Should You Drop That Class? A Mental Health Checklist

Should You Drop That Class? A Mental Health Checklist

Thinking about dropping a class isn’t just an academic decision—it's often tied to mental health. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply out of balance, here’s a holistic checklist to help you decide with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

1. Notice How It Feels Emotionally

• Are you feeling chronically anxious, exhausted, or flat when facing that class?
• Do you dread class times, struggle to focus, or experience physical symptoms like headaches or racing thoughts?
• Is this one class affecting your motivation and emotional bandwidth for the rest of your life?

2. Explore Your Internal Landscape

Ask yourself:

• Is this a temporary dip—like burnout—or a sign of deeper emotional strain?
• Have you tried self-care, reducing your workload, or reaching out for support before considering dropping?

3. Know Your Institutional Options and Risks

Dropping vs Withdrawing vs Medical Withdrawal vs Leave of Absence:

• Drop: Usually before the deadline—no transcript record or penalty.
• Withdraw (“W”): After the deadline—appears on transcript, may affect financial aid or academic standing.
• Medical/Mental Health Withdrawal: Requires documentation but preserves your record while prioritising health.
• Leave of Absence: A broader break from school if multiple classes or overall overwhelm is the issue.

4. Talk It Through

Don't make this decision in isolation. Consider discussing it with:

• Academic Advisor or Instructor: they can walk you through formal repercussions and alternatives.
• Counselling or Accessibility Services: they may offer accommodations or support strategies.
• Family or Support Network: sharing your emotional needs helps you gather clarity and encouragement.

5. Add These to Your Decision‑Matrix Checklist

Concern	Quick Self-Check	Does it Suggest Dropping?
Emotional Strain	Do you consistently feel anxious or physically unwell?	Yes — if it's affecting other areas of well-being.
Academic Performance	Is your grade in this class pulling your GPA down despite effort?	Yes — if it jeopardises your academic standing.
Time & Energy	Is this class monopolising time you need for mental health or other courses?	Yes — if it's unsustainable.
Institutional Impact	Will a withdrawal or medical excuse preserve your financial aid or transcript better?	Yes — if drop impacts funding or progression.
Support Alternatives	Have you sought tutoring, reduced workload, or used mental health resources?	If not yet — try options first.

6. Plan Next Steps Depending on Your Choice

1. If you choose to drop:
   • Submit paperwork before the deadline.
   • Confirm financial or academic impact—refunds, transcripts, SAP status.
2. If you withdraw or take medical leave:
   • Gather documentation (from medical providers or counsellors).
   • Understand timelines and readmission policies.
3. If you stay in:
   • Implement support: counselling, study groups, adjusted workload, self-care routines.

7. Reflect on the Emotional Takeaway

Dropping a class doesn’t define you—it’s an act of empowerment when done intentionally. It's about reclaiming balance, protecting mental health, and trusting your inner guidance. Whether the class stays or goes, your overall wellbeing comes first.

Wrap-Up: Your Mind Matters—Beyond the Grade

Choosing to drop a class isn’t a failure. It can be an act of self-care, clarity, and strategy. Let this checklist guide your decision—from your emotions to institutional logic—so you can act with intention, informed by compassion.

Looking for mental health and academic balance tools? Check out our well-being decision toolkits and academic self-care guides.