Why might you want to switch up which classes you’re taking? Here are some common reasons:

• schedule conflicts have come up
• you enrolled in a backup class, but now your first choice is available
• you realized there’s a class you need to take ASAP
• you changed majors or need to meet different requirements
• you want the same class, but at a different time or with a different professor

Even if classes have started, you can change your schedule for any reason as long as it’s before the deadline. 

Before you move forward, check on 2 more issues:

1. Sometimes schedule changes can mess up your graduation timeline and set you back by a term or more. If you’ve made an education plan, this is a good time to consult it!
2. Figure out if changes will affect your financial aid. In particular, reducing your credit hours can reduce or even eliminate your financial aid.

It’s not necessarily a problem if your changes WILL affect your timeline or financial aid. What’s important is that you’re aware of any impact and don’t face unpleasant surprises.

Once you’ve verified that you’re okay with these 2 issues, you’re good to go!

Pro tip for when you actually make the changes: whenever possible, add before you drop. That way you’re not left hanging if your new class fills up but you’ve given up the spot in your old class. If you have to drop first, move quickly to grab that space while it’s still there.

Even if you don’t plan to make changes, take a moment to check your school’s add and drop deadlines and policies so you have a general sense of how it works.

Colleges have varying policies and terminology. Yours might:

• use terms other than add and drop
• have 1-2 big deadlines or multiple smaller deadlines
• have earlier deadlines for some classes than others
• require you to file a form, get instructor permission, and/or pay fees for changes made after a certain date

You never know what the term will bring. While you’re looking at add/drop policies and dates, take a moment to make a special note in your calendar of the LAST day to withdraw from a class without an F.

This is your emergency drop deadline—just in case you need it.