Hi Susan,
 
Unfortunately the answer to this question is not so straightforward. It really depends on the professor, the semester you’re taking it, the number of people on the waitlist, a multitude of things that are ultimately out of your control. You might consider emailing the professor to ask what their policy is for letting students into the class who are on the waitlist at the start of the term. If it doesn’t end up working out, you could email other professors of classes you might consider taking instead and asking what their policies are. Hopefully that will increase your chances of getting into at least one class for the specific term.
 
I hope it works out!
Owen, PMH Co-President