Add/Drop: Frequently Asked Questions

The add/drop deadline is your "last call" for making changes to your class schedule without academic penalty. Consider the information below before making any changes to your schedule. Remember, your assigned academic advisor is available to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about dropping or adding a class.

Important Dates

Fall 2025 classes begin Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The Add/Drop Deadline for full-term courses is Monday, August 25, 2025.

Understanding the Add/Drop Deadline

The Add/Drop Deadline is August 25th, 2025.

Dropping Classes Before August 25th:

Prior to this deadline you can freely add or drop courses from your schedule with no academic penalty. You will receive a 100% tuition refund for dropped courses and no grade will be assigned on your academic transcript.

Dropping Classes After August 25th:

Courses dropped after this deadline will impact your academic transcript and tuition liability. Please see the Registrar’s webpage on Withdrawal for more detailed information.

First day "W" grade is assigned: August 26th, 2025
Last day "W" grade is assigned: November 5, 2025
First day "WF" grade assigned: November 6, 2025
Tuition refund deadlines are listed on the Parts of Term Index page.

Commonly Asked Questions & Troubleshooting Tips

Before dropping a course, consider watching our Before You Drop a Course video, so you understand any consequences that may result from dropping that course.

If you're ready to move forward with dropping your course, the Drop a Coursevideo will take you step-by-step through the process. Steps are also detailed below.

1. Log in to Self Service Carolina:
2. Select Registration
3. Select Register for Classes
4. Select the appropriate term for class you want to drop
5. Select Drop/Withdrawal from the “Action” drop down menu on the bottom right of the screen

If you are unable to drop/add a class due to technical issues (login errors, multi-factor authentication,etc), please visit the Division of Information Technology’s website or call 803-777-1800.
If you are unable to drop/add a class due to a hold, please view this list of common holds and restrictions that prevent the ability to drop/add courses.This page includes information on steps to take to resolve your hold.

It can. If you have any scholarships or financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid before dropping/withdrawing from a course by visiting their website or calling 803-777-8134.

Depending on the class, it can. Please contact your primary academic advisor before dropping a class to discuss possible implications on progression in your major.

Certain lecture courses and their labs are co-requisites and can only be added/dropped together. If you want to register for the lecture only or lab only and receive an error message, please contact the department of that course.

If you are not returning to USC in the following semester, please complete this brief survey sharing your reason(s) for not returning. We appreciate your feedback.

Academic Advising