Slots in introductory English seminars are especially hard to come by this semester.

Nearly 300 students were turned away from introductory English courses (English 114-130) by the computer lottery — a significant increase from last year, said Amy Hungerford, director of undergraduate studies in the English department. But she said some of these applicants would find slots that open up during shopping period. She added that some students hurt their chances by applying for only one or two sections in their applications, though many students who were more flexible were also denied.

“When students list only the two most popular sections of a given course, they are far less likely to get an assignment,” she said.

Yale College considers English 114 a high priority for freshmen who want to take it, Hungerford said, so the English department added another section this week, entitled “Censorship in the Arts.”