9 answers
Ameera
Student
Elk Grove, California
2
Questions
Updated
1355 views
How bad is dropping a class?
I am currently taking 17 units at crc (Biology major, wanting to be a dentist), ( I had previously written 18, but that ended up being very wrong) but I think I have undiagnosed ADHD, and it's been taking such a big mental toll on me. I also suffer from intense migraines daily, and I am going to see a neurologist soon for that. My point being, I am constantly stressed and unable to focus. I studied so hard for my math exam, only to fail my second exam. At this rate, I will most likely fail my math class. The class is a preparation for calculus class by the way. I want to transfer to UC Davis as soon as possible, so I feel as though Im putting alot of pressure on myself. If I drop the class, I will be at 11 (previously wrote 14) units. My insurance also can not find me a psychiatrist and hasn't reached out to me yet when I asked to find someone to check if I have ADHD. At this point, I know I do and need to be medicated because I literally can't function. This is kind of a cry for help, idk what to do and im stressed and scared.
8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ameera !
Thanks for reaching out as I would be happy to help out with some support and information for you.
Firstly, try not to self-diagnose as what you may be experiencing may have another cause, so your first step would be to go to a primary care doctor to get as complete a physical as possible with blood work. Issues that you're experiencing also may stem from things going on in your life, so it's good to get to the real reason for your stress.
Eighteen units is indeed a heavy load and I agree with you about dropping the math class. If you are receiving Federal Student Financial Aid, 14 units are still okay to have. The way to drop a class at Cosumnes is to drop the class through eServices or the Admissions & Records Office before the last day to withdraw, as listed in the academic calendar. The last day to drop a class at Cosumnes River College without a notation on your record depends on the specific session and term. For the Fall 2025 term, the last day to drop classes without a notation on record is August 27 for the First Eight Weeks session, October 2 for the Second Five Weeks session, November 6 for the Third Five Weeks session August 25 for the First Five Weeks session, and October 20 for the Second Eight Weeks session.
For the Second Eight Weeks Alternate session, the last day is October 22. For the Full Term, the last day to drop a class is September 7. Please consult the specific session dates for your class to determine the correct deadline. If applicable, meaning if you miss the deadline, ask what the penalties are. The aim is to not have that math class show up on your transcript. You can always take that math course at another time. Try to keep your semester load at 12 units or so. Consider attending Summer Sessions for General Education required courses to get them under your belt and not have to take them during a regular semester. Meet with your Academic Counselor and see what the counselor says about your situation. Reach out for assistance on campus.
As I've mentioned, you can go to the on campus Student Health and Wellness Center right there on campus to first see about a physical and also evaluation for what you think may be ADHD. As a student, you can get these services without medical insurance so try them first. They have both services on campus - physical and mental health. This clinic is located in the College Center, 2nd Floor, and operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. I think they may be able to help you.
Take things step by step without rushing to get to Davis. You'll get there soon enough. Know that your time at Cosumnes is important and definitely counts. Keep in mind that there isn't automatic transfer between Cosumnes and Davis (which surprises me), but you can apply for a Transfer Admission Guarantee to Davis. See your admissions office about this. I just wanted to mention this as it may come up when you start at Davis.
Moving forward, take lighter loads, perhaps 12 units a semester, and savor the experience instead of rushing yourself as that could be stressful. Once you obtain management for your migraine headaches and other issues, things will be different. Keep reaching out. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best and that you feel better soon !
Thanks for reaching out as I would be happy to help out with some support and information for you.
Firstly, try not to self-diagnose as what you may be experiencing may have another cause, so your first step would be to go to a primary care doctor to get as complete a physical as possible with blood work. Issues that you're experiencing also may stem from things going on in your life, so it's good to get to the real reason for your stress.
Eighteen units is indeed a heavy load and I agree with you about dropping the math class. If you are receiving Federal Student Financial Aid, 14 units are still okay to have. The way to drop a class at Cosumnes is to drop the class through eServices or the Admissions & Records Office before the last day to withdraw, as listed in the academic calendar. The last day to drop a class at Cosumnes River College without a notation on your record depends on the specific session and term. For the Fall 2025 term, the last day to drop classes without a notation on record is August 27 for the First Eight Weeks session, October 2 for the Second Five Weeks session, November 6 for the Third Five Weeks session August 25 for the First Five Weeks session, and October 20 for the Second Eight Weeks session.
