Incoming Freshman Advance Registration | University of Pennsylvania

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Prior to Advance Registration, incoming freshmen must have a discussion with their pre-major advisor about their academic interests and goals, and to plan a roster for their first semester.

After being removed from registration hold by their advisor, students may enter Advance Registration course requests using Penn InTouch. Penn InTouch requires a student to log on using their PennKey and password. Students who have difficulty using Penn InTouch should call the College Office, 215.898.6341.

The Course Search and Mock Schedule screens on Penn InTouch allow students to browse courses of interest and plan their schedule for the following semester. The Mock Schedule is available on the Registration screen, so that students may enter course requests using their planned schedule. It is also possible to enter course requests directly through the registration screen, without using the Course Search and Mock Schedule function.

First Semester Credit Limit

First semester freshmen are limited to 4.5 c.u. Hear more from the Dean of the College >>

The Registration Process

Registration at Penn occurs at two distinct times: Advance Registration and the Course Selection Period. Each period functions differently. Read more >>

Registration Holds

A registration hold may be placed on a student's record that will prevent the student from registering until action has been taken to resolve the issue. If students are unable to register using Penn InTouch, it is their responsibility to contact the College Office or other relevant office promptly to determine the cause of the problem and resolve it in a timely manner. Students may see what registration holds, if any, have been placed on their account by reading the messages on the front page of Penn InTouch.

Any of the following circumstances may prevent a student from accessing Penn InTouch and registering for courses:

A freshman or a first-semester sophomore has not seen their pre-major advisor to discuss registration. The student should make an appointment to do so immediately.
A second semester sophomore, a junior or a senior has not declared a major. The student should meet with the pre-major advisor or with an assistant dean for advising in the College Office.
A student has a past due balance on their student billing account. Contact Student Financial Services.
The Student Health Services office does not have up-to-date insurance and immunization records.

Other types of registration holds

Departmental hold: Certain departments require their majors to meet with a major advisor at points throughout their academic careers. The hold is removed by the department after the student has met with his or her major advisor.
Judicial hold: A judicial hold is the result of some judicial action or inquiry concerning the student. The student will be barred from registering until the hold is cleared and should contact the Office of Student Conduct for more information.

Important Details About Registration

The following points should be kept in mind during the registration process: Read more >>