At the University of Rochester, it is very possible to actually sit through an entire course, have access to course materials, and NOT be enrolled in the class. Here are some basic steps to help you get through the process!
- Register for classes: Toward the end of every semester, you will register for four or five classes for the following semester.
- “Go shopping” for classes: During the first few weeks of classes, you are able to add or drop courses. This means you would go to all the classes you registered for and, if you want to, sit in on a class you are not registered for, just to see if the course content pertains to your interests. This way, you can make a better informed decision on which classes you want to keep for the semester.
- Add or drop classes: If you like the class you sit in on, then register! If you do not, then it is completely okay to drop the class—there is no penalty for doing so!
- Auditing courses: If you want to sit in on a class and have access to course materials but not actually register, you can do what’s called “auditing” a course. In this case, you are saying you will attend lectures, have access to homework assignments and lecture slides, but you will not receive a course grade. You also do not need to complete assignments or take exams. This is for students who want to sit in on a lecture because they find the course material interesting, but might already have a full schedule and might not have time to complete the course work or study for exams.
Some factors to consider in order to determine if you should register for a course:
- Course description, credits: Does it sound interesting? Will it count toward credits you're earning?
- Professor/instructor(s): Sometimes the best part of a course is the professor. They could end up being a mentor or someone whose teaching stays with you forever.
- Course materials/textbooks: Do they sound interesting/inspiring? Would you learn a lot of new material?
- Class size, classroom atmosphere: Will you enjoy a larger or small class? Will you enjoy collaborating with the other students in there?
- Class time: Will the course actually fit into your schedule feasibly? (Are you willing to get up for an 8 am class?)
To share a personal story, I remember a time I sat in on a class called Behavioral Medicine, a course in the psychology department. I was not sure if I wanted to take the class, but I had heard many friends say that it was interesting for pre-med students. It was extremely interesting, all just in the first two lectures. The professor was extremely engaging and was a great speaker; the class was not too large. The course load and work expectations seemed to fit well with my schedule, and after, I simply added the course by filling out an “ADD/DROP” form, which asks for your Student ID number and the professor’s signature.
The University of Rochester really has a unique opportunity for students. Adding and dropping classes may seem very different than what is done in high school, but not to worry—it is completely normal to do in college!