DROPPING A SUBJECT

DROP DATE occurs in the 10th week of the term; see the Academic Calendar for exact dates. If you missed the deadline to drop a subject you will need to petition CAP. See Petition Process for detailed instructions.

CAP's guiding principle is that students should receive appropriate credit for work done, in the term in which the work was done. Late Drop petitions must clearly document when you stopped attending class and submitting work in a subject (was it before Drop Date?). Your instructor should confirm your statement.

Approval of Late Drop petitions is not assured. The Committee reviews petitions about two weeks after Drop Date, so you will not have a decision until close to the end of the term. If you missed Drop Date, were attending class until then, and can realistically earn a passing grade, do not stop attending class and submitting work. As long as you submit a petition on time, the Committee will decide your request before final exams.

Late Drop and Light Load

Students who initially register for fewer than 32 units, or who drop subjects before Drop Date to a level below 32 units, should submit a Tuition Light-load Adjustment Form to the Registrar. After Drop Date, students petitioning CAP for a Late Drop must consult a dean in Student Support Services to document the circumstances before submitting the petition. See more information on CAP's Academic Standards page.

If the petitioning student has already been on Light Load for two or more semesters, a new Petition to Continue on Light Load (see below) must be submitted with the Late Drop. If CAP approves the Late Drop and Continue on Light Load petitions, the S3 dean will arrange tuition adjustment with the Registrar.

Late Drop of an Incomplete

If you are considering a petition to Late Drop a subject with a grade of Incomplete, note that the Committee rarely approves such petitions. You have an obligation to complete your work and receive a grade for each subject, regardless of whether the subject fulfills a requirement or is taken again in a subsequent term. All students are given adequate time to complete their Incompletes. CAP will not drop an Incomplete simply because you neglected it over a long period of time. See Resolution of Incompletes for other options.

Download Late Drop Petition (PDF)

Download Continue on Light Load Petition (PDF)

If you have any questions on Late Drops, please contact CAP .

Comments and questions to cap-help@mit.edu

About CAP || Petition Process || Late Changes to Your Registration || Credit Limits || Completing Your Degree || Your Academic Performance || End of Term Academic Review || Contact CAP