How to Drop a Class

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Maybe you signed up for a class that’s harder than you expected, or you’re just struggling to keep your eyes open during your professor’s lectures. Whatever the reason, sometimes dropping a class is the right thing to do for your GPA (and your sanity). This article will walk you through how to drop a class step-by-step, plus offer some tips on how to make sure withdrawing doesn’t negatively affect your grades or finances.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Withdrawing from the Class

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    The deadline to withdraw is typically set three quarters of the way through the semester For a full semester, 12-week class, the withdrawal deadline will be around week eight. If the deadline has passed, you will have to stick with the class and receive a letter grade. Check your school's website or administrative offices for the official deadline. [1]
    • Early on in the semester, before the term or the class itself begins, you can drop a class instead of withdrawing. Dropped classes don't show up on your transcript and can be replaced with other classes.
    • Drop the class before the deadline, and if you are having doubts in enrollment, then just drop the class and forget about it. If the withdrawal deadline has passed, you may be able to attempt a late withdrawal. This must be done through the registrar's office. You will most likely not succeed with this unless you withdraw because of military service or medical issues.
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    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.
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    If online withdrawal isn't an option, you will have to speak to someone. Go in person to the registrar's office to get a class withdrawal sheet. Some institutions also accept withdrawals through email. Look on your school's website for an email address for the registrar's office or the academic advisor's office.
    • When in doubt, contact an academic advisor. They can help you submit the proper forms.
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    What you need to submit depends on your school. You will need your name, student ID number, and the name of your class. You may also need explain why you are withdrawing or get a signature from your teacher or advisor.
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    Submit the withdrawal form to the registrar's office or send the email. The office should quickly notify you that the withdrawal process is complete. Check your student account and transcript to see that the withdrawal is official.
    • Go to the class until you are certain you've withdrawn. Missing class doesn't count as a withdrawal and can lead to a failing grade on your transcript.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Reasoning through Withdrawal

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    Ask yourself why you need to withdraw. Withdrawing is better than getting a poor grade, so if you know you can't succeed in a class it's a good option. However, it may be better to continue on with the class now rather than take it over again. [3]
    • A withdrawal means a W grade on your report card. A W won't be a big deal to employers unless they see a pattern of withdrawals through multiple semesters.
    • When stress is the problem, consider making other changes. Step back from extracurricular activities and leadership roles, for example, or set a better study schedule.
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    An academic advisor can help you understand the withdrawal process. They may also be able to help you manage your situation so you don't have to withdraw. An advisor may steer you to different options, such as taking the class with a pass/fail grade, receiving an “incomplete” grade, or tutoring.
    • Check in with your instructor or teaching assistant too. Either person may be able to work out a plan to help you succeed in the class.
    • If you're in middle or high school, talk to your school counselor. They'll advise you whether the class is required or whether it will affect the number of courses you need to take each semester. [4]
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    While withdrawing is a valid option, your financial aid or credit load may still be affected. When you fall below a certain amount of credits, you may lose financial aid or have to give back money. Consult school policy and the terms of your financial aid agreement. [5]
    • Some schools may charge a fee for withdrawing or repeating a class. In addition, you will have to pay to take the class again and may need new books.
    • For some students, staying in the class may be cheaper. For example, you may gain more from reducing your work hours and getting an emergency loan from the school instead of retaking the class.
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    Athletes and international students must adhere to a credit load minimum set by the school. Because the withdrawn class won't count for credits, you may lose athletic eligibility or your visa status. Be sure to check with coaches and international student advisors first. [6]
    • Also, withdrawal can cause you to fall behind as a student. If this is a required class, you'll have to take it again, which delays your progress towards completing your program. [7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I decide whether to drop a class?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Make sure you know what you want to replace it with—many schools require students to have a certain number of credits every semester.
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      Tips

      • A withdrawal means a grade of W on your transcript. It does not impact your grade point average.
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      • If you are withdrawing for military duty, documented medical reasons, or an emergency, you will be able to petition for a late withdrawal.
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      • Always speak with an advisor to figure out your options.
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      Warnings

      • A withdrawal must be done through the school. Skipping class sessions is not considered a withdrawal and a letter grade will still appear on your transcript.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/should-i-withdraw-from-a-class-793155
      2. ↑ http://www.pcc.edu/enroll/registration/dropping.html
      3. ↑ https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2009/10/should-my-college-student-consider-withdrawing-from-a-class/
      4. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/should-i-withdraw-from-a-class-793155
      6. ↑ http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-information/course-withdrawals
      7. ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/should-i-withdraw-from-a-class-793155

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