You asked:

Is it too late for me to drop a course? I seriously want out of this one class.

All college students have taken at least one class they really wish they had skipped. I have two this semester. Most colleges have an add/drop period near the beginning of the semester when students can adjust their class schedules. (Be sure to check your school’s tuition refund policy, as this could cost you, even if it’s just in registration fees.) In most cases, this period ends after the first few weeks so professors can finalize their rosters.

If a class is really terrible and you feel you’re wasting your time, it might be possible to withdraw from a class after the add/drop period has ended. The best place to find out if this is an option is your registrar's office or Web site. In my experience, withdrawing from a class does not remove it from your transcript. You simply receive a grade of “W” and don't get any credit for the class. It neither adds nor detracts from your GPA, and you can take the class again -- with a different professor, hopefully -- if you need it for your major.

It's important to weigh the benefits of leaving versus sticking it out until the end of the semester. If you've already done the bulk of the course work, getting no grade for the class can sting a little. If getting out of this one class will put you below full-time student status, you may have a problem. And let’s not forget the money you’ve wasted on a class for which you won’t get any credit. (It’s highly unlikely you’ll get any refund for a class dropped well into the semester.) Just the same, if a class is really distracting you from giving adequate attention to your other course work, it could be time to cut your losses and try again later.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

TALK IT UP

Have a better answer? Share it here.