Does Dropping a Class Affect Your GPA at CUNY?
Generally, dropping a class at CUNY does not directly affect your Grade Point Average (GPA) if completed by the official withdrawal deadline, though specific circumstances and timing are crucial. The impact depends on when you drop the course and the type of withdrawal recorded on your transcript.
Understanding Different Withdrawal Codes and Their GPA Impact
CUNY uses various codes to denote a student's status in a course, especially when a course is not completed. The effect on your GPA hinges entirely on which code is assigned.
Here's a breakdown of common scenarios and their GPA implications:
| Withdrawal Type | GPA Impact | Transcript Note | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop (Before Add/Drop Deadline) | None | No Record | If you drop a class before the official add/drop deadline (usually the first week of classes), it's as if you never enrolled in the course. It will not appear on your transcript and has no GPA impact. |
| Withdrawal (W) | None | "W" | If you withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline but before the official withdrawal deadline, a "W" grade will appear on your transcript. A "W" indicates that you withdrew from the course and does not affect your GPA. |
| Administrative Withdrawal (WA) | None | "WA" | An "Administrative Withdrawal" (WA) is often assigned when a student stops attending a course without officially withdrawing, or for other administrative reasons. Similar to a "W," a "WA" grade does not affect the grade point average but will appear on your transcript. |
| Withdrawal with Penalty (WF/WU) | Yes (Like F) | "WF" or "WU" | Some withdrawals, particularly those occurring very late in the semester without extenuating circumstances or due to excessive absences, may result in a "WF" (Withdrawal Failing) or "WU" (Unofficial Withdrawal). These grades count as an "F" in your GPA calculation and will significantly impact your academic standing. |
Key Considerations When Dropping a Class at CUNY
While dropping a class might not directly impact your GPA in many cases, it's essential to understand other potential implications:
Academic Transcript
A "W" or "WA" on your transcript indicates that you were enrolled in the course but did not complete it. While it doesn't affect your GPA, a pattern of excessive withdrawals can be viewed negatively by graduate schools or scholarship committees.
Financial Aid Implications
Dropping a class can significantly impact your financial aid eligibility. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, which include maintaining a minimum GPA, completing a certain percentage of attempted credits, and finishing their degree within a maximum timeframe. Dropping courses can lower your completion rate, potentially jeopardizing future financial aid. Always consult your college's financial aid office before dropping a class.
Academic Standing
While "W" and "WA" grades don't affect your GPA, they do count towards attempted credits. A high number of attempted credits with a low number of completed credits can affect your progress towards graduation and potentially your academic standing, even if your GPA remains high.
Academic Calendar Deadlines
CUNY colleges strictly adhere to academic calendar deadlines for dropping and withdrawing from courses. Missing these deadlines can result in an "F" or "WF/WU" grade, which will negatively affect your GPA. Always check your specific college's academic calendar for exact dates.
Consulting Your Advisor
Before making any decision to drop a class, it is highly recommended to speak with an academic advisor. They can provide personalized guidance on the potential academic and financial implications, help you understand your college's specific policies, and explore all available options.
For further information on academic policies and important deadlines, always refer to the official CUNY academic calendar and your specific college's academic policy pages, such as the CUNY Academic Calendar.
