To add a CI-H/HW subject, follow the instructions on our waitlists page. You may also contact the instructor of the subject to express interest.

What you need to know

You can use the subject selector tool to register for CI‑H/HW subjects that have limited enrollments. For continuing students, the subject selector is part of pre-registration. For first-year and new transfer students, it is part of registration.

The subject selector allows you to choose up to two primary CI‑H/HW subjects, along with two alternatives for each. You will be informed of the outcome of your requests when student schedules are published, the week before classes start.

Once the selector closes, but before schedules are published, you may add yourself to a waitlist. Instructors use these waitlists after Registration Day to offer spots in CI-H/HW and other limited-enrollment subjects.

Some key points to remember:

  • Priority groups for students on waitlists for CI‑HW subjects are based on your year, if you are “CI‑HW Required,” and whether you have completed a CI‑HW subject.
  • Students who join a waitlist for CI‑H subjects are given equal priority.
  • Students who add themselves to waitlists after the CI‑H/HW deadline will be placed below all other priority groups.
  • If you are a student returning from leave and have missed the subject selector deadline, please email commreq@mit.edu.

What you need to do

Continuing students

You can add CI‑H and CI‑HW subjects until the first pre-registration deadline. Between that time and the close of pre-registration, you can delete subjects or request to be added to the waitlist for a new CI‑H/HW subject. You will not be able to modify existing selections or add new CI‑H/HW subjects.

  • During pre-registration, enter all of your subject preferences and click “Submit Subjects.”
  • If any of your selections are CI‑H or CI‑HW subjects, you will be prompted to click the “CI‑H/HW Subject Selector” button.
  • In the subject selector, record your preferences, along with up to two alternatives for each.
  • Indicate whether you want to be added to the waitlist if you are not admitted to the class.
  • Click “Save & Continue” to return to pre-registration.
  • Review your selections and click “Submit Pre-Registration.”

Incoming first-year and new transfer students

In the fall, incoming first-year and transfer students will access the subject selector when they register online. New students in the spring term may add themselves to waitlists.

  • Register for classes.
  • When you add a CI‑H or CI‑HW subject to your registration, you will be prompted to click the “CI‑H/HW Subject Selector” button.
  • In the subject selector, record your choices along with up to two alternatives for each.
  • Indicate whether you want to be added to the waitlist if you are not admitted to the class.
  • Click “Save & Continue” to return to your online registration form.
  • Complete and submit your registration.