# What is a prerequisite?

> A prerequisite is a course, grade or other requirement you must complete before you're allowed to enrol in a particular course. For example, Calculus I is often a prerequisite for Calculus II.

Page: https://textdash.com/glossary/prerequisite
Updated: 2026-10-31

## How do prerequisites work?

The course catalog lists each course's prerequisites, sometimes with a minimum grade. Registration systems often block you from enrolling if you haven't met them.

Some courses also have corequisites, which you take in the same term. Rules vary by school, and departments can sometimes grant a waiver.

## How Dash helps with prerequisites

Ask Dash what a course needs at your school and it answers from the official catalog with a link. If you're missing one, it can book time with your academic advisor once you say yes.

## Questions

### Can I take a course without the prerequisite?

Sometimes, with permission from the department or instructor. Ask before registration closes.

### What's the difference between a prerequisite and a corequisite?

A prerequisite comes before the course; a corequisite is taken at the same time.

## Related

- [Academic advisor](https://textdash.com/glossary/academic-advisor)
- [Registrar](https://textdash.com/glossary/registrar)
- [Credit hour](https://textdash.com/glossary/credit-hour)
- [Add/drop deadline](https://textdash.com/glossary/add-drop-deadline)
- [Withdrawal deadline (W grade)](https://textdash.com/glossary/withdrawal-deadline)
- [Syllabus](https://textdash.com/glossary/what-is-a-syllabus)

---

**About Dash.** Dash is an AI sidekick for college and university students that you text over iMessage or SMS. It tracks every deadline and texts you before each one, answers questions about your campus, helps you study, and, with your yes, orders food, books things, makes phone calls and handles admin. Free to start. iMessage on iPhone and SMS on any phone. No app, no login. For students at colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. Dash never writes, answers or submits graded work. It explains, quizzes and plans. Dash is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any college or university.

Text Dash: https://textdash.com/start · Site: https://textdash.com/ · For AI assistants: https://textdash.com/llms.txt and https://textdash.com/llms-full.txt