Why audit a class

In all arranged parameters, the inquiring auditor should be respectful of the professor, and when able, always yield the advantage of an undecided factor to the professor for the final say. Presenting stress, disrespect, or another difficulty to the professor at this point can jeopardize the entire process. Provided that the professor and the auditing student have now agreed to the terms of the audit visit or visits, the next and final step of the process before the actual audit usually entails the auditing student following up with any administrative tasks they must now complete.

In many cases, this involves the completion of some basic paperwork. This is standard on many campuses for security and other reasons. The exact aligns of that paperwork and other administrative tasks can differ greatly from one professor or school to the next, though a final check-in verifying attendance shortly before the class is a usual and recommended courtesy in all cases.

In some cases, however, arranging an online audit can take longer due to the need for the creation of temporary digital student accounts, security allowances, and all other, related, digital actionables. In many instances, one advantage to the online audit over the in-person audit is the limited amount of distraction a visitor might provide versus being in-person. This, in turn, may loosen any professor hesitancy otherwise. When it comes to auditing college courses, as mentioned above, always remember to be respectful and courteous.

It is the prospective auditor who is, after all, requesting something of the school and a professor therein, and not the other way around. One should not expect to simply make the initial request and be in class the next day or even in the next few days.

Setting up an audit takes at least a few weeks, if not longer, in most cases. The prospective auditor should also come to class highly prepared, as this may be their only shot at an audit in this particular setting. This means learning as much about the course and its associated learning materials as possible beforehand. Having a list of questions at the ready at this point is a good idea also. Finally, there are a number of great resources with which potential student auditors might become even better prepared for the entire process.

The following represent a few of the best options for student auditors to keep abreast of. Perhaps the absolute most authoritative resource on all things involving education in the US is the US Department of Education. The Association For Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education is another great resource to inquire with regarding auditing and other educational discovery efforts.

Anything involving individuals seeking to better their academic futures is a subject area embraced by this organization. Some audit classes and learn the same things as other students without worrying about their grades.

A few reasons students might prefer auditing a class includes taking a break, learning outside of their majors, and getting help choosing a major. The cost of auditing classes depends on how the college you choose operates its program. Some schools let students audit classes for free, but others charge fees for taking up space in the classroom and for the professor to process your work.

Other colleges charge a higher amount that is half or more of what the full class would cost. As you do not get any course credit or even a grade for the classes that you audit, you might wonder why you should audit any class. Auditing a class lets you see if you can handle the advanced work required in that class and learn more about the professor before you take the full class. USA Today College points out that these classes are also helpful for those who want to change majors and those who want to gain knowledge they can use in other courses.

Auditing an introductory course before changing your major can help you see if you have a real interest in that subject. Many colleges have programs that allow students to audit courses for free or for a small amount of money. What Does it Mean to Audit a Class? Most universities require students to receive approval from instructors for auditing courses, so reaching out to the instructor should be your first step.

This way the professor can understand your motivation for wanting to audit the class rather than officially enrolling in it. While most schools require permission from the instructor, others, like the University of Oregon , require students to get departmental authorization before auditing a course. As mentioned, auditing policies differ depending on the school, so be sure to check with your institution to find out who is eligible for auditing courses and how you can apply to audit a class.

You may also find that you'll be expected to complete all assignments or actively participate in each class. Typically, not all classes are available to audit, and certain schools may offer specific audit programs. Columbia University , for example, has an auditing program and a special process for nonstudents, including a separate registration section with a list of available courses. Some schools may also allow students to attend a few classes before they commit to auditing a course.

Montana State University requires students to declare an intent to audit by the 10th day of the semester, whereas the University of Nebraska-Lincoln allows students to declare intent after the sixth day of classes. Many universities provide a two-week grace period to students to turn a for-credit course into an audited course, or vice versa. Most four-year institutions, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison , do not permit students to audit online courses, often citing the difficulties of gauging an auditor's online engagement.

That said, a number of massive open online course MOOC providers — many of which have partnered with prestigious colleges and universities — let you audit online courses for free. As an auditor, you get access to all course materials and readings but will receive no grades or certificates of completion upon finishing the course. Similarly, Coursera — an MOOC provider that partners with more than universities — lets students audit certain classes for free.

As with edX, Coursera auditors can access most course materials at no cost but will be ineligible for certificates and grades. Auditing a class is a convenient way to explore a new subject or field, help you pick a major, or even revisit an interest after graduation or during retirement.

Auditing also allows students with different learning styles to develop new skills and pursue interests they're passionate about. If you decide to audit a course, remember to research the school's policies to ensure you understand the expectations of both the department and the instructor.

View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home.