How to Drop or Withdraw From a Class

Good grades are important for many reasons. Not only do they set a student up for better long-term opportunities in applying to graduate or professional school, they also allow entrance into specific fields of study and lead to scholarships and other opportunities. But some courses are tough, and it’s common for students to struggle academically in at least one class. If you’re failing a class, you have options. Find out what you can do to improve your grade and when it might be time to drop or withdraw from a class.

Before considering dropping or withdrawing from a course, a student should work to put him or herself in the best position to succeed by using the tools available on and off campus. Here are steps students should take as soon as they know their grade is at risk.

It is always ideal to try one’s best to complete a course with a passing grade before any other considerations. There are times, though, when that becomes impossible and it becomes appropriate to look at other options. Dropping a course, withdrawing from a course and taking an incomplete are some of these alternatives. We’ve listed them below with Croskey’s expert advice as to when they may be necessary, and how they affect the picture of a student’s overall academic path.

There isn’t a blueprint for knowing when to drop, withdraw or take an incomplete for a class. Students should seriously self-reflect and consider each aspect of their academic, professional and personal lives before they make a decision. They especially shouldn’t consider these options as an ‘easy way out;’ rather, they should be honest about other time commitments and priorities, as well as their big-picture academic plans. Most importantly, students must have a clear idea of the options before them, as well as associated deadlines.

Students should understand that while dropping, withdrawing, taking an incomplete or failing a class is far from ideal, it’s also not the end of their college career. There are many actions that students can take to put themselves in a good position for greater success over their remaining semesters. Read below for some tips to gaining control over one’s academic achievements.