how to drop a course in college

by Lori Koepp 5 min read

Log into your student account and go to the class registration area. Look for an "add/drop" tab. You'll see a list of your classes. Click on the "withdraw" option in the drop-down box. [2] Each institution has its own withdrawal process. Yours may not allow withdrawal this way.

Go to the counseling office and obtain a "drop form." Write your name, college ID or Social Security number on the form and the name and number of the course. Ask the course instructor to sign the form. Immediately, submit the drop form to the counseling office. Petition to withdraw from the college course.

Full Answer

When should you consider dropping a class in college?

  • Dissatisfaction with Course Grades. You might have been doing well in the class but received a low score on a test, which brought your grade down significantly, or the course ...
  • Medical Condition or Family Issue. Maybe you're going through a serious medical condition or family issue, which makes school a second priority.
  • Recovering Your Credits. ...

Is it bad to withdraw from a course in college?

While withdrawing from a course will preserve your GPA, excessive withdrawals (W‘s) will delay how long it takes you to complete your degree and may impact your financial aid. To remain in good academic standing, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA; otherwise you will be penalized.

What will dropping a class in college do?

“A drop from the course is usually done early in the semester and has no impact on the student’s grade, GPA or transcript,” Croskey says. However, students should be very aware of deadlines, financial aid requirements and course timelines before dropping a class. Each college has a different deadline after which students cannot drop a course.

How often do people drop a college class?

college dropout rate and other dropout statistics to answer the following questions:

  • How many students dropout of college every year?
  • Why do students dropout of college?
  • Does dropout rate vary by gender?
  • How much more does a college graduate make than a high school graduate?

How do I drop a class in college?

Dropping a class means that you have chosen to unenroll in that course. In order to officially drop a class, you often have to visit your academic counselor or the school office and fill out a form that may need to be signed by the teacher of that class.

Is it better to drop a class or fail in college?

Failing & Then Re-Taking a Class Croskey notes that dropping a class is better than withdrawing, but withdrawing is better than failing. “A failing grade will lower the student's GPA, which may prevent a student from participating in a particular major that has a GPA requirement,” Croskey says.

Is it okay to drop a class in college?

Throughout your college career, you may have to drop a class. Doing so is not frowned upon as there are many valid reasons as to why it would be the right decision. But, when you do choose to drop a class, it's best if you do so before the deadline and have chosen to do so after attempting other alternative solutions.

Is it smart to drop a class in college?

But before dropping a class in college, students should carefully consider their options. Changing your schedule during the semester can have major consequences on your transcript, financial aid, and graduation date.

Is it ever too late to drop a class in college?

Although the process for dropping a class varies by school, the adherence to strict deadlines is universal. If the deadline has passed, it is too late. Withdrawal deadlines are usually available in the school's academic calendar or on the registrar's website.

Do I have to pay back financial aid if I drop a class?

Federal regulations require you to repay a portion of financial aid funds if you withdraw from all classes before satisfying the 60 percent completion rule for the enrollment term. (See the current 60 percent dates for the financial aid award year.)

When should you drop a course?

5 Reasons You Can Drop a Course: The course isn't required for your degree, isn't relevant to your degree, or isn't an acceptable elective. You're too far behind in the syllabus and you can't fathom catching up. You bombed your first midterm and can't reasonably recover your grade. (Abort mission.

Is dropping a class the same as withdrawing?

Important Definitions. Course Drop: Removal of a course from your schedule prior to the end of the first week of class. Course Withdrawal: Any removal of a course from your schedule after the end of week one using the online form provided.

Will dropping a class affect my financial aid?

If you drop or withdraw from classes, you may jeopardize future eligibility for student aid (including loans). If your enrollment drops below half-time, your financial aid awards may be adjusted, and the grace period repayment of loans will begin.

How do you tell your professor you are withdrawing?

Tell them that you need to focus your efforts on fewer things especially your thesis as you find it challenging. Be polite and don't forget professors have heard it all before, they will understand or should do. Show activity on this post. Just tell him you are too busy.

What is a serious and compelling reason to drop a class?

Serious and Compelling Reasons An extended absence due to a death in the immediate family. This applies to absences exceeding a week due to family affairs that must be attended to by the student. A necessary change in employment status which interferes with the student's ability to attend class.

Does withdrawing from a class look bad on your transcript?

Withdrawing from a class means that the class will still show up on your transcript, but in place of a letter grade, you'll see a W. While this class doesn't affect your grade, it will still follow you through your academic career, so you should use your withdrawals wisely.