Registration 101

Welcome!

During the first year, focus on 100 and 200 level classes as these are designed for first-year students. There are some 300-level classes that faculty have also deemed appropriate listed on the A&S Advising Canvas Course. Along with your first-year writing-requirement, you can explore a current interest, try something new, or follow your curiosity with a special First-Year Program. In Arts & Sciences, you create your own path!

So what's next? Here we've compiled a timeline and resources you may need to help you register for the fall.

Registration Timeline

May

  1. Activate your WUSTLKey and set up your WUSTL email.
  2. On Thursday, May 18 at 4pm (CT), sign up for any First-Year Programs you are interested in.

June

  1. In mid-June, we will email you with the name of your four-year advisor, instructions for completing your second Canvas Course, and your registration time. You can also find this information in WebSTAC.
  2. Complete the "A&S Advising Course" in Canvas.
    • You can find this course by logging into your account at mycanvas.wustl.edu.
    • This course is made up of modules that will walk you through the registration process, how to read course listings, and how to pick the best course schedule for your first semester.
  3. Browse course options in Course Listings.
  4. Find your first-year writing-requirement, College Writing, on WebSTAC, and browse theme options.
  5. Take any applicable placement exams.
  6. Complete your Registration Worksheets on WebSTAC and schedule a time to talk with your advisor.
  7. 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

  1. From July 18-20, register for your classes at the time you were assigned. 

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 Exams

Students interested in taking calculus, language classes, College Writing, or general chemistry at WashU may be required to take placement exams. Most of these 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 take the Online Chemistry Diagnostic Exam and complete the Chemistry Background Survey. For more information about this diagnostic exam, which will require your WUSTL Key for access, visit the department’s FAQ about General Chemistry Diagnostic Exam HERE. Questions about Chemistry should be directed to either Dr. Jia Luo or Dr. Megan Daschbach.

College Writing

If you need to take the Writing Placement Exam, you will be notified via email in late May with instructions about the online exam. The College Writing Program will notify you and your academic adviser 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 adviser about fall courses. Find information about College Writing Placement Exam HERE or visit the College Writing Program website to learn more. 

Computer Science

Access the Computer Sciences placement exam HERE. Pleae direct any questions to María Sanchez.

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. This year's placement class will be held Monday, August 21, 3 to 5 p.m. in Mertz Dance Studio, 207 Mallinckrodt Center (Main Level). Find more details about the event HERE

Languages

If you wish to continue your study of a langage, 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 adviser. Policies for credit vary by department. You do not need to take the on-campus 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 adviser about course registration. Find more information about language placement HERE

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 adviser and registering for classes. Learn more about the Calculus Placement Exam HERE. 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 HERE.

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 website HERE. 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
  • GenChem Prerequisites

    Learn about prerequisites for signing up for General Chemistry