Meet with your professors in person to explain your circumstances instead of sending them a cursory email or leaving them to guess what happened to you. [2] X Research source Feeling like your classes are too hard is not a strong enough reason to justify dropping out—realizing that you don’t need a formal education to do what you love is.
Some schools don’t allow students who have dropped out to re-enroll, which could limit your opportunities should you make up your mind to go back later on. Repaying student loans after dropping out will leave you stuck with the financial burden of going to college and none of the advantages.
Completing a semester will leave you with a documented final grade and not a more ambiguous “W” or “I. ” The more classes you have under your belt, the more experience you’ll be able to show employers.
Inquire about deferred payment plans and other options that might make the financial burden easier to bear while you figure out your next move.
The amount you stand to be refunded will usually decrease the later into the term you wait. [6] X Research source Check with the bursar’s office to see whether you need to make a formal request in order to receive a refund.
Draw up a financial plan to determine how much you can afford to set aside to make your monthly payments. Defaulting on your loans can severely harm your credit, along with your chances of ever being accepted to another school.
If money is tight, consider moving back in with your family until you make enough to get back on your feet. [9] X Research source Moving in with a roommate can ease the financial burden of renting a place by yourself.
Find out whether (and how) it would be possible for you to land your dream job without a degree by researching the typical requirements on a job search board or career advice website. Be realistic about your other opportunities. Assuming that you’ll find a way to make things work without a concrete plan could just end up putting you in a more difficult position.
If you’re leaving school in good academic standing, it may be possible for you to be reinstated in the same program later on with your record intact. When you look at dropping out as a temporary measure, it can make the whole ordeal a lot less scary.
Sales, retail management, customer service, office administration and waiting tables can all be lucrative jobs for those who don’t hold graduate degrees. [13] X Research source For some people, leaving school can actually be a plus, since it allows them to focus their time and attention on a job they’re passionate about.
Research internships that are directly related to your field of interest or area of expertise. If you want to get involved in nonprofit work, for instance, you could try volunteering with an organization that helps the indigent gain access to critical social resources. Don’t be too quick to rule out unpaid internships. They have the potential to lead to steady, gainful employment. [15] X Research source Be sure to mention your time in college when you’re filling out your educational history.
Apprenticeship programs tend to be cheaper, shorter and more specialized than working towards a degree at a traditional university or community college. [17] X Research source Run a search online to find out which companies and organizations offer apprenticeship opportunities in your area.