For the Second Eight Weeks Alternate session, the last day is October 22. For the Full Term, the last day to drop a class is September 7. Please consult the specific session dates for your class to determine the correct deadline. If applicable, meaning if you miss the deadline, ask what the penalties are. The aim is to not have that math class show up on your transcript. You can always take that math course at another time. Try to keep your semester load at 12 units or so. Consider attending Summer Sessions for General Education required courses to get them under your belt and not have to take them during a regular semester. Meet with your Academic Counselor and see what the counselor says about your situation. Reach out for assistance on campus.
As I've mentioned, you can go to the on campus Student Health and Wellness Center right there on campus to first see about a physical and also evaluation for what you think may be ADHD. As a student, you can get these services without medical insurance so try them first. They have both services on campus - physical and mental health. This clinic is located in the College Center, 2nd Floor, and operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. I think they may be able to help you.
Take things step by step without rushing to get to Davis. You'll get there soon enough. Know that your time at Cosumnes is important and definitely counts. Keep in mind that there isn't automatic transfer between Cosumnes and Davis (which surprises me), but you can apply for a Transfer Admission Guarantee to Davis. See your admissions office about this. I just wanted to mention this as it may come up when you start at Davis.
Moving forward, take lighter loads, perhaps 12 units a semester, and savor the experience instead of rushing yourself as that could be stressful. Once you obtain management for your migraine headaches and other issues, things will be different. Keep reaching out. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best and that you feel better soon !
Hi!! Thank you for your response, i’m going to copy & paste this here because I have seemed to made a huge error. I’m actually taking 17 and dropping this class will put me at 11 units which is less than full time. I’m worried because i’m currently at a community college that pays for my classes under a promise grant, i’m worried i will lose my eligibility for this as stated in the grant if i am not full time. however i have until November 18 to drop the class. i’m scared because my dad will be super angry with me if i tell him the news and im unsure if i should just fail the class and tank my gpa or give up my grant and save my gpa. i’m feeling rlly stuck and need some guidance, im worried that if i do tank my gpa i will end up on academic probation.
Ameera
Hi, Ameera -Well, try not to worry. Here is my advice to avoid a Fail on your Transcript : Drop the classes down to 11 units. Fine. Add a PE or Art class (even if the PE is 1 unit, you'll have 12 total which is full time. But replace the class now. Find out what to do to add a class and pick one that doesn't have any outside of classroom or lab work, usually PE or find something very light to add. Classes in Theatre with no outside class work are Stage Make Up or Improvisation if CRC offers those. Just so you can keep your Grant, yes, thanks for mentioning that. Stay awesome and I hope you feel better soon and it all works out.
Michelle M.
Godfred Arhinful
Software Engineering
21
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Godfred’s Answer
First, breathe. You're dealing with a lot right now, and it's completely okay to adjust your plans when your health is suffering.
Drop the math class. Seriously. Going from 18 to 14 units won't ruin your transfer chances, but burning out and tanking multiple classes will. UC Davis cares way more about your overall GPA and completion of requirements than whether you took 18 units one semester. Most successful transfer students take 12 to 15 units per semester, not 18. You're putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.
About the potential ADHD and migraines, keep pushing for that neurologist appointment and don't stop advocating for yourself with your insurance. In the meantime, check if your campus has a Student Health Center or Disability Services. They can often connect you with resources faster than going through insurance, and if you do get diagnosed, they can provide accommodations like extended test time that might help you manage your workload better.
Transferring one semester later is way better than transferring with a damaged GPA or having a health crisis. You're not falling behind. You're making a smart decision to protect your mental and physical health so you can actually succeed long term. Pre-dental is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to be functioning well to get through it.
Drop the class. Lighten your load. Focus on getting the medical help you need. Davis will still be there when you're ready.
Drop the math class. Seriously. Going from 18 to 14 units won't ruin your transfer chances, but burning out and tanking multiple classes will. UC Davis cares way more about your overall GPA and completion of requirements than whether you took 18 units one semester. Most successful transfer students take 12 to 15 units per semester, not 18. You're putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.
About the potential ADHD and migraines, keep pushing for that neurologist appointment and don't stop advocating for yourself with your insurance. In the meantime, check if your campus has a Student Health Center or Disability Services. They can often connect you with resources faster than going through insurance, and if you do get diagnosed, they can provide accommodations like extended test time that might help you manage your workload better.
Transferring one semester later is way better than transferring with a damaged GPA or having a health crisis. You're not falling behind. You're making a smart decision to protect your mental and physical health so you can actually succeed long term. Pre-dental is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to be functioning well to get through it.
Drop the class. Lighten your load. Focus on getting the medical help you need. Davis will still be there when you're ready.
