Several of the department's degree programs require multiple years of upper division courses, for which the PHYS 16x Physics with Calculus sequence is a critical foundation. 

This means that difficulty accessing the PHYS 16x Physics with Calculus sequence can significantly impact a physics or geophysics major’s ultimate time to degree. 

This is further complicated by the fact that many students completing non-physics majors often wait until later in their degree path to take the PHYS 16x sequence, at which point they will have higher registration priority than early physics & geophysics majors.  

To alleviate this situation, the department may increase the priority of students in the following categories on PHYS 16x waitlists (categories listed in declining priority): declared Physics & Geophysics majors; Physics & Astronomy Interest students; declared Physics & Astronomy minors. Students in the same category will receive priority in order of their request/waitlist position.