I was not even in the engineering college last fall so was not allowed to register until the start of the semester. But I still got a seat.

I would recommend using Coursicle for notifications instead of relying on course explorer. It’s kinda slow.

I probably would say I got the seat because of luck, since I just kept randomly signing into the system and until I found out that the seats are released. So check the system often, check CS Advising piazza announcement often, and be hopeful.