Let's think: going to university is not everyone's dream. Maybe you have to care for a sick family member, can't pay expensive tuition, or have other plans. There are several things to consider in deciding to stop continuing your education for a while. If you want to drop out of college, make sure you manage the process the right way. Also, look for a realistic backup plan. But the most important thing is to make sure you do what's best for yourself. You can make the right choice and improve your chances of future success with just a few considerations.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Handling Bureaucratic Affairs
Step 1. Talk to your academic supervisor or PA lecturer
Your PA or other lecturers you can trust can help you clarify your reasons for wanting to quit and provide advice on what to do next. Even if you don't want to listen to his advice anymore, at least show some good manners by letting him know that you won't be attending class anymore.
- Meet the lecturer in person and explain your condition. Don't tell them in writing via email as they will wonder what happened to you next.
- You may feel that the class you are taking is too difficult, but this is not a strong enough reason to drop out. Stop only if you realize that you want to pursue your passion and formal education is not for you.
Step 2. Discuss possible consequences with the counselor
Meet with the PA professor from campus to discuss what will happen when you drop out of college. Keep in mind that if you quit, you will also have to forfeit any scholarship benefits, grants, or other financial aid you have earned. In addition, this decision can also strain relations within the family if they do not agree with your decision.
- Some universities do not allow students who have already quit to re-enroll. So, your opportunities to change your mind in the future are more limited.
- Paying tuition loan installments after you stop studying can also be overwhelming and without any benefits.
Step 3. Complete the semester
If the semester has already started and you are late in submitting an application form to quit a course, just continue studying this course. That way, you don't have to worry that your decision will drop your GPA. When the semester has started, you can take care of some administrative matters that must be completed, then take time off or stop studying.
- You will get full marks if you complete the semester to the end, and will not get ambiguous marks such as “incomplete” or “BL”.
- The more courses you take, the more experience you can show employers.
Step 4. Enter a resignation request
As part of the resignation process, you will need to fill out several forms and fill in the reasons for your resignation. In addition, you may also have to meet with a PA lecturer for consultation on this. Usually, this meeting will discuss campus policies and discuss the options available to you. Once all documents are received, your student status will be officially revoked.
Ask about delays in paying tuition fees or other options that might make your financial burden easier while thinking about future plans
Step 5. Take advantage of the university's money back policy
Depending on when you quit college, you may be able to get your tuition back in full or in part. Usually, students who withdraw from lectures or classes before the first day of lectures are entitled to get 100% of their tuition fees back. However, you will still have to repay the tuition or scholarship loans as well. Fortunately, if you can get your tuition money back, you can feel a little lighter when it comes to paying all those loans back.
- The amount that can be refunded is usually reduced if you wait until the course starts.
- Check with the campus finance department to see if you need a formal application for a refund.
Part 2 of 3: Planning Your Next Steps
Step 1. Be prepared to pay university fee loans
You should start paying for it about six months after the date you drop out of college. To make sure you can pay for it, find a job with a steady paycheck or prepare another financial plan, such as savings. At this point, your main focus is to do whatever it takes to avoid getting stuck in a debt cycle.
- Think of a financial plan to determine how much money you can set aside to pay the monthly installments.
- You may not be accepted at another university if you fail to pay your student loan installments.
Step 2. Find a place to live
You will no longer be able to live in a dormitory once you leave college. So you have to look for an alternative place to stay. Look for apartments or small houses near campus. Once you find it, you can start focusing on finding a job and starting a new phase of life.
- Stay back with your family until you can support yourself if you don't have enough money.
- Finding a roommate can also help with financial difficulties because you're halving the room rental price.
Step 3. Analyze your prospects
Make a list of options available after dropping out of college for a while. Maybe you're curious about pursuing a career in the military, or you're working on an internship that promises a permanent career beyond. No matter what your interests are, find an end goal that can deliver and help you achieve your dreams and make better use of your time and energy.
- Find out if (and how) it is possible to land your dream job without a formal diploma. This can be done by doing research on job requirements or looking for it from job vacancies sites.
- Be realistic about other opportunities. Do not assume that you can manage everything well without a concrete plan as this will complicate your position.
Part 3 of 3: Exploring Alternative Options Other Than University
Step 1. Take time off
Instead of giving up and quitting college altogether, you better take a semester off. Inform your PA and lecturers that you plan to take time off from class. They will be able to help you with the steps needed to re-enroll in the future. In addition, they are also able to explain what will happen to the value and money of educational assistance if you take this option.
- If you score well when you take time off, you may be allowed to re-enter the same program with the same academic record.
- The option of taking a leave from college doesn't look as scary as dropping out of college because it's temporary.
Step 2. Find a job
If you're not ready to go back to school, you'll need a job so you can stay on your own. A part-time job can also provide financial security and provide enough time to save while preparing for other things. You just have to be willing to start at the bottom and work harder to get promoted due to lower qualifications.
- There are some jobs that are quite lucrative for job seekers without a diploma, such as sales agent, retail management, customer service, office administration, and concierge.
- Quitting school can actually be a plus for some people. According to them, this makes them focus on work and dedicate time to things they are interested in.
Step 3. Enroll in an internship program
The right opportunities can help you gain real-world work experience and put your name on the contact lists of major employers. This will make you more attractive in the eyes of employers. Most employers don't require their interns to have a university degree so your chances will be the same as many others. If you're lucky, you may be offered a position as a full-time employee when your internship is almost over.
- Look for internships that are directly related to your interests and areas of expertise. If you want to take part in the work of an NGO, for example, volunteer for an organization that helps poor people access social facilities.
- Don't be too quick to turn down an unpaid internship. Usually these programs will provide the opportunity to work on a regular basis.
- Be sure to mention the length of time you studied at the university when writing your educational history.
Step 4. Take part in an apprenticeship program
Find someone who is working on something that interests you and ask if they would accept and mentor interns. There are many vocational high schools or vocational schools that offer programs like this for jobs such as carpentry, plumbers, and mechanics. Learning directly from experts is the best way to gain practical knowledge that can help you enter the industry you are interested in.
- Internship programs are usually less expensive, short, and specialized than pursuing a degree from a regular university.
- Look for any companies or organizations that provide programs like this around your home via the internet.
Tips
- If you feel dissatisfied, maybe you just feel tired or it's time to choose a new course of study.
- Instead of dropping out of college, consider transferring to another school or completing your studies online at your own pace.
- Try to rethink whether you really want to drop out of college now or later to give yourself time to think and plan your next steps. In addition, it also helps you to avoid additional debt.
- Sit down and talk to your parents or partner about how you feel before making any drastic decisions. This activity is very important especially if they are paying your tuition.
- Prepare plans for the next two, five, or even ten years. At the end of this plan, reassess whether higher education is essential to career success in your field.
- If you choose not to continue your education from scratch, try twice as hard and come back with a burning passion.
