1. Lay a solid foundation for your future.

It's hard to do well in subsequent courses when you haven't laid a solid foundation in first and second year courses. Who cares you ask? Well, think of it like building a house. If your foundation is weak, the rest of your house will be too. Trust me when I say that solid skills early on will bring success later.



2. Think long term. Your future career is at stake.

Are you looking for an even more compelling reason than laying a solid foundation? How about maintaining a solid academic record? If I had a dime for every student who said they wanted to go on to professional studies (like law or medicine) or some other profession that required outstanding grades throughout their studies, I'd be rich. Again, a low grade is not the end of your academic career, but your goal should be making the best decisions you can now for your future.

3. Get the facts first. Then make a decision.

Some institutions assign a ‘W’ for withdrawal when students drop courses. Many students believe this is a punitive notation and will adversely affect their permanent record. This is not true since the withdrawal does not explain why the student dropped the course. You may have dropped it for any number of compelling reasons including: illness, personal struggles, or financial difficulties. In fact, you may have exercised great wisdom in dropping the course realizing that you were way in over your head.

The point is that you have a choice between recording a potentially low grade on your permanent academic record and a ‘W’, assuming your institution even assigns one. There are consequences for low grades but no consequences for withdrawals. Consider this the next time you are faced with the decision to drop or not to drop.

Finally, it is important to understand that dropping is not quitting. In fact, knowing when to fold 'em (like the Kenny Rogers song) is a sign of maturity and wisdom.

Bryan Tinlin, President

Tinlin Academic Advising and Consulting