<p>problem: interested in more classes than i can sign up for</p>
<p>plan: sign up for 7 or 8 classes with the understanding that I will drop 2, 3, or 4 classes in the drop/add period</p>
<p>Will this look bad on a transcript? Will it even show up? (I heard they put a 'w')</p>
<p>I haven't signed up for classes or been to orientation yet. I haven't dropped or added a course, ever (don't know much about it), and I will be an undergrad freshman this fall.</p>
<p>As far as I know, the definition of an "add/drop" period is that one can, well, add or drop classes without any penalty. As long as you drop the classes within the allotted time period, no one will ever know that you were registered for the class in the first place. I think it's a prudent thing to do, although it may make your first week or so of classes a little hectic, because you will be able to determine which classes and professors look most promising. </p>
<p>A withdrawal from a class happens after the add/drop period. It's certainly not the best thing to have on your transcript, since it implies that you were not on your way to a great grade in the class, but, you know, it happens. But it is not what we are talking about when we talk about the add/drop period.</p>
<p>At my school if you drop within the first 2 weeks, it doesn't show on the transcript. Some university's it will give you a W right away, though.</p>
<p>A withdrawal from a class happens after the add/drop period. It's certainly not the best thing to have on your transcript, since it implies that you were not on your way to a great grade in the class, but, you know, it happens. But it is not what we are talking about when we talk about the add/drop period.</p>
<p>That's not really true. Anyone reviewing your transcript will understand that there are many reasons that people would drop a class. I dropped English in first year due to schedule conflicts, for example. I did end up retaking it, though, since I need it for my degree.</p>
<p>Thank you for the quick, helpful replies, and have a great day (night)!</p>
<p>Some schools won't let you sign up for that many.</p>
<p>
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Anyone reviewing your transcript will understand that there are many reasons that people would drop a class. I dropped English in first year due to schedule conflicts, for example. I did end up retaking it, though, since I need it for my degree.
[/quote]
Sometimes that's true, but you still really don't want to have any withdraws on your transcript if you can avoid it. Most schools let you withdraw during the first ~2 weeks of the semester without anything going on your record.</p>
<p>If you drop within your add/drop period, that sounds like a really clever idea.</p>
<p>Make sure your school will allow you to do that.</p>
<p>One of my friends always signs up for 22 or so credits and drops whichever ones he likes least during the first week so he'll only have 15 or 16 credits. No big deal, right? He got away with it the first 3 semesters but then after he tried it a 4th semester, the registrar's office put a hold on his records and he had to sign up during the last registration group (instead of where his junior standing would have put him) and for only 15 credits.</p>
<p>If the registrar's office at my school notices a pattern of "holding" classes, they can put a hold on your registration. Turns out some students will sign up for an absurd number of classes (more than the full time load, some even up to 30 credits) to hold a spot in the class for their friend with a later registration time. When it's their friends turn to sign up for the "full" class, the first person drops the class and voila...an opening for the friend.</p>
<p>So long story short, see if there are any repercussions for what you're planning.</p>
<p>Definitely take a thorough look at your school's policies before doing this. I have in the past signed up for a "very full" schedule knowing that I MAY have to drop ONE of the classes, and that's something a lot of people do and that is perfectly okay. But what you're talking about could look suspicious. Try to narrow it down to an extra 2 classes. In terms of your transcript, generally the classes dropped during the add/drop period won't show up, but check with your school. Don't take chances.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So long story short, see if there are any repercussions for what you're planning.
[/quote]
Good point. Signing up for a bunch of classes (especially if they're popular and fill up) just to then drop some later intentionally after you decide which to keep is likely very much frowned upon. For one, it's totally unfair to those who have to schedule later. If you do it on a semi-regular basis you can bet that someone will take notice and you might find yourself at the back of the line next time around.</p>
<p>I'm going to be working at my college's Registrar's Office over the summer. I'll ask if we're allowed to do this at my school (I'm not planning on it, but now I want to know).</p>