To Skip or Not to Skip…

There are some days that you just wake up at 8:45, have a 9:05 class, and just don’t feel like going to class. We all have those days. I have those days every day. The question is, how do you know which classes to skip and which to suck it up and attend? Follow Noah’s simple point system for skipping class and you’ll be a regular Ferris Bueller (and still get good grades) in no time. Start at 0 points:

If a class takes attendance/has a participation aspect of the grade, subtract 3 points. It’s easy to skip class, but to skip class AND not have it negatively affect your grade takes skill.
If a teacher puts his/her lecture notes online, add 5 points. This has been a rule I’ve been following in excess this year. Lots of teachers don’t really add anything substantial in their lectures, so you can learn just as much reading the notes online.
Make sure nothing’s due that day. If there is, subtract 10 points. It’s really not worth actually having to go talk to your teacher and beg for them to accept your homework/paper/whatever (if you REALLY don’t feel like sitting in class, go to class just in time for the last 5 minutes and turn in your assignment).
If you know someone else in the class, add 5 points. Having someone through whom you can live vicariously and get the notes/assignments/announcements is just as good as going to class.
Look at a campus map. Add one point for each grid square between you and your class.

How’d you do? In the negative numbers? Don’t risk it. Right around 0? Flip a coin, let fate decide. Positive numbers? Go for it, champ! The world is your oyster, go shuck it. Or just hit snooze and go back to sleep.

A final caveat: Your mileage may vary. Every professor is different, so get to know the class before playing with fate. Onward State is not liable for any bad grades.

Matt H

Isn’t it something like losing the equivalent to $100 per class skipped? So, basically the days that I feel like throwing that kind of money in the shitter are the days I can skip. Buuuuut, I’m assuming you are having mommy and daddy pay for your education…
Sandy

I think the idea of “mommy and daddy” paying for a student’s education are so outdated. Sure, it may be the case in some situations, but not many. That is why most students are in debt up to their eyeballs when they graduate. If a student skips class, he’s throwing his own money away, most likely.
fratboy

noah, you inspired me to skip class.
thanks.
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OldTimer

Way back in the 1990s when i graduated, I also skipped a lot of class; at the time I thought “the heck with it” b/c i still ended up getting A’s and B’s. But when those A’s and B’s are reduced to B’s and C’s due to class participation/attendance hits, is it worth it.

I think you as a student need to find balance. Remember not to let your schooling interfere with your education. What do you gain by sleeping in for no reason? Nothing. What do you gain by sleeping in b/c the night before was a once in a life experience? Everything.

When it all boils down to it, yes, you are paying for the face to face instruction, otherwise you would go to an online college. However don’t get so caught up in it. I agree with the “formula” above, w/r/t it’s intent. Going to class just to go to class sometimes is not worth it – what’s the opportunity cost?

Have fun in college, be a good student, and don’t let life pass you by. You’ll have plenty of time for that in your 30s.