Hi!! Thank you for your response, i’m going to copy & paste this here because I have seemed to made a huge error. I’m actually taking 17 and dropping this class will put me at 11 units which is less than full time. I’m worried because i’m currently at a community college that pays for my classes under a promise grant, i’m worried i will lose my eligibility for this as stated in the grant if i am not full time. however i have until November 18 to drop the class. i’m scared because my dad will be super angry with me if i tell him the news and im unsure if i should just fail the class and tank my gpa or give up my grant and save my gpa. i’m feeling rlly stuck and need some guidance, im worried that if i do tank my gpa i will end up on academic probation.
Ameera
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Ameera,
It is good to hear that you have noticed some struggles within your mental health that have been affecting your life as a student. I am sure you have a lot of goals as a student, but know that your mental health comes first. It sounds like your insurance is frustrating to deal with, but figuring out your health is the most important thing. Try looking up doctors near you and see if they take your insurance. It might just be as quick, if not quicker than when your insurance will get back to you. Make sure to read reviews about each doctor and try to find one that works in a well rated hospital.
Something that people try before medication is therapy. ADHD can take a while to navigate, but there are ways to go about your day that can help deal with the stress of life in general. It can help you with time management and ways to stay focused. You should also consider doing some physical exercise. This is known to help with stress and increase focus. Exercise might seem like it hurts, but it gives the brain a mental break. At the end of the day, your mental health comes first and do not be afraid to drop the class if you need to. You might have had different expectation, but things some times just work out a certain way in life and we might not be able to see why now, but it will reveal it self later on.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is good to hear that you have noticed some struggles within your mental health that have been affecting your life as a student. I am sure you have a lot of goals as a student, but know that your mental health comes first. It sounds like your insurance is frustrating to deal with, but figuring out your health is the most important thing. Try looking up doctors near you and see if they take your insurance. It might just be as quick, if not quicker than when your insurance will get back to you. Make sure to read reviews about each doctor and try to find one that works in a well rated hospital.
Something that people try before medication is therapy. ADHD can take a while to navigate, but there are ways to go about your day that can help deal with the stress of life in general. It can help you with time management and ways to stay focused. You should also consider doing some physical exercise. This is known to help with stress and increase focus. Exercise might seem like it hurts, but it gives the brain a mental break. At the end of the day, your mental health comes first and do not be afraid to drop the class if you need to. You might have had different expectation, but things some times just work out a certain way in life and we might not be able to see why now, but it will reveal it self later on.
Best of luck on your journey!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Ameera. You're currently taking 18 units, which is already a heavy load, especially for a biology major aiming for dental school. Add daily migraines, suspected ADHD, and the stress of failing a class, and that's far too much for anyone to handle alone.
Dropping a class is not the end of the world, especially when your health and well-being are at risk. Your health must come first, always. In fact, lightening your load may give you the breathing room you need to care for yourself and focus better on the rest of your courses.
Failing the math class would hurt your GPA and delay your transfer goals more than dropping it now and retaking it later when you're in a better place mentally and physically.
It's also ok to ask for help. Please talk to a counselor about what's going on. They may help you find academic support, mental health resources, and possibly even options like accommodations for ADHD or migraines once diagnosed. You are not alone, and your feelings are valid.
Dropping the class might feel like giving up, but really, it's a strong and smart choice to protect your future and your health. Take this one step at a time, you can still reach your goal of becoming a dentist. Just don't forget to take care of you first.
Dropping a class is not the end of the world, especially when your health and well-being are at risk. Your health must come first, always. In fact, lightening your load may give you the breathing room you need to care for yourself and focus better on the rest of your courses.
Failing the math class would hurt your GPA and delay your transfer goals more than dropping it now and retaking it later when you're in a better place mentally and physically.
It's also ok to ask for help. Please talk to a counselor about what's going on. They may help you find academic support, mental health resources, and possibly even options like accommodations for ADHD or migraines once diagnosed. You are not alone, and your feelings are valid.
Dropping the class might feel like giving up, but really, it's a strong and smart choice to protect your future and your health. Take this one step at a time, you can still reach your goal of becoming a dentist. Just don't forget to take care of you first.
Hi!! Thank you for your response, i’m going to copy & paste this here because I have seemed to made a huge error. I’m actually taking 17 and dropping this class will put me at 11 units which is less than full time. I’m worried because i’m currently at a community college that pays for my classes under a promise grant, i’m worried i will lose my eligibility for this as stated in the grant if i am not full time. however i have until November 18 to drop the class. i’m scared because my dad will be super angry with me if i tell him the news and im unsure if i should just fail the class and tank my gpa or give up my grant and save my gpa. i’m feeling rlly stuck and need some guidance, im worried that if i do tank my gpa i will end up on academic probation.
