PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Youth
School Stuff
How to Drop a Class Download Article Co-authored by Alicia Oglesby
Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References
Download Article
Withdrawing from the Class
|
Reasoning through Withdrawal
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby. 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. This article has been viewed 62,714 times.
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.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Withdrawing from the Class
Download Article
1 Check your school's deadline for withdrawal. 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]XResearch source
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.
2 Withdraw online through your student account. 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]XResearch source
Each institution has its own withdrawal process. Yours may not allow withdrawal this way.
Advertisement
3 Contact the registrar's office to withdraw. 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.
4 Fill out your student information. 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.
5 Return the form. 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.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Reasoning through Withdrawal
Download Article
1 Be realistic about your reason for withdrawing. 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]XResearch source
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.
2 Speak to an advisor. 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]X Expert Source Alicia OglesbyProfessional School CounselorExpert Interview
3 Make sure the withdrawal won't affect you financially. 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]XResearch source
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.
4 Ensure your eligibility is safe. 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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
A withdrawal means a grade of W on your transcript. It does not impact your grade point average. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you are withdrawing for military duty, documented medical reasons, or an emergency, you will be able to petition for a late withdrawal. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always speak with an advisor to figure out your options. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toDrop Out of CollegeHow to Withdraw a College ApplicationHow toChange Your Classes in High SchoolHow toGet Good Grades at UniversityHow to Skip a Class in Middle SchoolHow toDecline Admission to a College After AcceptingHow to Write a SyllabusWhat to Do After Being Academically Dismissed from School14 Ways to Skip Class & Get Away With ItHow toDrop Out of High SchoolHow toRegister for College ClassesHow toBring Your Grade Up when You Are Failing a ClassHow toStop Skipping ClassHow toDefer University Acceptance Advertisement
Co-authored by: Alicia Oglesby Professional School Counselor This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby. 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. This article has been viewed 62,714 times. 3 votes - 60% Co-authors: 10Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 62,714 Categories: School Stuff
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 62,714 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alicia Oglesby Professional School Counselor 3 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 62,714
Quizzes & Games
Am I Ready for College QuizTake QuizCollege Recommendation ToolDepression Test for TeensTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake QuizGifted Kid Burnout QuizTake QuizShould I Go to College QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toDrop Out of CollegeHow to Withdraw a College ApplicationHow toChange Your Classes in High SchoolHow toGet Good Grades at University
Featured Articles
How toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?
Trending Articles
How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?
Featured Articles
Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas
Featured Articles
100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?
Quizzes & Games
Do I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizDepression TestTake QuizHow Hard Has My Life Been QuizTake QuizDo I Need Therapy QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Youth
School Stuff
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Co-authored by Alicia Oglesby 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Alicia Oglesby Professional School Counselor This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby. 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. This article has been viewed 62,714 times. 3 votes - 60% Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 62,714 Categories: School Stuff 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
508 
1 Check your school's deadline for withdrawal. 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] 
2 Withdraw online through your student account. 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] 
3 Contact the registrar's office to withdraw. 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. 
4 Fill out your student information. 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. 
5 Return the form. 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. 
1 Be realistic about your reason for withdrawing. 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] 
2 Speak to an advisor. 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. 
3 Make sure the withdrawal won't affect you financially. 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] 
4 Ensure your eligibility is safe. 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] 
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.