This useful guidebook exists because of my 1 p.m. Biology class Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is the second week of school here at Central State University. Already I have contemplated dropping the course. Just joking…
There are many reasons (excuses) why to drop a class. The time the class is offered may be all bad for you getting up during early hours or a campus leadership role creates some conflict with your schedule. But consider these 5 things before you decide to drop a class:
1. Do you find the professor boring?
Students commonly drop a class because their professor is boring. There are thousands of people in the world, most of whom you may never understand. So it is just fate, I suppose, that the bulk of these people are employed by our colleges and universities. Nevertheless, make peace with your professor by trying to understand him or her better. And if you decide to stick out the class, add one more network to your professional circle.
2. How much effort is necessary?
Are you taking class seriously? Students taking 12 credit hours are required to study 24 hours per week (most sources recommend that a typical undergraduate college student should study at least 2 hours outside of class each week per unit credit). No debate.
To offset potential drawbacks try sitting in front of class. Come to class fifth teen minutes early. Make serious efforts to be an active participant in and out of class. If you have to, speak with the professor during scheduled appointment hours. This shows responsibility. Later he would be more willing to write you a recommendation letter.
3. Will this course benefit future opportunities?
If you are trying to obtain an internship for spring semester or next summer then perhaps dropping a course would hinder skills you could have already learned had you decided not to. Take the class so you can be informed and self-confident in the office. It pays to be ahead of the game. More to the point, college is too expensive not to take advantage of opportunities.
4. Are you still graduating on time?
Does not Michael Jordan still have his hoop earring in? Of course you are graduating on time. You probably have 115 credit hours and only need a couple more classes to graduate or maybe you are a freshman with no business (no credits). No matter the case, you are graduating on time. Just think twice before dropping a course, and follow-up with your adviser — you could end up staying an extra year or two, or three.
5. Have you asked for help?
Before dropping a class, consider all of the things mentioned above. Help is all around you. There are several resources on the yard that can be of assistance during your stay in college. Use them all.
Do not let Biology school you. Ask for help. You can enroll for tutor services to assist you with some classes. Greeks are ready to lend a helping hand, too, if only you ask for it. Finally, be sure to pay it forward.
Tommy Meade is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Follow him on Twitter @tommymeadejr
