Monash timetable help

[Chang Feng]

So after reading the guide on getting 1st preferences on allocate +, I'm still a little bit lost. So should we be putting our 1st prefernce as our desired one (and have no other preference clash it). Also should we be makin every other preference clash with abith t preference (does it matter about if lower ordered clashing high ordered preference and does it matter if lower ordered preference clash higher order of same unit)
Thanks

[Orson]

I have the same issue. My timetable will have clashes if I don't get my first preference for each class. Will Allocate+ fix this for me? Or will I have to manually change it when I receive it?

Thanks!

[ShortBlackChick]

Personally, as someone who has done allocate preferences for 4 years, I'm not sure there's a specific way of doing it. It always end up being random AF for me. I honestly think it's got to do with luck.

Some people say it works if you force clashes, ie. put in preferences that manually give you clashes such that allocate will automatically give you an non-clashing timetable, but I dont know how true that is.

I know that doesnt answer your questions, but I would just put in preferences in the order that I want them and hope for the best. I have the feeling if you end up having clashes you can email the timetabling person in your faculty and get them to fix it, anyway.

[keltingmeith]

As someone who has had some major clashes in 50% of his degree, take it from me:

Clashes aren't that big a deal.

Having said that, unless a clash is unavoidable (as mine were), then you should have a clash-free timetable. That's why we have allocate in the first place.

[Chang Feng]

Also another thing, does anyone know if allcoate +'s 1st priority is "clash free timetable" or "give highest ordered preference". If it was the 1st, then any preferences that have clash with another (irrespective of the preference number) would be no permitted

[Aaron]

I have the same issue. My timetable will have clashes if I don't get my first preference for each class. Will Allocate+ fix this for me? Or will I have to manually change it when I receive it?

Allocate+ will attempt to allocate you to your other preferences from 2nd down if you don't get your first preference. The only time which you'll need to manually change it during the first in first serve mode is when Allocate+ isn't able to allocate you to any of your listed preferences (due to a number of reasons - clashes, class at capacity, just to name a few..). By the time the sorting period is over, your timetable should be complete.

I would wait though - because even if you don't get your 1st preference or the one you actually want, ALOT of people change subjects, drop out or take leave for whatever reason which frees up spots in certain times. Only after census date is it really locked in.

If it turns out that you really wanted a certain time but didn't get into it, you can always show up to that class and ask if you can join. I'm sure if there's a spot available, they'll let you sit in.

Your preferences are independent of each other, meaning you will ONLY get one of them. Your timetable in the end should be fully complete with all your class times locked in. The whole idea of Allocate+ is to assign you a clash free timetable, whilst trying to give you your highest preference. It's a very complex algorithm to understand and get your head around.

But the overall result should be a complete timetable with no clashes (which may mean you might not be happy with some of your allocated preferences!). You will be very lucky if you get your first preference for every single subject.

[Chang Feng]

omg sorry for all the questions.
It has been said that on the forum that you shouldn't make any preferences clash with your 1st preference (as it will destroy you from getting that preference). Is it true?? like if you have a lower ordered preference clash will it affect 1st preference, cause due to the number of preference i have to make for some units, it is impossible to not clash with the 1st preference (for one of them at least).