Dropping a class may seem like a bad thing, but there are many reasons why dropping a class may actually be the better decision. Was it too hard? Boring? Perhaps, a student simply is not ready yet. This article discusses a few of the causes for a student’s decision in dropping a class.
Carrie Thonstad, a professor in the education department, says “Dropping classes is considered neither good nor bad. There are many reasons a student may need to drop a class..” she said. “Often it is due to having a heavier course load during the semester and needing to lighten the load. Students may choose to drop a course because they are struggling to manage the coursework. Assignments, readings and in-class lectures require time and focus and there are times when students cannot meet those requirements, for whatever reason.” A student may not realize that the 18 credits they are currently taking are all very difficult and may not be manageable to take all at the same time. Due to this overcompensation, they may end up dropping a class.
Another reason students may choose to drop a class is because it may be too difficult for the level they are at in the moment. It can be stressful to take a class that causes one to wonder what is going on every single time he steps into class. While learning new things is important, it might not be worth it to take at that exact moment or even at all. Sometimes even waiting a year or two can help prepare a student. Hopefully, the other classes taken before fully commiting to a dfficult class will better prepare a student for the more difficuly classes later in the future
A common theme in dropping classes takes a student’s GPA, into consideration. A Northwestern student adds that “Dropping the class prevents me from failing and having a hindrance on my GPA.” If that student is getting scholarship money or needs a high GPA for graduate school but the class they are in has been really difficult, it may be the better decision to drop it before their grades drop.
A student may also drop a class because of a change in the student’s major or minor. The student may no longer need to take certain classes therefore making it seem more beneficial to leave that class behind to focus on their other studies.
Students may also drop a class simply because they do not enjoy it. Perhaps they were taking a certain class, such as Theatre Experience for their aesthetic experience requirement, but decided that this ultimately was not for them and decide to drop the class. There are plenty of other class options out there to choose from to fill that CORE requirement that may beter fit a student’s interest and help them learn what is required in a more efficient manner.
Dropping a class may also be the result of a spot opening up in a different class. A student might have been on the waitlist for a class they really needed to take this year, but because of a packed-full schedule for the rest of their time in college, they needed a class to keep a full 18 credits in case they couldn’t get into the class they wanted to take. So, they took a CORE class to fill that gap. However, when a spot opened up in a class that was required for their major, they needed to drop the CORE class, which can be taken the following semester, in order to fit their new one. They can always take a CORE class later, but their required class may be more important in the moment.
Thonstad also adds, “Other reasons a student may drop a class may be emergencies due to medical, family or financial reasons, and or a change in major or minor.” While dropping a class may sound bad, in the end, there are many valid reasons for why it can be beneficial as well.
