What are audit courses and what do they mean for college credit?

I've been hearing a lot about 'auditing courses' lately, and I'm curious about what exactly that means. Can someone explain the concept to me? Specifically, I'm wondering if taking an audit course affects my college credit or GPA. I'm also interested in knowing if this is something I should consider in order to explore interests without the pressure of grades. How do colleges view audit courses on a transcript?

Certainly, it's good to be informed about different options like auditing a course when it comes to your education. Familiarizing yourself with such terms will allow you to navigate your academic journey more efficiently and explore various learning opportunities.

Auditing a course simply means attending a class without receiving credit for the class. An audited class will typically appear on your transcript as "AU" or "Audit", but it won't affect your GPA because you're not being graded for it.

The primary reason students audit courses is to learn about a specific topic that interests them without the accompanying stresses of tests, final exams, and grades. It provides you an opportunity to explore other academic areas outside your major, gain more knowledge or even enhance your skills in your chosen field.

However, do note that auditing a course doesn't always mean a light workload. Some professors may require auditors to fully participate in the class, including turning in assignments and projects, contributing to class discussions, and so on.

In terms of college credit or GPA – it's important to understand that auditing courses doesn't contribute to the credits needed for graduation, nor does it impact your GPA. There are no grades involved.

How colleges view audit courses on a transcript can depend. Some institutions might not regard them significantly in the admissions process given that they don't contribute to GPA or credit hours accomplished. However, audited courses can demonstrate a certain level of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge oneself, which could be viewed as a positive trait. But, it's not a substitute for strong grades in coursework officially taken for credit.

Lastly, remember to check with your college or university's specific audit policies, as these can vary from institution to institution. The number of classes you can audit, the process to enroll as an auditor, and other rules might differ.