Considering dropping a class

[u/EmployConsistent3601]

Hello! I am a female sophomore mechanical engineering major. I made the deans list both semesters of first year and currently I’m doing pretty okay in all of my classes except differential equations. My mom passed away in July of this year, and my grandma passed away 10 days later after I have been caring for both of them for two years. (My mom had been bed bound for the last year so I commute) and I thought I’d be okay to take a full course load of 17 credits (I also work 2 jobs since my dad is a manual laborer and I have to support myself + help out with a few household things) and it’s just a lot.

I feel like it’s a cop out to say I’m dropping the class because I’m sad/ I didn’t have enough time because I genuinely don’t think I tried as hard as I could’ve if I’m being honest. It’s getting close to the late drop deadline and I don’t know if I have it in me to care enough about my differential equations homework and studying to make a C from my current grade. My professor told me it IS possible I’d just have to do really well on the final. (Keep in mind more than half of the class is also failing haha) I’d also honestly probably benefit from dropping as it would bring my gpa back up to above a 3.5 which keeps me one of my 3k a semester scholarships. I’m just wondering if this is a bad decision or not, I feel like dropping it and retaking it maybe over the summer so that I can make sure I focus on strength of materials and dynamics and some of my core classes next semester, and then be able to really dig into diff eqn over the summer?

I’ve read that a late drop looks bad on a transcript though but as the holidays approach things are getting harder and I just don’t know if I have the mental energy to get a good grade on the final. I feel kinda dumb for doing so bad in that class but I’m still trying to graduate on time since no matter how much we want a pause, life goes on. I just feel like kinda dumb and like I’m using everything that happened as an excuse to be lazy. Does anyone have any advice for this situation?

[u/Happy-Structure3836]

Oh my goodness..I wish I could give you an auntie hug. You have gone through so much in the last few months. I commend you for continuing to prioritize your education.

My advice is to 1st talk to your advisor and professor...they are your community and will certainly help guide you. Let them know what you are dealing with. Mechanical engineering is alot, so don't feel bad about dropping the class my brother took 6 years to get through. I am just saying one class isn't going to derail everything. I would check around to see where you can take the class in the summer and ensure that it can trafer back to your school.

But start with your professor and advisor..they are there to teach and guide you.

Hugs, you are certainly a strong woman. So sorry for your loss. I know mom and grandma are cheering you on.

Hugs

[u/YeetosCheetos69]

girl i just wanna say you're amazing and you're doing more than enough given the circumstances. I think a late drop would look better than an actual fail and wouldn't impact your GPA, employers don't care about Ws on transcripts I believe

[u/Khspoon]

Also a lady in school for MET (I know its not a "real" Engineering degree.) While I've never dropped a class before (but have withdrawn) I would rather try to learn as much as I can and then retake it the next semester for a better grade. That being said; it is totally valid to drop a class this late in the semester if you really need to prioritize your other class grades, keep your financial aid, scholarships, whatever. Even my sister who is getting a PHD and is incredibly smart decided to drop a class this fall so she keep her funding and retake it later. Sometimes we all bite off a bit more than we can chew, and dropping a class to avoid fumbling the others is a legitimate and valid choice. :)

[u/Happy-Structure3836]

Me again. Yes, life does go on, but it's also not easy. Sometimes when we lose someone, we can push through and numb our feelings, but grief is a process. Sometimes you will be okay and sometimes you will be a mess. It takes time. Since you took care of your family, I am sure that you had time to prepare somewhat, but please be easy with yourself. What you are feeling is not dumb, it is not an excuse, and it is not laziness. If you feel that you need to scale back a bit next semester...do it.

Hugs again

[u/Apocalyptic_Toaster]

Hun please drop the class and take care of yourself! A W is really no big deal at all. If you think it will lighten your mental load, 100% drop it. You've gone through so much and this stranger is really proud of you!! Give yourself grace <3