Auditing Classes

When a freshman audits a course then they receive no credit for that course. They must meet the attendance requirements of that course to be credited with an audit. Normally, the audit will show up on a transcript. Sometimes, there is a reduced or a minimal fee for the course. The student may or may not be required to take the tests given during the course.

For the most part, auditing a course requires an investment of time that does not return a college credit hour. Consequently, the time required for the audit will slow down a student’s departure from college. If a freshman is interested in a course that cannot be used as an elective toward their major, then auditing the course is the best option. Auditing will offer exposure to new material with minimal investment of time relative to normal coursework.

It is not recommended, by this author that college freshman start college by auditing courses to help determine a major, and discover new knowledge. Other mechanisms will be more useful in determining career tracks that require less time involvement. Phone calls, e-mail, and interviews will offer more insight into a trade or profession and will not required scheduled class time.