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Despite there being a deadline, you shouldn’t rush into the decision to drop a class. For one thing, some classes start out tough but become enjoyable later once you’ve found your footing. For another, the class may be necessary for your major or a prerequisite for a more advanced class you want to take — therefore, dropping the class only means delaying it and possibly also delaying your graduation. Before you drop any class, make sure you’ve tried the following.

1. Attend Lectures

To come to an informed decision, you need to know what the class involves. Attend several lectures before the cutoff date to drop your class or until you’re sure about your decision.

2. Read Through the Syllabus

It’s also useful to know how the class will progress, which you can find out by reading the syllabus. This will show you how intense the class is likely to be and what kinds of topics you’ll cover. The class could become more interesting as it goes along — although it could equally become even more challenging or uninteresting to you.

3. Ask Other Students for Their Opinions

A final way to judge the class is to talk to students who have already taken it. Of course, everyone has different opinions — you may hate a class that is widely loved, or vice versa. Nonetheless, asking other students what they thought of the class and why will give you a better indication if the material is likely to resonate with you.

4. Research Your Alternatives

If the main problem is that you have a heavy workload, it may make sense to drop the class now and pick it up later — provided it’s not a requirement for a class you want to take next semester. However, if the issue is that you’d rather never take the class, you need to find out if there are alternatives. You may have assumed that you need this class for your major when actually there’s another option. Talk to an academic advisor just to be sure.

If the class is a requirement for a minor, you could drop the minor entirely. However, this is an even bigger decision than dropping a single class. Spend some time thinking about whether giving up on your minor is worth it to avoid taking a class you hate.

5. Take the Class Over the Summer

A great time to take a difficult class that’s a requirement for your major or minor is often the summer. You’ll be able to focus just on that class without needing to worry about any other schoolwork. You may even find you enjoy having something to fill the long summer months — it’s a good way to keep your brain active for when you return full-time in the fall.

When dropping a challenging class is not an option, the best thing to do is improve your study habits. This may include finding a better place to study — which is easier said than done when you’re living in cramped student housing. For better accommodation in Kingston, Ontario, there’s Foundry Mack. You’ll receive a spacious apartment with great features like a modern kitchen and a washer and dryer in the unit. Sign a lease today before all the spots are filled.