Pre-registration for 300-level biology classes (not intensives) is handled through a lottery system. The Biology Department uses a lottery process to assign students to 300-level biology classes (designated CLS) in the most equitable manner possible, according to students’ needs and interests. Any student wishing to take a Fall 2026 300-level biology CLS class must go through the “lottery” process to register. See this page for a listing of the classes that use this lottery.
The application to participate in the lottery is due no later than Friday, April 17 at 11:59pm EST.
This application is NOT first come, first served. We won’t start sorting through applications, assigning draw numbers, etc., until after the deadline so please only submit your application when you are ready. In particular, pay attention to other courses you need to take and avoid requesting 300-level biology classes that conflict with those other courses.
After the application deadline, the department will randomly assign each applicant a draw number. In Round 1 of the lottery, rising seniors who need to take a class will be entered into their first class by draw number; ordinarily, students will be placed into the highest ranked course on their list that still has a seat available. In Round 2, rising seniors needing to take a second class will be assigned to a second class according to a second randomly assigned draw number. Because we need to ensure that every rising senior has met their major requirements, placement into seminars may deviate from draw order and/or rank preferences. In Round 3, rising seniors and then rising juniors wishing to take a class will be placed into the highest ranked class on their list that still has a seat available.
All applicants for the lottery will be notified of the lottery results on the afternoon of Monday, April 20th. If you have gotten a spot in a class, we will register you for the class directly so please do not request them through the pre-reg system.
Please complete the application form below fully and accurately. Inaccurate information about pre-requisites taken will result in the dropping of a student from a course. Note, students may only take a maximum of three Vassar 300-level biology classes (CLS) (exception=courses transferred from JYA). If you have any questions about the form or the lottery process, please contact Dr. Kennell (jekennell@vassar.edu).