Ameera
Magan Pinzon
Nursing
23
Answers
Locust, North Carolina
Updated
Magan’s Answer
Hi! Thank you for sharing this — I can totally understand why you’re feeling stuck right now. It’s a tough situation, but you’re thinking through it carefully, which is a good sign.
If dropping the class puts you below full-time and affects your grant, that’s definitely something to consider seriously. But failing the class could also hurt your GPA and possibly lead to academic probation, which might affect future opportunities too.
You still have time until November 18, so maybe reach out to your academic advisor or financial aid office to see if there are any options — like switching to a different class or getting support to stay in the one you’re struggling with.
Also, you don’t have to go through this alone. Talking to someone you trust (even if it’s not your dad right away) could help you feel less overwhelmed.
You’ve got this — just take it one step at a time. 💛
If dropping the class puts you below full-time and affects your grant, that’s definitely something to consider seriously. But failing the class could also hurt your GPA and possibly lead to academic probation, which might affect future opportunities too.
You still have time until November 18, so maybe reach out to your academic advisor or financial aid office to see if there are any options — like switching to a different class or getting support to stay in the one you’re struggling with.
Also, you don’t have to go through this alone. Talking to someone you trust (even if it’s not your dad right away) could help you feel less overwhelmed.
You’ve got this — just take it one step at a time. 💛
Lillian Clarke
Career Coach
10
Answers
Bloomington, Indiana
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Hi Ameera. Thank you for trusting this community with your question and for sharing your story.
I want to first encourage you that in the midst of all this, you are not alone. Ever. If you have nothing but this community, know that I am here, answering this question right now. Outside of this conversation, I want to encourage you that God hears and knows you are struggling. In the midst of everything, with no certainty of the future, we can hold fast to the hope that we are never alone.
When it comes to advice, I recommend making a priority list, starting first with what is essential right now. From what you have stated, your health problems should be at the top of that list. It looks like you already have an appointment with a neurologist soon, which is a great win. When it comes to mental health and your undiagnosed ADHD, I would work to prioritize getting help for those next. Your health is a cornerstone of your life and must come first before we can begin to work on items such as dropping a class, transferring schools, and more.
The next item on your list could be speaking with an academic advisor at your school. You can have a conversation with them about the class you are struggling in and ask more about what transferring schools would look like. This is a practical next step that will help you determine your next move. Speaking from someone who works at a university (Go Hoosiers! 😊), your academic staff members want to help you succeed. You will find great resources and support through these institutions because that is what they are there for.
While all of this is easy for me to type out, I know taking that first step can be daunting. My last piece of advice would be to lean in to your community, whatever that may look like. If that's parents, friends, or even a pet, talking to someone you trust about your situation can make all the difference. And if you want to learn more about God, I encourage you to visit a local church and get plugged in with their community. In my hardest times, those are the people I lean on the most.
Thank you for sharing once again Ameera. I hope this has provided comfort, as well as practical steps to take moving forward. This community and myself are cheering you one!!
I want to first encourage you that in the midst of all this, you are not alone. Ever. If you have nothing but this community, know that I am here, answering this question right now. Outside of this conversation, I want to encourage you that God hears and knows you are struggling. In the midst of everything, with no certainty of the future, we can hold fast to the hope that we are never alone.
When it comes to advice, I recommend making a priority list, starting first with what is essential right now. From what you have stated, your health problems should be at the top of that list. It looks like you already have an appointment with a neurologist soon, which is a great win. When it comes to mental health and your undiagnosed ADHD, I would work to prioritize getting help for those next. Your health is a cornerstone of your life and must come first before we can begin to work on items such as dropping a class, transferring schools, and more.
The next item on your list could be speaking with an academic advisor at your school. You can have a conversation with them about the class you are struggling in and ask more about what transferring schools would look like. This is a practical next step that will help you determine your next move. Speaking from someone who works at a university (Go Hoosiers! 😊), your academic staff members want to help you succeed. You will find great resources and support through these institutions because that is what they are there for.
While all of this is easy for me to type out, I know taking that first step can be daunting. My last piece of advice would be to lean in to your community, whatever that may look like. If that's parents, friends, or even a pet, talking to someone you trust about your situation can make all the difference. And if you want to learn more about God, I encourage you to visit a local church and get plugged in with their community. In my hardest times, those are the people I lean on the most.
Thank you for sharing once again Ameera. I hope this has provided comfort, as well as practical steps to take moving forward. This community and myself are cheering you one!!
