Q & A on the Drop/Add Period and Withdrawing from Classes

Despite the use of sophisticated computer programs, colleges and university students are often frustrated by the class scheduling process. If prerequisites are not open, or available class sections interfere with work or athletic commitments, students have to register for classes or instructors they dont want - just to fill their schedules. And then sometimes the classes just dont work out and the student faces a failing grade. Colleges have developed methods to address these problems. By allowing a student to change class selections at the start of a semester, they increase the likelihood that the student will thrive and succeed in each class. And by allowing a student to withdraw from a class they are at risk of failing, they help salvage the students grade point average (GPA). Every institution has its own policies, but the following will give an overview of the process. It will help students as they choose their first class schedules. It will also reassure parents by explaining the process and related terminology. # What Is the Drop/Add Period? It is also known as the Schedule Adjustment or Enrollment Change period. Students may add courses (space permitting) during this period. Any courses dropped during this period will not appear on the student's permanent record (transcript). The Drop/Add period is for a certain number of days. During this time, a student may drop or add classes without financial penalty, as long as he or she remains a full-time student (12 credit hours or more). The number of days varies by institution. The dates are openly published on the school calendar and are strictly upheld. # How Can I Withdraw from a Class Where I am Failing? You may withdraw from a course up until the course withdrawal deadline. This date is usually after the mid-term date. A "W" notation will appear on your transcript but it has no impact on your GPA. In many cases, taking a W (with the likelihood of repeating the class in the future) is better than failing a class. Depending upon your future educational plans, even a B could have a serious impact on your prospects, so an occasional W would be a good idea. Note: it is important that you formally withdraw, and not merely stop attending classes. There are serious things to consider before deciding to withdraw from a class after the Drop/Add period. # Will Withdrawing from a Class Affect My Class Designation? Unless you entered college with AP credits or have taken an above-average course load, a withdrawal could affect your class designation. For example, if it causes you to finish sophomore year with only 57 credits (versus the typical 60), that could affect your priority status for parking or housing lotteries. # Will Withdrawing from a Class Affect My Financial Aid? It depends upon the particulars of your aid package. In some cases you might need to repay part of the grants you received, in other cases your ongoing aid may be affected. Dropping below 12 credit hours could trigger a repayment situation for certain student loans. # Will Withdrawing from a Class Affect My Admission to Graduate or Professional School? Anecdotes exist in both directions on this. One or two W grades will probably not affect an otherwise successful scholastic history. Many more could make admissions officers wonder about your ability to get things done. That said, if health or family circumstances caused a high number of withdrawals, that should be explained in your application materials. The withdrawal option is there for your benefit, but it should be used sparingly and with wise counsel from professors or advisors.