What's it like to audit a class in college?

I've been hearing about auditing classes in college, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. Can someone give me the rundown on what the process is like and how it differs from taking a class for credit? Thanks a ton!

Auditing a class in college means attending the lectures and, in some cases, participating in discussions without receiving academic credit for the course. Essentially, it allows you to learn from the course without the pressure of grades and assignments. Many students choose to audit classes to broaden their knowledge in a particular subject or simply for the enjoyment of learning.

The process to audit a class varies from school to school, but typically involves consulting with the professor and obtaining their permission. It's best to reach out to them before the start of the semester or in the first week, to ensure there's enough space for you in the class and to clarify expectations for auditors. In some cases, you may also need to register the course as an audit in your school's enrollment system or complete a form to have it noted on your academic record.

When auditing a class, you are expected to attend lectures and discussions, just like in a regular course. However, because you're not seeking academic credit, you won't be required to participate in graded assignments such as tests, quizzes, or projects.

As an auditor, your level of participation in group discussions or other class activities is typically decided by the professor. Some may encourage active involvement, while others may request that auditors primarily observe and save questions for after class. Since you won't receive a grade or credit for the course, auditing a class won't impact your GPA.

There are a few notable differences between taking a class for credit and auditing a class. For starters, auditing doesn't influence your academic record besides the possible notation of audited courses. Financial aid typically doesn't cover audited courses, so you might need to pay out-of-pocket for the privilege to audit, although some schools do offer reduced rates for auditing students.

Additionally, auditors generally hold a lower priority for enrollment, so you might be waitlisted or denied entry if the class you want to audit is popular or has limited seats.

In summary, auditing classes is an excellent opportunity to explore different subjects and learn without the stress of grades or assignments. Ensure you obtain approval from the professor and follow any school-specific procedures for auditing, and enjoy the experience of expanding your knowledge as an auditor!