Q: What’s the optimal time between when registration starts and when courses begin?

A: There is an ideal time span between brochure distribution and the start of
registration and classes. Ideally, registration should begin as soon as people
receive the brochure. If they have to wait, they may lose their inclination to
register. The brochure is most effective when distributed four to six weeks
before the first class meets for community and enrichment classes. . Brochures distributed less than three weeks before classes fare poorly. By this time participants may have their schedules
filled. Brochures delivered more than five or six  weeks before classes draw reduced
response rates. People often do not want to plan their personal calendars that
far in advance. One exception is for a trip or other major event. People often
want lots of advance planning time for events such as foreign travel and need
to receive information as much as six months in advance. A rule of thumb is
that the more time consuming and expensive an event, the more advance time is
appropriate.