Hi!! Thank you for your response, i’m going to copy & paste this here because I have seemed to made a huge error. I’m actually taking 17 and dropping this class will put me at 11 units which is less than full time. I’m worried because i’m currently at a community college that pays for my classes under a promise grant, i’m worried i will lose my eligibility for this as stated in the grant if i am not full time. however i have until November 18 to drop the class. i’m scared because my dad will be super angry with me if i tell him the news and im unsure if i should just fail the class and tank my gpa or give up my grant and save my gpa. i’m feeling rlly stuck and need some guidance, im worried that if i do tank my gpa i will end up on academic probation.
Ameera
Hi! Thanks for that extra context. If you decide to drop the class, is there an easier one you could take instead to stay full-time? You might check with your academic advisor about 8-week options to maintain your grant and status. It could also help to estimate how much your GPA would drop if you stay in the class. If you failed it, would there be time in your program to raise it again? Even if that’s not ideal, it keeps you full-time while you plan for next semester. You could also look at dental schools’ acceptable GPAs to compare outcomes. Remember—you are more than your GPA or student status
Lillian Clarke
Julia Howard
Insurance Claims Management
4
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Dropping a class can feel like a big decision, especially when you're working toward a competitive goal like transferring to UC Davis. But it’s not inherently “bad”—it depends on your overall academic plan, your health, and your ability to manage your current workload.
Here are a few things to consider:
Academic Impact
Unit Requirements, Dropping to 14 units still keeps you above full-time status (typically 12 units), but check if your financial aid or scholarships require a minimum number of units.
Transfer Goals, If the math class is a prerequisite for calculus and part of your transfer plan, you’ll need to retake it. That’s okay—many students retake courses and still transfer successfully.
Transcript, A “W” (withdrawal) on your transcript is usually better than a failing grade, especially if you can explain it in your application or during advising.
You’re dealing with a lot, migraines, possible ADHD, and academic pressure. Dropping a class might give you space to focus on your health and do better in your other courses. It’s not a failure; it’s a strategic adjustment. You’re prioritizing long-term success over short-term overload.
What You Can Do Next
Talk to an academic advisor. They can help you understand how dropping the class affects your transfer timeline and suggest alternatives.
Document your challenges: If you ever need to explain your academic record (e.g., in a personal statement), having a clear timeline of what you were dealing with can help.
Focus on what’s in your control: Keep showing up, ask for help when you need it, and take care of your health.
Remember, it's ok to adjust. It's not a failure. You're not alone in this. Good luck!
Here are a few things to consider:
Academic Impact
Unit Requirements, Dropping to 14 units still keeps you above full-time status (typically 12 units), but check if your financial aid or scholarships require a minimum number of units.
Transfer Goals, If the math class is a prerequisite for calculus and part of your transfer plan, you’ll need to retake it. That’s okay—many students retake courses and still transfer successfully.
Transcript, A “W” (withdrawal) on your transcript is usually better than a failing grade, especially if you can explain it in your application or during advising.
You’re dealing with a lot, migraines, possible ADHD, and academic pressure. Dropping a class might give you space to focus on your health and do better in your other courses. It’s not a failure; it’s a strategic adjustment. You’re prioritizing long-term success over short-term overload.
What You Can Do Next
Talk to an academic advisor. They can help you understand how dropping the class affects your transfer timeline and suggest alternatives.
Document your challenges: If you ever need to explain your academic record (e.g., in a personal statement), having a clear timeline of what you were dealing with can help.
Focus on what’s in your control: Keep showing up, ask for help when you need it, and take care of your health.
Remember, it's ok to adjust. It's not a failure. You're not alone in this. Good luck!
Hi!! Thank you for your response, i’m going to copy & paste this here because I have seemed to made a huge error. I’m actually taking 17 and dropping this class will put me at 11 units which is less than full time. I’m worried because i’m currently at a community college that pays for my classes under a promise grant, i’m worried i will lose my eligibility for this as stated in the grant if i am not full time. however i have until November 18 to drop the class. i’m scared because my dad will be super angry with me if i tell him the news and im unsure if i should just fail the class and tank my gpa or give up my grant and save my gpa. i’m feeling rlly stuck and need some guidance, im worried that if i do tank my gpa i will end up on academic probation.
Ameera
Rachel Rogowin
Learning and Development
1
Answer
Oak Park, Illinois
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I ended up dropping Chemistry in college, I was not doing well and decided I was definitely not pre-med so no motivation to take it anymore. It was past the drop date, so I received a "W" (withdrawl) and worried this letter would tarnish my transcript forever. What I learned is a "W" is MUCH better than a D or an F. You need to push your well-being first. Dropping a class happens, it will be ok!
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