number of units toward graduation (first class number) AND at the first year you began matriculating (second class number). If the resulting class numbers are different, the database system will display the value of the lower class number. For example, brand new students with no completed units on their records, will show as "FRESHMAN"; but once AP units are credited to student records, they may actually qualify as Sophomore but the FRESHMAN (lower number) value will prevail. Sophomores who have not earned at least 45 units by the start of their fourth quarter may see their cohort displaying as "Freshman" which can be unwanted when applying for Sophomore Preference courses. Please do not hesitate to contact us about this and SIS will enter a notation to the instructor.