Embarking on the semester is like forming your athletic roster, and just as coaches make strategic adjustments, you have the power to tweak your academic lineup. In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the add and drop period.
Add/Drop Period Kickoff
Both Spring and Fall semesters has an add or drop period. Think of it as the first quarter of a game, where you’re assessing your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Your schedule is your starting lineup, and during this period, you have the power to make substitutions to ensure you have the strongest team possible.
Substitution Play: Adding a Player to Your Roster
Adding a course is like making a strategic substitution. You’re introducing a new player to your team (your academic lineup). Assess your needs—do you need a strong defender (a foundational course) or an agile scorer (an elective)? Make your move strategically, ensuring each player complements the overall game plan.
Making Adjustments
In sports, timeouts are called to regroup and adjust the game plan. Similarly, the add and drop period allows you a strategic timeout to reassess your academic game plan. If a course isn’t aligning with your playbook and you’re down a few points, it might be time to call a timeout and consider a withdrawal (dropping the course). A withdrawal will result in a ‘W’ on your transcript but does not affect your GPA; however, you will need to pay for the class when you try to retake it.
Understanding Deadlines
In athletics, there are consequences for exceeding the play clock. Similarly, in academics, missing deadlines can result in penalties. Be mindful of the academic play clock—know the last day to add or drop courses without academic penalties, which usually ends about a week after mid-term examinations. It’s your academic shot clock, and once it expires, your roster (grades) is set.
Solidifying Your Roster
As the semester progresses, your academic roster solidifies. The add and drop period comes to an end, marking the final whistle of your strategic adjustments. Your team is set, and it’s time to execute the game plan you’ve crafted and make every play count during this dynamic period.
Mastering the Add/Drop Game
Approaching the add and drop period with a sports mindset turns what might seem like theatrics into strategy. It’s about crafting a winning lineup, making substitutions when necessary, and executing a game plan that sets you up for success. So, lace up your academic sneakers, understand the playbook, and navigate the add and drop period like a seasoned athlete on the academic field. Game on!
