College Stress Support Group
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In the shortest words, I'm wondering if I should attempt to withdraw from my college classes again. I'm failing and so far behind that I am positive I can't salvage anything.
HOWEVER.
I have withdrawn from 3 classes since 2012. The first time I withdrew from one class that I was really struggling with, and I completed the other 3. The second time was after my father died, and I was trying to take 2 bi-term classes because I thought it would be easier, but I ended up failing them anyway.
I thought that I could go back for this spring semester and take 2 full-term classes and be fine. I was positive. I stopped going to therapy, weaned myself off of the sleeping medication. And I was okay for the first few weeks - A and B grades - but I've completely screwed up. Should I try to withdraw and do it over again next semester? I'm seriously considering just giving up on the college thing. I'm not cut out for this! I have no idea what to do!
HOWEVER.
I have withdrawn from 3 classes since 2012. The first time I withdrew from one class that I was really struggling with, and I completed the other 3. The second time was after my father died, and I was trying to take 2 bi-term classes because I thought it would be easier, but I ended up failing them anyway.
I thought that I could go back for this spring semester and take 2 full-term classes and be fine. I was positive. I stopped going to therapy, weaned myself off of the sleeping medication. And I was okay for the first few weeks - A and B grades - but I've completely screwed up. Should I try to withdraw and do it over again next semester? I'm seriously considering just giving up on the college thing. I'm not cut out for this! I have no idea what to do!
The benefits of withdrawal:
-You get a refund or partial refund if you withdraw before the deadline(s) specified on your schedule.
-Withdrawing before the No Credit deadline will keep your grade point higher because you won't have an F on your record.
The disadvantages of withdrawal:
-It lowers your completion rate and will show up on your official transcripts, which will hurt you if they are requested by a prospective employer.
-Low completion rates affect your financial aid awards.
Most colleges have a minimum completion percent to keep receiving financial aid. Mine says that if your fail to complete at least 64% of registered courses, your financial aid is pulled and you must pay cash back to the school and moving forward.
Most colleges have a limit of 2 attempts at a single course. After that, your financial aid will no longer cover future tuition for THAT class.
Even with a high completion rate, if you register for a semester and either withdraw or fail ALL courses attempted, you will be denied any financial aid you were awarded and receive an invoice to pay it back to the school. At that point, if you'd like to continue classes, you can pay cash, or appeal the schools decision to revoke your funds. You will have to provide documentation of "extenuating circumstances" that caused you to fail. (Death certificate, medical records, letters from doctors and therapists, etc...). You will be put on probation and MUST complete 100% of attempted courses moving forward or your financial aid is gone for good, at THAT school. You can still apply for aid through other schools and attend there.
Many instructors are accommodating to students if you explain your circumstances. I have had several offer extra projects or extend deadlines. You may still be able to pull a passing grade this way.
If you do not have a professor that works with you, and financial aid is not a concern, dropping before the NC deadline is your best option for a course you are failing. I prioritize my GPA over completion rates.